Dr. David Jeremiah Presents
Living inthe Ageof Signs
Online Destination
Living in the Age of Signs
Online Destination
Sign 2
Exception or Rule?
Today’s Audio Devotion:
Exception or Rule?
Most of us are familiar with the saying, “The exception that proves the rule.” That is, when something out of the ordinary happens, it “proves” the ordinary (the rule) exists. We can even apply this idea to personal behavior.
The biblical character David is an example of an exception proving the rule. The Bible characterizes him as a man after God’s heart who lived to do God’s will. Yet there was a dramatic exception to the rule when he was involved in adultery and murder. The question then arises whether to judge David by the exception or by the rule. And the same question applies when we judge others. Do we judge them by the exception or by the rule? We can answer that question by remembering how God looks at us—not at our sins but at our standing in Christ.
If you are tempted to judge another by the exception rather than the rule of faithfulness in their life, remember how God looks at you.
True forgiveness breaks a man, and he must forgive.
D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
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Some 2,600 years ago, God gave King Nebuchadnezzar a dream. In this dream, the king saw a five–part statue made of five different metals (see Daniel 2). Each section represented an empire, beginning with Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon. Four of these empires have already risen and fallen in history—a clear fulfillment of Daniel's prophetic interpretation. The fifth and final empire indicates a future Europe—a ten nation coalition that will unite under the Antichrist's rule.
You can read about the King's dream and Daniel's interpretation in Daniel 2, but let's take a quick visual look at what you will find:
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King Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon
Daniel's words to the king are clear. "You are this head of gold" (Daniel 2:37–38).
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Medo–Persian Empire
The Medo–Persian Empire conquered Babylon in 539 BC and remained in power for approximately two hundred years (Daniel 5:28).
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Grecian Empire
Greece's Empire succeeded the Medo–Persians (Daniel 8:21).
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Roman Empire
When the Grecian empire was conquered by Rome, all the lands and peoples of the previous kingdoms were assimilated into the Roman Empire through the strengths of the "iron legions of Rome" (Daniel 2:40).
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Future European Coalition
This empire has not yet risen. Daniel foretells a time when the Roman Empire—Europe—will consist of ten kingdoms or leaders. The future Roman Empire will be present on the earth when God sets up His earthly kingdom (Daniel 2:44).