He changes times and seasons, deposes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to those who have understanding. Daniel 2:21

The book of Daniel is set during the Babylonian exile and follows the story of Daniel, a young
Jewish man who is taken captive and brought to Babylon. Throughout the book, Daniel
demonstrates his unwavering faith and commitment to God, even in the face of great adversity
and persecution. In the context of today’s Watchword, we see Daniel engaged in a prayer of
thanksgiving and praise to God. This is after God reveals the forgotten dream and its
interpretation to Daniel. In the dream, God revealed to King Nebuchadnezzar a vision of a great
statue, which Daniel interprets to represent the rise and fall of kingdoms and empires throughout
history.

Today’s verse itself contains profound truths about the sovereignty of God and His ultimate
control over the affairs of the world. The verse begins with the assertion that God “changes the
times and the seasons.” This speaks to God’s authority over the rise and fall of nations and the
unfolding of history. It acknowledges that God is ultimately in control of the ebb and flow of
human events, and nothing happens outside of His sovereign will.

The verse goes on to declare that God “deposes kings and sets up kings.” This is a powerful
reminder that God is the ultimate authority over the rulers of the earth. Throughout history, we
see God’s hand at work in the rise and fall of empires and the appointment and removal of kings
and leaders. This truth provides comfort to believers, knowing that ultimately, the course of
human history is subject to God’s divine plan.

The verse also states that God “gives wisdom to the wise, and knowledge to those who have
understanding.” This speaks to the idea that all wisdom and knowledge ultimately come from
God. It is a reminder that human wisdom and understanding are ultimately derived from God’s
revelation and wisdom. This is particularly meaningful in light of the context of the verse, as
Daniel’s wisdom and understanding come directly from God, enabling him to interpret the king’s
dream and thereby saving the lives of himself and his friends.

It is vital for us, irrespective of our stations and positions in life, to recognize the sovereignty of
God, the providence of God, and the wisdom of God. These themes are woven throughout the
entire book of Daniel, as Daniel and his companions face various trials and tribulations, yet
remain steadfast in their faith. Seeking and receiving wisdom and knowledge from God, rather
than relying on human understanding, is vital for productive and abundant living. Believers are
encouraged to trust in God’s sovereignty and seek wisdom and understanding from Him.
Believers are able to experience profound comfort and confidence in the unchanging and all-
powerful nature of God. Human understanding is limited, but God gives insight to those who
humbly ask for it. This challenges us to depend on God for guidance in every area of life. Amen.
Jermaine Gibson

He was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the
punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

The book of Isaiah addresses the problem at the heart of the nation, as the people are summoned
to God’s court because of their sins which will lead to exile and judgment. Their condition is
described as dangerous; indeed, mortally ill. How can the covenant God redeem and restore his
people? Can grace save them when they seem to have gone so far astray? What is clear is that
salvation is not going to be cheap or easy, but will involve exile in Babylon with healing and
restoration beyond that.

Today’s Watchword is found in the last of Isaiah’s Servant Songs. The “wounding” spoken of
result in a severe injury. The Hebrew word literally means “pierced” or “bored through.” The
Message Bible brings out the horror of the scene as well as the vicarious nature of Christ’s death:
“It was our sins that did that to him, that ripped and tore and crushed him—our sins!” The
piercing of Jesus’ hands and feet (with nails), side (with a spear), and head (with thorns) give this
prophecy of Isaiah a literal fulfillment.

So “He was wounded/pierced.” His wounds were necessary for our salvation. The word
“pierced” interestingly occurs in Isaiah 51:9 of God’s smiting of the dragon, and thus shows that
the destruction of the powers of darkness was at the heart of the cross. He took the
“chastisement”, or “punishment”, which our transgressions deserved. He was “crushed for our
iniquities”. “Iniquities” is our twisted nature which results in sinful attitudes and actions. Peace is
secured by the Servant undergoing the punishment for us. This is not only substitution but penal
substitution, because before we can be forgiven, God’s just anger against sin must be propitiated
so that we can have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Suffering Servant is a Sin-bearer. The Messiah had done no wrong. It was our rebellion
against God that caused the trouble. Christ, in His mercy and grace, was wounded to remedy the
problem. It was our own sin that was laid on Christ, and He mercifully took the punishment that
we deserved. His death was vicarious—that is, He died for us sinners. Christ suffered death as
our substitute. He received the penalty our sins deserved, and we received, in exchange, the
blessings His righteousness had earned. “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that
in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). What an amazing
trade! Through the sacrifice of Christ, we are reconciled to God: “While we were God’s enemies,
we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son” (Romans 5:10).

