Rationally Sufficient Evidence

December 1, Day 334 - Psalm 136:1-12; 1 John 1; 1 John 2:1-11; Daniel 5:17-31; Daniel 6

Today we come to Psalm 136:1-12, in which we find repeated twelve times that God’s “love endures forever.” Genuine love is an unchanging and unfailing attribute that is eternally intrinsic to God’s character. Like truth, love exists because God exists, and all love finds its Source completely in God alone. Because God endures forever, His love endures forever. Therefore, we are told to “give thanks to Him” – and as well - “because He is good” (verse 1). In this section of the Psalm, we see that God’s character, His creation, and His deeds all evidence His love, His wonders, and His work, not only on behalf of Israel but also for all men everywhere. This evidence is rationally sufficient to call forth our praise of God and our thanksgiving to Him.

In 1 John 1-2, the Apostle John submits additional evidence for the truth and the goodness of God by taking us back to the beginning concerning “the Word of life” (verse 1). John’s testimony is that of an eyewitness; he has personally “heard, seen, and touched this life which appeared to us” (verse 2). John “declares” that “this life” is inextricably linked to truth, light, fellowship, purity, and forgiveness - all divine elements which men need, understand, desire, and pursue - but are completely incapable to generate. Only God can provide them. In 1 John 2, we see that God has undertaken to address and to meet our need for cleansing from the ever-contaminating power of continual sin in our lives. As believers who still live in an evil world and are still affected by the realities of temptation and sin, we need “an Advocate with the Father” (verse 1). God has provided this for us in the Person and work of “Jesus Christ, the Righteous One,” Who Himself “is our atoning sacrifice” (verse 2). We receive the forgiveness and cleansing that we need through His advocacy and the confession of our sins (1:9).

In Daniel 5:17 - 6:28, we see Daniel’s personal integrity and impeccable character. Daniel interprets the handwriting on the wall for Belshazzar, and it is not good news. Belshazzar’s sins - pride, arrogance, carousing, and idolatry have all caught up with and gotten the better of him. He has failed to recognize and honor “the God Whose hands held his life and his ways” (5:23). For this reason, God sent the hand to announce Belshazzar’s end - which came “that very night” (verse 30). In Daniel 6, we see Daniel’s experience in the lions’ den - at the hands of jealous, evil co-workers. Daniel’s character remains unphased by their scheming wickedness, and though God allows Daniel to go through this ordeal, God preserves his life through it “because he was falsely accused, found innocent, and trusted” in God (verses 22-23). Daniel’s accusers then receive exactly what they meant for him. These sections of Scripture teach us excellent lessons that we should apply in our daily lives.