Dr. David Jeremiah Presents
Living inthe Ageof Signs
Online Destination
Living in the Age of Signs
Online Destination
Sign 2
Lifting the Curse
Today’s Audio Devotion:
Lifting the Curse
Coaxing food from the soil is a laborious task. Weather, pests, and crop diseases are challenges. The words of Genesis 3:19 become all too real: “In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the ground.”
The sin of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden resulted in the earth being cursed. Everything that troubles our world today—discord, disease, disaster—is evidence of the earth laboring under a curse. The apostle Paul wrote that “the creation was subjected to futility” (Romans 8:20). But there is good news! “The creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God” (verse 21). Though we sometimes “groan within ourselves” (verse 23), we wait “in eager expectation” (verse 19, NIV) for the redemption of all creation.
Whatever toil or trouble you are experiencing today, know that it is only temporary. It will be replaced by the glory of a new heaven and new earth.
[In heaven] we shall not rest from our work but from our labors. There will be no toil, no pain in our work.
Robert Murray M’Cheyne
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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).