Make Me!

Daily Reading: Daniel 8

Gabriel, make this man understand the vision. (Daniel 8.16)

Devotional Thought: Have you ever tried to make somebody understand something?  Whether a fussy baby, an emotional teenager, or a political antagonist - if they're not ready, you cannot make them understand.

When God told the angel (messenger) Gabriel to make Daniel understand the vision, Daniel was ready.  That is a good thing to remember when we are "witnessing" to others.  Like King David's advisors who "understood the times," we need to understand the right time.

There are, indeed, instances when the time to make them understand is right.  Consider just two facts from Daniel's case:

·       God had already been working in Daniel's life: "I, Daniel, had seen the vision" (v. 15).  Gabriel didn't initiate the conversation; God did.  Jesus said no one can come to him unless the Father draws them.  He also said the Holy Spirit would provide conviction.  We simply need to be ready (and willing!) to make them understand when God is speaking to them.

·       Daniel was open: "I sought to understand" (v. 15).  It's readily evident when people are receptive to your witness.  Earlier this month, I visited in a home where we are providing repairs through Appalachia Reach Out.  My assignment was to talk to the homeowner - a wiccan - while the mission director surveyed the work to be done.  After the encounter, my friend was anxious to hear what had happened.  "I just talked to her and her teenage daughter," I said.  "Witnessing is like rowing around and around an island until you find an opening.  I'll see where she is when we return this summer." 

What if she's ready before then?  Just as he did with Daniel, I trust that God will send a messenger to make her understand.

Prayer: Lord, you told your disciples that they would be witnesses.  Help us to be witnesses who will bear witness when the time is right.  Grant that people would be ready to understand.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 68.28-35

28 Summon your power, O God, the power, O God, by which you have worked for us.

29 Because of your temple at Jerusalem kings shall bear gifts to you.

30 Rebuke the beasts that dwell among the reeds, the herd of bulls with the calves of the peoples. Trample underfoot those who lust after tribute; scatter the peoples who delight in war. 

31 Nobles shall come from Egypt; Cush shall hasten to stretch out her hands to God.

32 O kingdoms of the earth, sing to God; sing praises to the Lord, Selah

33 to him who rides in the heavens, the ancient heavens; behold, he sends out his voice, his mighty voice.

34 Ascribe power to God, whose majesty is over Israel, and whose power is in the skies.

35 Awesome is God from his sanctuary; the God of Israel—he is the one who gives power and strength to his people. Blessed be God!