Dr. David Jeremiah Presents
Living inthe Ageof Signs
Online Destination
Living in the Age of Signs
Online Destination
Sign 2
Scepter, Lamp, Mirror, and Breeze
Today’s Audio Devotion:
Scepter, Lamp, Mirror, and Breeze
John Blanchard read this intriguing quote from Reformer John Calvin: “The Bible is the scepter by which the heavenly King rules His people.” Blanchard agreed, but he added: “This does not mean that we are to look upon it as a rod of iron. Nor, on the other hand, is it to be treated trivially as some kind of religious toy, to be used for our spiritual entertainment. Instead, it is meant to be a constant means of enlightenment, enrichment, and encouragement, its dynamic influence bringing a deepening joy into our daily lives.”
How odd that the practice of Bible reading sometimes feels dull or dutiful. Let’s shake ourselves free from the legalism of monotonous Bible reading and learn the life-giving fascination of abiding in its words. Make up your mind to read the Bible with fresh prayers for insight and with fresh perspective. Make it a joyful experience. Try some new methods. Use your pencil or pen. Ask God to make His Word to you as a golden scepter, a living book, a blazing fire, a heavenly breeze, a revealing mirror, a nourishing meal, and a shining lamp.
[The Bible is] the book I live with, the book I live by, the book I want to die by.
N. T. Wright
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Some 2,600 years ago, God gave King Nebuchadnezzar a dream. In this dream, the king saw a five–part statue made of five different metals (see Daniel 2). Each section represented an empire, beginning with Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon. Four of these empires have already risen and fallen in history—a clear fulfillment of Daniel's prophetic interpretation. The fifth and final empire indicates a future Europe—a ten nation coalition that will unite under the Antichrist's rule.
You can read about the King's dream and Daniel's interpretation in Daniel 2, but let's take a quick visual look at what you will find:
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King Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon
Daniel's words to the king are clear. "You are this head of gold" (Daniel 2:37–38).
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Medo–Persian Empire
The Medo–Persian Empire conquered Babylon in 539 BC and remained in power for approximately two hundred years (Daniel 5:28).
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Grecian Empire
Greece's Empire succeeded the Medo–Persians (Daniel 8:21).
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Roman Empire
When the Grecian empire was conquered by Rome, all the lands and peoples of the previous kingdoms were assimilated into the Roman Empire through the strengths of the "iron legions of Rome" (Daniel 2:40).
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Future European Coalition
This empire has not yet risen. Daniel foretells a time when the Roman Empire—Europe—will consist of ten kingdoms or leaders. The future Roman Empire will be present on the earth when God sets up His earthly kingdom (Daniel 2:44).