As we mark Advent and prepare for another Christmas where we celebrate the birth of Christ,
let’s not lose sight of the reason that Jesus came. He came to redeem sinful humanity. This ought
to lead us to acknowledge that we are all sinners, and we all need the Saviour. This leads us to
confession and repentance. God then transforms our lives, and the Holy Spirit indwells us and
enables us to live like Christ. May this be our daily posture and pursuit. Amen.

Jermaine Gibson

All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his decrees. Psalm 25:10

Undoubtedly, God has strewn our path with encouraging promises, which are scattered throughout His word. He has pledged to lead us in the paths of righteousness and make the way we take secure. But can we trust His promises? Can we be certain that His word is true? Indeed, we can, and David is a living testament to this. Often in the Book of Psalms, we see David lifting up his heart to the Lord in prayer and praise, and calling out to Him for guidance and pardon. His prayers often contain a request for God’s help in the face of his enemies, which demonstrates a quiet confidence that God is faithful to His word and will not let him down. Today’s Watchword is no different.

The promises of God are founded on nothing less than the perfection of God’s holy nature. They are rooted in God’s steadfast love and the eternal faithfulness of His everlasting word. David knows this to be true in his own life, and we find him reflecting on the wonder of the Lord as he prayerfully considers the goodness of God and His faithfulness in meeting sinners and teaching them the way of truth: All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness. God’s ways lead to gracious love, and He shows His fidelity towards those who keep His covenant and His decrees.

The faithfulness, mercy, goodness, and grace of God, are no less true today than during that time when David discovered the Lord was his Shepherd who gently leads him beside the still waters, faithfully guides him into the way of peace, guards him in the valley of the shadow of death, and prepares a plentiful table of good things in the midst of all his enemies. It is only as we remain in Christ, rest in His love, and walk in the path He has planned for us, that we will discover all His paths are strewn with goodness and grace. God is working in our lives with an eternal perspective, and it is only as we walk in harmony with the Lord and remain in accordance with His plans and purposes that we will remain in harmony with His truth.

The way we travel may not be the path of our choosing, nor the way we expected to trudge. The path we take may be covered with difficulties and dangers, but God’s grace is sufficient for every eventuality we may encounter. He knows the best way for each of us to take for He is the way, and we need to trust Him to lead us aright, even when the route is overshadowed by dark and thunderous clouds.  As we trust God’s word, carry out His will, abide in Him, and He is us, we will grow in faith. His way will lead us deeper into fellowship with Himself and enable us to mature in the faith, grow in grace, and gain a deeper knowledge of the holy. For He desires us to enjoy a satisfying and unbroken communion with Him.

May we commit to walk with God and enjoy the benefits of His presence and His covenantal promises. Amen.   

Jermaine Gibson

Prelude: I greet you in the aftermath of the catastrophic effects of Hurricane Melissa. I pray you
and family are as ok as possible. We are troubled, but hopeful. Let’s process what has taken
place and how it has affected each of us. Let’s rise with intention and passion to rebuild,
undergirded by the love and power of God.

God: Our Defense Witness and Advocate
Even now my witness is in heaven, and my advocate is on high. Job 16:19

In the context of today’s text, Job is facing sustained and heated accusations by his friends,
insisting that his suffering must be a result of sin. In today’s Watchword, Job expresses a deep
conviction that despite all his suffering and the accusations of his friends, he has a witness in
heaven, someone who sees and knows the truth of his innocence. He believes that God Himself
is his advocate, standing as his defense in a heavenly court. This is a powerful statement of faith
in the midst of Job’s overwhelming pain and confusion. Job does not fully understand why he is
suffering, but he trusts that God sees the truth and will ultimately vindicate him. His hope is not
in earthly justice, but in the justice that comes from God.
In the time of Job, the legal system often involved witnesses and advocates who would stand in
defense of someone accused of wrongdoing. Job’s friends have taken on the role of accusers. Job
counters their arguments by declaring that his true witness and advocate is not on earth but in
heaven. He is looking beyond human opinions and earthly justice to the ultimate justice that
comes from God. In this ancient cultural context, the role of an advocate or mediator was
essential in legal disputes, and Job is applying this concept to his relationship with God, trusting
that God will defend him, even when others accuse him. Job appeals to God as a divine witness
who knows the truth of his character and heart, even when earthly witnesses are unavailable and
his friends offer no true comfort.
Today’s text teaches us that God is both our witness and advocate. In moments of suffering and
when we feel wrongly accused, we can take comfort in knowing that God sees the truth of our
hearts. Job’s declaration shows his deep trust in God’s justice, even when human understanding
fails. Indeed, we are not alone in our struggles; God stands with us as our defender. Further,
ultimate justice belongs to God, and He will vindicate the righteous in His perfect timing. Job’s
faith in his heavenly advocate encourages us to look to God, rather than to human opinions, for
validation and justice. God is on our side, even when we face trials and accusations. We are
encouraged to remain faithful in times of suffering, knowing that God will ultimately make all
things right. God is deeply involved in our lives and cares about justice. God’s love is active and
protective, not passive or indifferent. He sees us, knows us, and will ultimately bring justice.
Job’s hope in a heavenly advocate finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Today’s New
Testament text in Hebrews 4:14 reminds us, “Since, then, we have a great high priest who has
passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession.” Jesus is
the true advocate who stands before God on our behalf. Through His death and resurrection,
Jesus has taken on the role of defending us, interceding for us, and securing our salvation.

