Three & One

Weak and worried, Daniel is touched, lifted up and strengthened. The angel Gabriel continues to announce the events of the end times, including prophecy concerning the Anti-Christ. And, John ends his first epistle with exhortation.

Daniel is given an overview in vision form of every empire until even the end of the world itself narrowing in on the transition from the Medo-Persians to the Grecians, all with startling specifics. And, John tells us to test the spirits who claim to speak for Christ.

Nebuchadnezzar has his second dream with Daniel receiving and interpreting the meaning. Belshazzar receives a visit from a mysterious hand. Daniel stands strong in the face of extreme opposition. And, John emphasizes the imperative of love in our life.

Daniel and his friends remain loyal to God in the midst of great temptation and trial. Standing and serving before a maniacal, egomaniac despot named Nebuchadnezzar. In captivity they maintain their purity. And, John helps us to see if we are truly God's kids.

God continues to give prophecy with specificity, concerning a city to come. A place to call home. A place to worship God. A river of life running through. And, the name of that city - "THE LORD IS THERE." And, we begin the book of 1 John.

God continues to give, through a vision, through a prophecy, the particulars of a new city and a new Temple, in Jerusalem, after the captivity. This time focussing in on who will be serving in that temple. And, Peter exhorts us to be steadfast in the midst of scoffers.

In a vision, Ezekiel is transported into the future, after the captivity when there will be a new Temple and a new city. And oddly, for all three chapters today, all Ezekiel does is watch a man measure. And, Peter speaks of the doom and depravity of false teachers.

God breathes life into an otherwise hopeless situation through His Word and by His Spirit, defeating a conglomeration of Gentile nations bent on the destruction of the Jewish people. And, Peter begins his second epistle.

God is upset with those shepherds who fleece the flock and only feed themselves. The New Covenant is prophesied in beautiful poetic form. And, Peter finishes his first epistle by encouraging elders to willingly shepherd well the flock of God.

Ezekiel continues to announce that judgement is coming for the surrounding Gentile nations, Pharaoh and Egypt this time, fulfilling his role as a watchman, dispensing his duty and delivering his soul. And, Peter encourages us to persevere faithfully through suffering.

God continues to speak to the surrounding nations, speaking to the power behind their power, speaking specifically against the king of Tyre. And, the Apostle Peter speaks of submission and suffering in serving God.

God judges the Gentile nations surrounding Judah. The Jews sinned against God's law, but the Gentiles sinned against God's people. Tyre is talked about, specifically it's future defeat and utter annihilation. And, Peter teaches how to be courageously obedient.

God repeats the multitude of reasons why He is allowing Judah to be taken captive by the Chaldeans, instructing Ezekiel to write an allegory about an adulterous and promiscuous spouse to help them understand His pain. And, we begin the book of 1 Peter.

God says basically here is a historical summary of why I will not allow you to inquire of Me. It is a matter of purity, which will be restored eventually. But first, there is the remainder of the prophesy. And, James teaches us how to wait patiently.

God uses the emotions involved in adultery to illustrate how He feels toward the unfaithfulness of His people, laying everything on the line, laying out an offer to turn and live. And, James says that spiritual adultery is just as bad as physical.

The Lord sets His face against the false prophets. The Lord answers the people's prayers according to their unfaithfulness and idolatry, alluding to the uselessness of a vine that has passed its prime. And, James gives us a warning about the untamable tongue.

The four living creatures, the mighty Cherubim, are seen once again. Ezekiel prophesies to the people as he is carried along by the vision of God, even acting out the imminent defeat and destruction. And, James warns us against showing partiality in ministry.

God announces the end for Judah and Jerusalem, ushering Ezekiel into the answer to the question "Why?", exposing Ezekiel to the abominations occurring in and around the temple. And, James, the blood brother of Jesus writes a letter.

We bounce back to before the siege, before the Chaldeans came to take Judah and Jerusalem into captivity. Ezekiel is given interesting illustrations to act out. As God's heart is crushed by the unfaithfulness of His people. And, we learn to be strengthened by grace.