GN-Day318 Daniel 9-10; Isaiah 26:20-27:13; 2 Corinthians 8

Daily GNT Bible Reading Podcast

DANIEL 9-10:Yesterday in Daniel, we heard of the vision of four beasts representing four kingdoms. After the fourth would be the start of the rule of One whose kingdom would last forever. This vision was explained, then Daniel had a second and more detailed vision. It is a major amazing sign of God’s sovereignty over human governments that Alexander the Great is so clearly portrayed, and then the iron kingdom of Rome. Just as certain as these things happened, our Savior’s reign will one day come to earth.

And I have been referring to Daniel 7 all year, to the section where a man came who looked like a ‘human being’ (in the GNT) surrounded by clouds. The words ‘human being’ are literally in Hebrew ‘son of man’, an expression which simply means a normal-looking human being. It is the same title God so frequently used for Ezekiel and which was translated as ‘Mortal man.’ Listen again about this unique Son of Man:

Dan. 7:14 GNT “He was given authority, honor, and royal power, so that people of all nations, races, and languages would serve him. His authority would last forever and his kingdom would never end.”

ISAIAH 26:20—27:There were beautiful verses in yesterday’s reading, too many to review. I choose to highlight verses 2-4:

Is. 26:2 GNT Open the city gates and let the faithful nation enter, the nation whose people do what is right. 3 You, Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you. 4 Trust in the Lord forever; he will always protect us.

I found it interesting that Israel’s suffering was compared to a woman in childbirth, but unlike a childbirth, Israel produced nothing:

Is. 26:18 GNT We were in pain and agony, but we gave birth to nothing. We have won no victory for our land; we have accomplished nothing.

Israel was supposed to share the knowledge of the Lord with other peoples, but they neglected to do that.

2CORINTHIANS 8:Yesterday we heard of the terrible time of suffering Paul and his companions faced in Macedonia, where he had gone to find Titus. But when Titus came, it brought wonderful joy, because he brought such encouraging news about the Corinthian believers.

GNT Translation note:2Cor. 8:7 You are so rich in all you have: in [your full belief in Christ//faith], speech, and knowledge, in your eagerness to help and in your love for us. And so we want you to be generous also in this service of love.