Hebrews 7:25 assures us that “He (Jesus) always lives to intercede for them…” Job’s cry for a
heavenly witness and defender points forward to the work of Christ, who not only defends us,
but redeems us. Through Jesus, we have the assurance that our case has already been won.
Hallelujah! Amen.
Jermaine Gibson

You have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling. Psalm 116:8

A woman who had been suffering from a flow of blood for 12 years, and though she had spent all she had on physicians, no one could cure her. She came up behind him and touched the fringe of His cloak, and immediately her flow of blood stopped. Luke 8: 43-44

Merciful Saviour, we cry out to You for relief. In our sorrow, despair, and anguish, let us draw closer to you and the promise of Your healing love. We yearn for the moment when Your arms will enfolds us, and Your love surround us. Bring Your comfort to us, we pray. Amen

Belonging to God
I am yours; save me, for I have sought your precepts. Psalm 119:94
Psalm 119 is dedicated to the celebration of God’s word and the joy of following God’s statutes
and ordinances. David extols the virtues of God’s commandments and expresses his commitment
to following them faithfully. One of the central themes of today’s Watchword is the Psalmist’s
unwavering commitment to God. The verse begins with the statement, “I am yours” which
signifies David’s acknowledgment of his belonging to God. This declaration reflects his
understanding of his identity as a child of God and his personal relationship with Him.
In today’s verse, David articulates a deep personal relationship with God, underscoring his
dependence on divine intervention. The plea for salvation is rooted in the acknowledgment of
belonging to God, a theme resonating throughout Psalm 119. This self-identification as
belonging to God emphasizes his commitment to faithfully pursuing God’s commands. The
writer expresses not only a desire for salvation but also a life lived in alignment with God’s
precepts, illustrating the relationship between devotion and deliverance.
The heartfelt plea, “save me,” reflects an urgent need for divine rescue amidst trials. The
Psalmist’s commitment to seeking God’s precepts serves as the basis for his request, highlighting
the reciprocal relationship between obedience and God’s protection. Believing that God’s
assistance is forthcoming, he embodies the assurance that those who earnestly seek after God
remain secure within His care. This belief in divine safeguarding invites believers to reflect on
our own pursuit of God and the expectations that arise from that pursuit, understanding what it
means to live faithfully within the covenant of faith.
Further, David’s plea for salvation reflects the struggles and challenges he faces in his life.
Throughout Psalm 119, he acknowledges the trials and tribulations he encounters, but he
consistently turns to God’s word for guidance and strength. In today’s verse, David’s plea for
deliverance is a manifestation of his trust in God’s ability to rescue him from adversity and to
provide him with the protection he needs.
As we contemplate today’s text, we are led to reflect on our relationship with God. Do we belong
to God? Have we surrendered to God’s will and way for our lives? What of the level and depth
of our fellowship with God? Remember David says, “I am yours”. A true reflection of his
submission to God’s authority and his commitment to living in accordance with His will. It also
conveys a deep sense of intimacy and trust, as David recognizes his dependence on God and his
need for God’s guidance and protection. Can we say with all sincerity to God, ‘I am yours’?
May our daily pursuit be to deepen our relationship with God. May it be to commit and recommit
our lives to God and his sovereign rulership over our lives. May we read God’s word daily and
dedicate ourselves to follow it faithfully. May we depend on God to guide and protect us as we
face life’s trials, anchored in God’s love. Amen.
Jermaine Gibson