Then Joshua son of Jozadak and his fellow priests and Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and his associates began to build the altar of the God of Israel to sacrifice burnt offerings on it, in accordance with what is written in the Law of Moses the man of God. – Ezra 3:2

Today's Scripture Reading (November 12, 2026): Ezra 3

The opposite of the Baptist ideal of separating church and state may be either Caesaropapism or theocracy. The fundamental difference between the two is which authority ultimately holds power: the church or the secular government. Caesaropapism combines secular and religious power under government control. Great Britain is a practical, if largely ceremonial, example. The British monarch is also the head of the Church of England, although that arrangement may change. Theocracy reverses this structure, placing secular authority under a religious leader. Iran is an example: its Islamic leader also governs the nation. Biblically, Israel during the period of the Judges, before the reigns of Saul, David, and Solomon, was intended to function as a theocracy, with God as its ruler. Yet that arrangement never truly succeeded; instead, Israel became characterized by chaos. Neither Caesaropapism nor theocracy separates the church's powers from the state's.

Today, genuine Caesaropapism and theocracy are rare. Even in Great Britain, Caesaropapism has largely been reduced to a ceremonial role. The separation of church and state is a principle governing most modern societies, although there are occasions when the two should come together. The aftermath of a disaster is one such example. In those moments, political officials and religious leaders often stand together in solidarity, setting aside their differences to support the community.

As the exiles began returning from captivity, a clear division emerged between the powers of church and state. After the devastation of the Babylonian captivity, anything good in Judah required secular and religious authorities to work together toward a common purpose. Joshua was the high priest, while Zerubbabel was the prince, the heir to David's throne, and the governor of Judah. Both men were essential to restoring the nation's religious and civic life.

Great achievements always require the full community's participation. Even today, the church and the state must sometimes work together to accomplish what is best for society.

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Ezra 4

Now these are the people of the province who came up from the captivity of the exiles, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had taken captive to Babylon (they returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to their own town … Ezra 2:1

Today's Scripture Reading (November 11, 2026): Ezra 1 and 2

In Canada, Quebec separatism is a recurring idea. This idea stems from the belief that Quebec not only has a different language from the rest of Canada (Quebec is predominantly French, while the rest of Canada, especially west of Quebec, is primarily English) but also a significantly different culture. Quebec fears that the rest of Canada not only fails to understand this essential difference but also actively seeks to minimize the French ethos, destroying Quebec's unique culture in the process. Whether that is true or not doesn't really matter; it's how some Quebecers feel.

Quebec separation isn't the only separation concept in Canada. Not surprising for a country of Canada's physical size (Canada occupies the second-largest land area in the world, after Russia), some factions feel out of step with the nation's central power. Another group of separatists lives in the country's western portion and is led by Alberta. Politically, Western Canadians often oppose the federal government on many issues, but Western Separatism is not a cultural ideal; it is fiscal. The dream is that if Western Canada, especially Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia, were to separate from Canada and unite with the Pacific Northwest area of the United States and Alaska to form one nation, the resulting union would be one of the world's strongest economies. It is a dream that will probably never happen (I want to say never, but who knows what extremes the future might hold), but for some, the dream keeps them warm at night.

Ezra begins his record with the expression "people of the province," a carefully chosen phrase. It highlights how far Judah (and Israel) had fallen. Once, Israel had been a power the region had to reckon with. During the days of David, Israel's military was feared, and the surrounding nations were effectively brought under its control. During the reign of David's son Solomon, Israel became an economic powerhouse. This was Israel's golden age. But as Ezra prepares to return to the land of Israel, it is no longer a powerhouse; it is not even a nation; it is a province, once a province of Babylon and now a province of Persia, but still just a province. The dream of separatism still existed in Israel: to once more become a nation as it was under the reigns of David and Solomon in the golden age. Still, it would not become a reality until briefly during the 2nd Century B.C.E., and then not again until after World War II.

As Ezra evaluates the return of the people of Judah, he understands that this once-great nation had become a province. The proud had been humbled. Yet God was still there. God's presence had never left his people, and God promised that, regardless of Israel's external reality, he would never leave them.

We are heirs to the same promise. No matter our external reality, God will never leave us or forsake us.

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Ezra 3

At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered. – Daniel 12:1

Today's Scripture Reading (November 10, 2026): Daniel 12

Filmmaker Michael Moore argues that "capitalism and democracy" are actually opposites. Capitalism is a system that guarantees that a few will do very well, while everybody else will serve them. A democracy is a system in which everybody has a seat at the decision-making table. Moore is probably right, but I am not sure we really understand the idea of opposites. I think most of us would put capitalism and democracy on the same side, standing tall against communism, which we would argue is the opposite of capitalism. Yet I see truth in Moore's revelation, while acknowledging that we struggle to identify something's opposite.

In Christianity, we often cast Satan and Jesus as opposites. However, the analogy doesn't really hold. For one thing, we believe Jesus is God Incarnate, God who has come down to us. Satan is not God, nor is he the Son of God. Satan is an angel, so it makes sense that the opposite of Satan would also be an angel.

