Today’s reading: Daniel 10:1-12:13
My selection: Daniel 11:32-35
32 He shall seduce with flattery those who violate the covenant, but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action. 33 And the wise among the people shall make many understand, though for some days they shall stumble by sword and flame, by captivity and plunder. 34 When they stumble, they shall receive a little help. And many shall join themselves to them with flattery, 35 and some of the wise shall stumble, so that they may be refined, purified, and made white, until the time of the end, for it still awaits the appointed time.
My reflections: God never gives believers a false, rosy picture of life on this earth. God does promise to be with His own children, but He tells the truth about what awaits them. He does not seduce them with flattery and empty hopes. He tells them they will be tested but He also shows them, as in this passage, that their trials will serve to purify their faith and character.
My challenge: Reality may be brutal, not what we want to hear, but thank God He has promised to be with us to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). Resist the false teachers who say God only wants you to be comfortable and wealthy. God has purposed to make His people holy and that will only come through trials of faith (James 1:2-4). Be faithful and joyful in the midst of brutal reality.
Tomorrow’s reading: Hosea 1:1-5:15
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