Week 35: Ezekiel 37-48, Daniel 1-9

This week we'll finish reading the book of Ezekiel, and make a start with the prophet Daniel:

* Weekend: Ezekiel 37-39
* Monday: Ezekiel 40-43
* Tuesday: Ezekiel 44-48
* Wednesday: Daniel 1-3
* Thursday: Daniel 4-6
* Friday: Daniel 7-9

Ezekiel Chapter 37 is a story that has haunted me since I was a kid- probably a reason why I like spooky films these days... As an adult I can appreciate the imagery and how this story rounds out the end of Ezekiel's book. For me, sometimes I feel down and out of it when I lose focus on the important things in life and pretty much turn into one of those bodies that exist but have no breath... but I know that God does not make junk and that I (and all of us) have a purpose. And when that purpose is "breathed" back in to us and we are ALIVE again, it can be as powerful as an army...

As the Nation of Israel is destined to return to the land, Ezekiel has the details of how that will look and lays them out in his writings... The attention to detail is amazing to read...

Daniel is one of the most powerful books of the Old Testament. From "cover to cover" this book does not quit. Chapter 1 details the story of how Daniel and his companions come into the service of the Babylonian King. There is a great case made for eating a proper diet!

Chapter 2 relays the story of the King's dream and the interpretation of that dream- can you identify what kingdoms the different metals/substances represent?

Chapter 3 is familiar to Veggie Tales fans (The Bunny...!). God reveals Himself as the real deal to the King when he saves the three men from the furnace...

Chapters 5 & 6 are also very familiar... the lion's den and the origin of the term "the writing on the wall..."

In Chapter 7 the tone of the book switches from storytelling to the dreams, visions and prophecies of Daniel. More on this next week, but this is some really cool reading if you ever harbored doubts about the accuracy of prophecy...!

Have a great week reading!

-Mike