Day 254 - Exaltation in the Midst of Chaos (Daniel 10 - 12, Ezra 4 - 5, Haggai 1) Year 2
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TODAY'S READING:

• Daniel 10:1 - 12:13, Ezra 4:24 - 5:1, Haggai 1:1 - 15

WORD OF THE DAY:

-  Exalt

In Daniel 10-12, we encounter Daniel’s final vision. After a series of dreams and visions about the rise and fall of great kings and kingdoms, Daniel receives troubling news—though the 70-year exile prophesied by Jeremiah is nearing its end, Israel’s rebellion has continued, meaning the oppression will extend seven times longer. Daniel is devastated, and in his final vision, he sees the rise of kingdoms, leading to the eventual fall of a great king who exalts himself above all else.

There’s much debate about who this final king is—some believe it refers to the Syrian King Antiochus, others think it’s a prophecy of the Roman Empire or even a future ruler still to come. Regardless of the exact timeline, the overarching theme remains clear: kingdoms that exalt themselves and reject God’s sovereignty are destined for ruin.

Daniel’s visions serve as a stark reminder that no earthly power can truly exalt itself above God. Even the mightiest of kingdoms, in all their splendor and power, are ultimately subject to God's authority and judgment.

As we shift to Ezra 4-5, we find the Israelites returning from exile with a grand mission: to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. However, the work comes to a standstill due to opposition and discouragement. Despite laying the foundation, they stop building the temple for nearly 16 years. The people were living in comfortable homes while the house of God lay in ruins, and God, through the prophet Haggai, calls them out on this.

In Haggai 1, the prophet challenges the people. The people had lost their focus, prioritizing their own comfort over the exaltation of God’s glory.

In Daniel’s visions, we see kingdoms exalting themselves above all else, yet God’s ultimate plan prevails. In the same way, we may face intimidating challenges that seem too powerful to overcome—whether it’s societal pressures, personal hardships, or spiritual battles. But the lesson is clear: God must be exalted above all.

In Ezra’s time, the Israelites faced discouragement and external opposition, which halted their work on the temple. Yet, God’s call to exalt His glory over their fears remained unchanged. Even when we face adversity, God calls us to prioritize His kingdom and trust in His timing.When we face personal suffering, it can be incredibly difficult to exalt God. Just as the Israelites were discouraged by the desolation of the land and the hard work ahead, we, too, can feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges. Yet, exalting God in the midst of suffering brings peace and perspective.

In Ezra 5 and Haggai 1, we see the people finally returning to their task of rebuilding the temple. Despite the challenges they faced—lack of resources, hostile enemies, and memories of "easier times" in Babylon—they were reminded of their true purpose. God stirred their hearts, and with renewed enthusiasm, they began the work of exalting God by rebuilding His house.God’s message through Haggai is one of refocusing. The Israelites had allowed discouragement and personal comfort to take precedence over their mission. God’s call was simple. When we realign our priorities to exalt God above all else, we find clarity, purpose, and strength to continue the work He has called us to do.

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