1 TIMOTHY 3:16-17

"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us...God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work."

Sunday, December 18, 2011

DANIEL - End of Story

Jesus, the Savior is born.

Though the world did not know it, a new world order had begun. A brand new King had come to usher in God's Kingdom.

Nothing would ever be the same again.

In many ways, this was the beginning of life.

Yes, God created the heavens and the earth, and everything in it. That was the beginning beginning. The very first spark of life. The generation of all that is.

But the word *beginning* goes beyond that.

I love these words – commencement, opening, launch, foundation, establishment, inauguration.

Baby Jesus – the Beginning of Life.

But how does the story end?

Today's "Bible Pick 'Ems" is found in Daniel, and it prophesies the ending:

"I watched as thrones were put in place and the Ancient One sat down to judge.
His clothing was as white as snow, his hair like purest wool.
He sat on a fiery throne with wheels of blazing fire, and a river of fire was pouring out, flowing from his presence.
Millions of angels ministered to him; many millions stood to attend him.
Then the court began its session, and the books were opened." (Daniel 7:9-10)

The first thing that occurred to me as I read this passage was the vision of all the angels. Those are the very same angels who watched with bated breath as Jesus, the eternal Son of God, was born into humanity.

Can you even imagine the hush that fell over the heavens at that moment?

Especially Gabriel.

The one who had been given the privilege of telling Mary about the secret plan of God.

I'm sure he hovered close by during the entire pregnancy, during the long trip to Bethlehem, during Mary's labor, and during the actual birth. Did he breathe a sigh of relief when Jesus was delivered safely?

And then, did his eyes grow as big as saucers as he looked at the miracle of God Incarnate – a baby with his Master’s eyes?

Glorious.

And yet, it was the moment that the angels were given their marching orders. War had begun on a level never before seen. The enemy was very, very angry. Spiritual conflict took on new meaning. I can see Gabriel turn to the angelic host and cry out, "Brethren, to arms!"

We who believe in the Savior – including the ones that came before us, and the ones who will follow us – have joined them in the fight.

We fight until the day when Daniel's vision comes true.

And it will come true – God has promised.

There is a court date on the calendar for every person, every nation, every authority in heaven and on earth. At the end of all time, there will be judgment.

"Then the court began its session…"

Can you imagine the hush that will fall over the heavens at this moment?

"…and the books were opened."

I'll bet not even a pin dropping would make a noise.

The end of the beginning, and the beginning of the end commences.

Daniel continues, "I saw someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence. He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him. His rule is eternal – it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed." (Daniel 7:13-14)

(I just have to interject a holy WOO HOO here! OK, I feel better now…)

Today's "Bible Pick 'Ems" is like the period at the end of a sentence. A sentence that began this way, "She gave birth to her first child, a son" (Luke 2:7) – and ends with these words, "And the books were opened, including the Book of Life…Nothing evil will be allowed to enter…but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life." (Revelation 20:12; 21:27)

Yes, the beginning of the story began with a hush – and yet, in a nondescript manger war was declared.

But, one day the story will end – and the Son of God will reign.

I can only imagine the thunderous sound of saved souls and the heavenly host joined together in praise, worship, celebration, triumph…

"GLORIA IN EXCELSIS DEO."

Amen.


What does the birth of Jesus mean to you – both now and in the future?


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

2 comments:

  1. Blessings Sharon, Jesus birth is my beginning and my end,and everything in between... HE is MY EVERYTHING! His birth to earth and even more importantly His birth in me, brings me eternity.

    So here I am... on my private blog again, alone with you and Daniel, another great prophet of God!

    Glory to God in the Highest! Your words so beautifully describe this awesome moment! "There's a hush tonight... all over the world tonight..." in the quiet yet ever so powerful presence of our King into His Kingdom from His throne to a manger... you have left me speechless imagining all of this as you more than adequately summoned the angels! Woo hoo is right! and the most precious part... the Glory of Christmas
    "miracle of God Incarnate – a baby with his Master’s eyes"

    Awesome... Glory... touched by an angel in the stillness of this moment by the glory foretold, and yet to be... Son of God, Son of Man, Jesus... Our Emmanuel!

    Glory!

    Thank you Sharon...

    Blessed by you and your Bible Pick'ems,
    Peggy
    (little did I know when God pressed me upon your heart that today I would be so miserable with cold/allergies or whatever it may be... so because my eyes are so irritated and my nose ever so...I'm laying low,fell asleep early and now woke up, praying for you and the special upcoming moment... and filled with hope and believing for Christmas miracles)! Love and hugs

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  2. Awesome "Bible Pick Em's" Sharon.

    What does the birth of Christ mean to me? Life.
    It is also humility because Jesus was in heaven and humbled Himself and became a man. It blows me away that God would become a man in order to redeem us.

    God bless and Merry Christmas,
    Ken

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"So I have been greatly encouraged in the midst of my troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives me new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How I thank God for you!"
(1 Thessalonians 3:7-9)

Thanks for your comments - it is such a joy to be sharing my journey with friends like YOU!