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Devotional for the Week of 2 June 2008

Both Sides Now
Scripture Text: Daniel 11:29-35

There are so many parallels between Daniel’s world and ours today. We live in an era dictated by war and violence, deceit and hypocrisy. It is a time where God seems silent or absent. How can we reconcile the witness of suffering and still relate to God as a God of grace and mercy?

Some of the lyrics of a popular Joni Mitchell song, Both Sides Now, go like this:

I've looked at life from both sides now
From up and down, and still somehow
It's life's illusions I recall
I really don't know life at all

Although Mitchell ends the song on a questionable note, she has demonstrated the exercise of looking at life from both sides. On one hand, as Christians, we should not be naïve to think that life is always bright and cheery and that we will not go through suffering. On the other hand, we should also not be disillusioned with the harsh realities of life around us to conclude that God does not care. It is important that we view God’s world from both sides.

One Side

Daniel 11 captures a dark period in Biblical history. It describes a history of unending war and violence in the Persian kingdom, where the South engages in a long-drawn battle with the North (Daniel 11: 7, 9, 11, 13).

This chapter also unravels the deceit, intrigue and corruption of politics. The king comes to power through intrigue and deceit (v.21); political treachery abounds (v.27); and the righteous are caught and killed (v.32-33). There is no protection for those who know the Lord. All in all, there is a span of about 400 years and there seems to be no mention of God intervening to stop the evil from prevailing.

The Other Side

Just as much as one side paints a dark, cynical world, there is a need to look at the other side – human history is still under the control of a good and wise God. Although Daniel does not mention God’s intervention, there are many suggestions of God being in control.

*	Daniel speaks of an “appointed time” for the events that have unfolded: “Both these kings’ hearts shall be bent on evil, and they shall speak lies at the same table; but it shall not prosper, for the end will still be at the appointed time.” (v.27); “And some of those of understanding shall fall, to refine them, purify them, and make them white, until the time of the end; because it is still for the appointed time.” (v.35)
*	The end of the evil tyrant’s power is announced: “And he shall plant the tents of his palace between the seas and the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and no one will help him.” (v.45)
*	We should also not view Daniel chapter 11 as an end in itself. Chapter 12 goes on to assure us the destiny of God’s people: “Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever.” (Daniel 12:3)
*	It is critical to conclude that the Lord is in control even when circumstances seem hopeless. Just like watching only the first part of a movie whereby evil reigns and not the sequel where good conquers evil in the end, we are limited to what we see and experience in our present circumstances. God is the Alpha and Omega; He is in control of the beginning and the end of things to come.

An Important Aside

We have concluded it is vital to acknowledge God’s sovereignty, yet many of us should avoid the “Oh, don’t worry, it’s not that bad!” refrain when seeing someone going through a difficult season of life.

Our Lord Jesus is the best model of being able to understand God’s purpose from both sides. On one hand, while bearing the sin of humanity in immense suffering on the cross, He shows his vulnerability, saying: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46) On the other hand, before His last breath, He submits to His Heavenly Father, saying "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." (Luke 23:46)

Jesus acknowledges His suffering; He does not brush it aside, yet He also sees the hand of His loving Father in His circumstances. It is this divine wisdom and courage we need in response to a harsh and fragmented world today.

Prayer

Our Lord Jesus, You say in John 16:33: "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." We acknowledge the terror and suffering around us, but we still take courage that You are sovereign. You have given us peace in the midst of our pain, and it is in this we take our rest. In Your precious name we pray, Amen.

Devotional based on a message by Rev Dr Gordon Wong

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