Dr. David Jeremiah Presents
Living inthe Ageof Signs
Online Destination
Living in the Age of Signs
Online Destination
Sign 2
Wisdom for the Year: Ask God
Today’s Audio Devotion:
Wisdom for the Year: Ask God
At the beginning of King Solomon’s reign over Israel, God appeared to him in a dream and told him to ask for whatever he wanted. Solomon asked God for a discerning heart in order to govern the multitudes of people over whom he now reigned. So God responded, “I have given you a wise and understanding heart” (1 Kings 3:12). Solomon’s wisdom became his defining characteristic.
One wonders if the apostle James had Solomon’s request in mind when he encouraged his readers to ask God for wisdom when needed (James 1:5). As you begin a new year, it’s easy to imagine areas in which wisdom might be needed: personal issues, family matters, financial decisions, job prospects, and more. James likely had in mind the Hebrew notion of wisdom which was “skill” (Hebrew chokmah). When we ask God for wisdom, we are asking Him for skill to navigate a challenging situation. Thankfully, He will give generously and without criticizing.
Whether wisdom (skill) for a day or a year, ask God—He will give “liberally and without reproach.”
The heavens declare Thy glory, Lord; in every star Thy wisdom shines.
Isaac Watts
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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).