Dumb Idols - Spiritual Thoughts of Daniel J. Clausen

"But there is a God in heaven that reveals secrets, and makes known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days." -  Daniel 2:28     There may be a temptation to despair by some when noticing the incessant campaign to corrupt truth and sound doctrine, hearing the voices and influences of demonic spirits that surround on every side. Do not fear, friend, for the God of heaven shall not be thwarted; His designs are uninfluenced, and none can stay His hand.     Nebuchadnezzar was a pagan.  Consider: it is not only devils that seek to influence our traditions and guide the vision of mankind. There is evidence of another strain of prophecy given, even within the heart of classical paganism itself, as a marker and a testimony of God's great love and concern for all mankind. The Holy Spirit, in times past, has even usurped the voice of Oracles and false prophets, to bring truth where there was none, and light where there was only darkness.  ...

"And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, 'Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?' which is, being interpreted is, 'My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?' . . .  And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost." - Mark 15:34, 37 The last words of Christ dying on the cross are disturbing to many. They look and say, "See? Even Jesus despaired in that great hour," or "See? Even Jesus felt like God had abandoned Him."  No doubt, the travail of the crucifixion would be enough to break even the best of us, however, there is a more likely, and I daresay, a more encouraging understanding on these pained words.  First, some cultural context Back in first century Jewish culture, and even in some communities in the present day, it was the standard practice of all children to memorize Scripture, that is, the Old Testament. Scribes and scrolls were scarce in those days - not everyone had more books than they know...