Enter Michael. Like Satan, Michael is often seen as the angel involved in our most serious spiritual battles. Satan is the great accuser, pointing his metaphorical finger at our lives and asking questions that make our hearts sink. He knows the evil that lurks in the human heart and seeks to make that evil our reality. Satan's argument is often, "You know you can't do any better, so why not give in to the desires of the heart?" End the struggle now, because the fight just isn't worth it.

Daniel says Michael struggles on the other end of the moral spectrum. He is the protector, the one who sees the best in us and encourages us toward it. He knows the battle is worth our participation and that we can be better than we are if we can shake the voice of Satan from his perch inside our heads. Satan seeks to divide. Michael supports Jesus' work in our lives, always striving to unite, support, and save.

Daniel describes a time of great distress. Israel and the people of God have faced many periods of great difficulty; however, this will be worse than any that has gone before. At that time, a battle will ensue. All we need to know is that deliverance will be assured for everyone whose name is written in "the book." It is not a promise that all will be saved. Satan will win the battle with some, convincing them that their lives are evil and that they are unworthy of salvation. Satan will divide the people until they stop believing that Michael stands ready to defend them. Still, for those who trust in God and his Messiah, for those who will permit Michael to stand in the struggle on their behalf, he is ready to deliver, even if that someone is us.

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Ezra 1 and 2

Now then, I tell you the truth: Three more kings will arise in Persia, and then a fourth, who will be far richer than all the others. When he has gained power by his wealth, he will stir up everyone against the kingdom of Greece. – Daniel 11:2

Today's Scripture Reading (November 9, 2026): Daniel 11

Xerxes I's rise to power in the Persian Empire was somewhat unexpected. Xerxes was crowned King of Kings in Persia in October 486 B.C.E. The rise to power was unexpected because Xerxes was not his father Darius's eldest son, and in almost every other nation in the known world the crown passed to the eldest son.

Xerxes' older brother (actually older half-brother) was named Artabazanes. Artabazanes claimed the right to the Persian throne under the traditions of other nations. However, Darius ruled against his oldest son. There are probably two reasons for this decision. First, Darius is believed to have divided his life into two sections. The first was the period he lived as "Darius the Subject." During this time, it is thought that an impostor ruled the throne of Persia. The throne belonged to Bardiya, Cyrus the Great's youngest son. Traditional histories hold that Bardiya died in the spring of 522 B.C.E., though the people were kept in the dark. Instead, an impostor ruled in Bardiya's name. Darius killed this impostor later that year, and the next day Darius was crowned king, ending the life of "Darius the Subject" and beginning the life of "Darius the King." Artabazanes was the oldest son, but he was born to "Darius the Subject." Xerxes was the oldest son of "Darius the King," so he ascended the Persian throne after his father's death. The second argument for Xerxes' rise over his older brother is that Artabazanes' mother was a commoner, while Xerxes' mother was, like Darius, from Persia's ruling class. So, Xerxes became the King of Kings of the Persian Empire.

This section of Daniel is so precise that some critics have argued it must have been written after the events. Aside from the prophecy's precision, there is no reason to date this writing late. There is no doubt that the fourth king Daniel writes about is Xerxes, the son of Darius the Great (Darius the King). He would be richer than those who came before him precisely because he was the son of Darius the Great. Darius presided over the Persian Empire at its height, and at the time of his death he was preparing to move against Greece, stockpiling the resources and finances needed for that conflict. When he took the throne, Xerxes inherited all of these resources.

Nevertheless, even though Xerxes had all the advantages the kings before him lacked and could marshal support for his move against the Greeks, he could not hold his gains in Greece. Trouble at home forced Xerxes to send part of his army home, and the portion left in Greece was defeated, ending the hope that he could complete the military dream that had started with his father. Xerxes stirred everyone against Greece, but he could not defeat it.

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Daniel 12

At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. – Daniel 10:2

Today's Scripture Reading (November 8, 2026): Daniel 10

Laurence Olivier once described life as consisting of "strife and torment, disappointment and love and sacrifice, golden sunsets and black storms." Daniel probably would have agreed with the esteemed actor's words. His life seemed to include all of those elements. Daniel did not live a life of privilege. Life had begun with his forced removal from his home. And now it ends with the knowledge that he will most likely never see home again.

We aren't told why Daniel was mourning. We do have a few educated guesses. One possibility is that this mourning was an extension of his reaction to what God had shown him, hidden in the distant future. But this isn't our only candidate. Another reason for Daniel's depression could be that, while the return to Judah had begun, the children of the exiles, those born and raised in Babylon, were not making the most of their chance to return home. The reason was clear. Life in Babylon was familiar, established, and comfortable. For those who chose to return to Judah, life would be none of these things. Going home meant enduring hardships as the returning exiles began rebuilding Jerusalem and the surrounding area. For Daniel, those challenges didn't matter because Judah was home.

Another reason for the prophet's mourning might have been that Daniel himself was omitted from the list of those returning home. By this time, Daniel would have been in his mid-eighties, and those overseeing the return likely wanted him to remain in Babylon to intercede with the government on behalf of the returning exiles. Deep down, Daniel knew they were right. The best place for Daniel to serve his home was in Babylon or Persia. As much as he wanted to go home, the returning remnant needed him as a trusted contact with those who ruled the area.

