The Statue - Interpreting Nebuchadnezzar's Dream

Daniel 2:31 "You looked, O king, and there before you stood a large statue-an enormous, dazzling statue, awesome in appearance. (NIV)

When I was in fifth grade, or Primary 7 as we called it back in Scotland, a Bible exhibition came to Glasgow. I think it was run by the Philadelphian Bible Society in Britain. It was fascinating because many of the exhibits were models of buildings and places in the Old Testament. Our teacher used to read to us every morning from the Bible before our other lessons began, so I guess he thought that by taking us to the Bible exhibition, our class would be able to visualize the events recorded in the scriptures.

I can remember one large model of this statue from Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. It was made up of all the different parts – gold, silver, bronze, iron and clay. Beside the model was a hand-written interpretation of what it represented – the Persian Empire, the Greek Empire, the Roman Empire, and the British Empire – all of them were indicated on the model. It meant that the feet of clay represented the modern age and that the rock, which was thrown at the statue, symbolized Christ’s return. He is known as the Rock of Ages, so the person who interpreted the story historically at the Bible exhibition, was expressing to everyone that the end of Time would soon be fulfilled.

I couldn’t get to sleep that night because I was afraid that Jesus would come back whilst I was sleeping and that I would be condemned for all of my sins. It preyed on my mind and affected my whole being. During the day, I kept looking up at the sky and at night time, I shivered myself to sleep. It was hard to hold on to my faith in Jesus because I was afraid of Him. It was a very frightening time in my young life.

Almost forty years have passed since I was at that exhibition. Throughout that time, my faith has changed, so instead of fearing Christ’s return, I look forward to that moment. I know that I have committed a great many sins since being a child, but I also know that I have a Great Savior whose grace is amazing and mercy is limitless. I may have feet of clay at times, but Christ is my solid Rock, my sole Redeemer. His forgiveness sustains my faith; His love gives meaning to my life.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, one glorious day, just like today, You will return to reclaim the earth as Your own, and to restore God’s ways in this world. Help us to prepare our hearts for that beautiful moment and to build up our faith, so that we may lovingly and effectively tell other people about Your Gospel. As You give us opportunities to relate our beliefs, help us to do so in ways that are convincing and compassionate. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

Revelation

Audio Version here

Jeremiah 16:20 Do men make their own gods? Yes, but they are not gods!" (NIV)

For several years, the Virgin Birth disturbed me. I couldn’t understand why God chose to impregnate Mary without Joseph’s involvement. It seemed to be quite absurd that God would do something so strange and against the laws of biological science, in order to bring Jesus into the world. I had heard ministers preach about the sinlessness and perfection of Christ as being the specific reason why the Holy Spirit caused Mary to conceive; but it still bothered me and I couldn’t bring closure to my questions or reasoning.

Then, when I went to Trinity College at Glasgow University, I stumbled across a theologian and Biblical scholar named Karl Barth. His explanation of the Virgin Birth settled some of my doubts; Joseph was rejected as Christ’s father because God was setting aside the strength and masculinity of men. A new creation was required and because Jewish identity is passed through the mother, God needed to work with Mary, and not Joseph. The genealogies in Matthew may indicate Joseph’s lineage, but it was Mary’s Jewishness that God needed and used for the Messiah to be truly born. That explanation satisfied my need for answers to my questions about the Virgin birth.

And then when I was reading this passage this morning, this verse from Jeremiah sprang out at me. If Joseph had been involved in the conception of Jesus, then Christ would have been made by man. And if Jesus was made by a man, then He would not be our Lord, our Savior, or our God. This verse is a prophecy about the Virgin Birth. I hadn’t realized this before; now it all seems to make sense.

I don’t know if you have been able to follow my chain of theological thought this morning. It may appear as though I’m rambling. I just feel as though I’ve had a revelation about this biblical verse and wanted to share that moment with you.

Prayer: Lord God, thank You for revealing Your mysterious ways through the words and deeds recorded in scripture. Thank You for the profound meaning that can be discovered in individual verses and passages from the Bible. Let Your word change our ways; let Your scriptures guide our thoughts and paths. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Appointments

Audio Version here.

Habakkuk 2:3 For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay. (NIV)

I broke a tooth about three weeks ago and should have had it fixed last Monday. My dentist, however, came down with the flu, so I can’t get the tooth crowned until next Thursday. Fortunately, I’ve not experienced any pain, but because I don’t like going to the dentist, I wish it was all over. This time next week I’ll feel much better; I just need to have more patience.

When Habakkuk the prophet talks about revelations from God, he is emphasizing the need for patience amongst his people. He’s preaching to his peers who are waiting for God to deliver them. The nations around them are in upheaval because of the Babylonian invasions and conquests. The prophet’s people in Jerusalem are panicking because it looks as if the Jews are next in line to be conquered by these fierce invaders. Habakkuk tries to reassure his people that no matter what happens, God is in control, and that He will reveal to them His plan for their salvation.

We’re living in a world today where many Christians are worrying about their faith being overcome by the culture. Some are looking for apocalyptic signs and revelations, in the hope that Christ will return to the earth before Christianity is extinguished and confined to history. They want everything to change now, and don’t want to wait for hundreds or even thousands of years before Jesus comes back. But as Habakkuk said so long ago, God reveals things in His appointed time, and not according to our sacred schedules.

Waiting is an important part of serving God. It’s His will that matters, not our own. We may be living in unsettling times, but God will decide when He wants to finally intervene. There is nothing that we can do but hope and pray, stand and wait.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, long ago You were revealed to the world as its Holy Savior. Throughout the centuries, Your ministry and mission has touched, changed, and inspired millions upon millions of people. During these anxious times, help us to remain patient and faithful, so that when You eventually return, Your people will be ready to serve You forever. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.