My phone told me this morning that the clouds will give the day a “tranquil vibe.” I rode the tranquil vibe to Jacks Creek and Gun Club Roads where I found the wattle trees are getting on with the circle of life. #cycling #Narrabri #biketooter
Scripture
“After the period of 62 sets of seven, the Anointed One will be killed, appearing to have accomplished nothing, and a ruler will arise whose armies will destroy the city and the Temple.”
Observation
As Daniel continues to pray, the angel Gabriel appears to him. He explains that he has come to give Daniel insight and understanding. He now explains a timeline for the salvation story.
A period of 70 times seven years has been given for the Jewish people to atone for their sins and for the Most Holy Place to be anointed.
After 62 sets of seven years, the Anointed One will be killed, appearing to have accomplished nothing. A ruler will rise whose army will destroy the city and the Temple. As a climax to his terrible deeds, he will set up a sacrilegious object that causes desecration until his fate is poured out on him.
Application
This is a very complex prophecy with definite times in view. However, it is not clear when we should start the counting of the sets of seven years.
Gabriel talks about the Anointed One who will be killed appearing to have accomplished nothing. Jesus, of course, died on the cross, and until the resurrection, it appeared His life was in vain. However, after the resurrection and at Pentecost, everything made sense.
In AD70, a ruler did arise who destroyed the city and the temple.
So what are we to make of all this? The most important thing is to recognise that God is in charge of everything, Even when governments seem unstable and rulers rage against each other, none of this takes God by surprise. He loves us and He works out all things for our good and for his eternal purpose.
Prayer
Lord, what peace comes with the knowledge that you reign over all things, Thank you for this assurance. Amen.
The Torah was the world’s first blueprint for social and religious order that sought to reduce the concept of hierarchy. It placed unprecedented emphasis instead on well-being and the dignity of the common person. Melanie Phillips
A warmer morning, ideal for riding. I rode to Bunnings, then around the edge of town and down to the Riverbend Estate before heading home. My ride was enhanced by about 5 murderous magpies and a few pugnacious peewees. #cycling #Narrabri #biketooter
The Mosaic laws were not enforced by despotic authority but were voluntarily adopted through individual self-discipline. This gave the world the concept of individual accountability. Melanie Phillips
Scripture
I learned… that Jerusalem must lie desolate for 70 years. So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and fasting.
Observation.
In the first year of King Darius, Daniel learns from reading the prophecy of Jeremiah that Jerusalem must lie desolate for 70 years. So he turns to the Lord in prayer and fasting.
Daniel’s prayer is a prayer of confession and intercession. Even though Daniel himself is a righteous man, he identifies himself with the sins of his people. He recognises that God has punished His people for rebelling against Him.
He recognised that what has happened to the people of Israel is the exact curse and judgement that is written in the law of Moses.
Daniel now asks that the Lord opens His eyes and see the despair of His people and the ruins of the Lord’s own city.
Application
Having read Jeremiah’s prophecy, Daniel comes to the Lord in prayer. It is not yet 70 years since Jerusalem was taken by the Babylonians, but Daniel sees that the time is coming close. So he presses in with prayer and fasting.
Apparently yesterday, September 23rd 2025, was a significant day according to some prophecy experts As far as I can tell neither the Rapture nor the Tribulation happened, despite it being the most significant day in seven thousand years.
Daniel was not a person who sought to sensationalise prophecy. Instead he saw the prophecy, interpreted it to mean that the time was coming, and he turned to God in powerful confession and intercession for his nation.
Perhaps there is a lesson here for us. Instead of reacting to the sensationalism of some modern day prophets, we should use their words to drive us to fellowship with the Lord and to deep intercession.
Prayer
Lord, I know that you are in control of all things. Please help me to trust you always and to seek your face each day. Amen.
New Life Narrabri 