Sometimes, life works that way. A myth says that when we serve God, life is somehow easy and we get everything our hearts desire. Daniel proves this isn't always true. Sometimes we have to sacrifice what we want for what is best for those around us as we move forward in God's strength. 

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Daniel 11

Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act! For your sake, my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name." – Daniel 9:19

Today's Scripture Reading (November 7, 2026): Daniel 9

In a scene from "Jesus Christ, Superstar," Jesus's followers begin to realize that things have taken an unexpected turn. In the movie, Jesus is shown beaten and walking alone in a valley while his supporters gather on the high ground around him. The image is wrong in so many ways. The disciples didn't deserve the figurative high ground; Jesus did. Yet the image isn't a mistake. The scene reveals the very tangible emotions of the disciples in this moment. The approaching cross didn't belong to Jesus. The impending cross belonged to the disciples.

In this moment, the cast begins to sing "Could We Start Again, Please." The song is a prayer that everything that has happened can somehow be reversed. The song expresses the hope that it is not too late to stop the madness. In this moment of the movie, Peter sings these words:

                        I think you've made your point now

                        You've even gone a bit too far to get the message home

                        Before it gets too frightening, we ought to call a halt

                        So could we start again, please.

                                                                        (Tim Rice, Could We Start Again, Please)

Of course, the reality was that things would get much worse before they could improve. Only Jesus seemed to understand what was happening; the disciples remained clueless about the approaching storm until much later.

Every Easter, I have a bit of a ritual: as I find myself in the grip of Holy Week and prepare for the annual Good Friday Service, I fill my world with images and stories from the last week of Jesus's life. The things Jesus did and said, the stories he chose to tell, and the illustrations and pictures he drew with his words during that final week. Some people don't realize that most of what we have in the Gospels, the Christian Bible books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, happens in the last week of Jesus's life. These stories have molded a movement and a people. These are important stories.

Daniel wrote these words in another "Could we start again" moment. He understood that the exile would last seventy years and, by his reckoning, those seventy years were almost up. Daniel, now approaching ninety years of age, shows a hint of surprise. The time is almost complete, and miraculously he has survived the entire period, and now he waits, hoping the time has come to hit the reset button.

We all experience this moment at some point in our lives, and we all seem desperate to ask the same question. Is it possible? Could we start again? But the truth we need to know is that God will hit the reset button in his time. His promise to us has never been that we will get exactly what we want (Peter watched his friend and teacher be crucified, and history records that Daniel, despite his great relationship with God, was not destined to lead Israel back home. That task would be left to younger men like Nehemiah, Ezra, and Zerubbabel.) The only promise God has given us is that he will be with us in those moments when we wish we could hit the reset button. He will be with us on the high ground and through the valley. And in the end, that is all that matters.  

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Daniel 10

I, Daniel, was worn out. I lay exhausted for several days. Then I got up and went about the king's business. I was appalled by the vision; it was beyond understanding. – Daniel 8:27

Today's Scripture Reading (November 6, 2026): Daniel 8

A friend of mine once joked that he thought he needed to be paid overtime because he often went to bed and dreamed about his job. The comment was a bit of a joke, but the truth is we have all had nights when our dreams have physically worn us out. That is exactly what seems to have happened to Daniel. The depth and terror of the visions God gave him at night left him exhausted. For a few days, he rested as he tried to process what he had seen.

However, Daniel could not let exhaustion keep him from his duties for long. While God had shown his servant a vision of the physical future, Daniel had always regarded the physical tasks he had completed in the king's service as a spiritual duty. Although Daniel likely no longer held the prestigious position he had held during the reign of the Babylonian Empire, he would not dishonor God by shirking his duty. Daniel would have been severely wounded if anyone suggested his visions and dreams had kept him from fulfilling his duty to the king.

Another part of the problem was that Daniel could not understand everything he had seen. He did not understand how God could ever abandon his people as he had seen. Yet he could not doubt what he had seen. All of this left Daniel extremely confused.

Some have proposed that the visions the prophets saw can be interpreted in up to three ways. The first is the near view: the prophet sees what he understands to be in the immediate future. The second is an intermediate vision. This intermediate vision may have concerned events that could take place on the prophet's horizon, at the edge of what the prophet could see. For many Hebrew prophets, this often seems to be a prophecy that can be applied to the coming of the Messiah. But sometimes prophecies extended beyond Messianic expectation, to something beyond that intermediate vision. Sometimes this includes the prophet declaring that these events will take place "In the day of the Lord," but not always.

What seemed to frustrate and exhaust Daniel was that this prophecy didn't seem to apply at all to either the near or the intermediate future; it applied to a time well beyond Daniel's horizon. Daniel didn't understand, but he also decided he didn't need to comprehend everything he had seen. Maybe that's a lesson we all need to learn. Some things we don't understand, we don't need to understand, and that is okay. Even Daniel struggled with some of what he was shown, but that didn't make him any less a man of God.

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Daniel 9