While we may be uncertain regarding the timing of the end, God is clear regarding the testing leading up to that end. Daniel’s final vision provides a vague progression of events accompanied by a clear expectation for His followers.
Daniel foresaw a clear progression of prideful rulers culminating in the reign of the Antichrist. For all the power amassed by God’s opponents throughout history, their end will be sudden and sure.
We often obsess over things of which are not within our control. The concerns that occupy our minds are normally situations we can’t even influence. We can’t make changes regarding political policy, pandemic protocols, or worldwide worries. What can we do? It’s time to go the second mile focusing on what you can control.
God sent messengers to Daniel to reveal how earthly conflicts are connected to spiritual warfare. If we don’t acknowledge that we are in a war, we will most definitely experience significant defeat.
In Daniel’s concern about the future, the angel Gabriel provided a needed amount of clarity yet permitted some level of confusion. While the details may be debated, the vision is clear – Christ is coming at an appointed time for a specific outcome.
As Daniel studied the scriptures, he was dismayed at how far the people had drifted from God. His prayer of corporate repentance provides a helpful guide as we seek a needed wake-up call from God.
In Daniel’s remarkably detailed vision of two coming kingdoms, God’s enemies are described as those who throw truth to the ground. No matter how powerful they may seem, God’s truth will endure, and He will ultimately defeat every remaining opposition.
Daniel’s frightening vision of future kings alarmed him until he beheld the coming King who would reign forever. Amid polarizing politicians and combative kingdoms, our great hope is in the true King who is on His way.
Daniel refused to pray to the king and was cast into the lion’s den because of his devotion. Not only did his bold stance make a statement about his faith, but it successfully witnessed to others as well.
Have you ever felt like you are stuck in a rut? It just feels like the same thing day after day. When you read the pages of Scripture, their stories may seem very different than yours. Or are they?
When King Belshazzar took the vessels from the temple and used them for idolatrous purposes, God sent a frightening message to the people. The writing on the wall seeks to remind us that when God has had enough, He puts an abrupt end to sin.
Through King Nebuchadnezzar’s humiliation and restoration, he learns an important truth: God can do whatever He wants to do whenever He wants to do it. None of us can block God’s will from coming to pass.
Daniel interpreted the king’s disturbing dream and showed him that all of his power had been given by the one with all authority. No matter who is in charge, God remains sovereign.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego risked their lives when they refused to worship the golden image. When it seemed that God abandoned them in their suffering, He actually met them within the fire.
God gave Daniel the ability to interpret the king’s troubling dream, but instead of taking credit at an opportune time, Daniel unashamedly gave God the glory. Our goal should be to use any platform to represent God rather than present ourselves.
Daniel and his friends had to decide whether they would be transformed by the culture or transformers of the culture. Just like them, we must resolve to show convictional courage in a nation increasingly hostile to biblical values.
When Babylon conquered Judah, the pagan king gathered a group of exiles to alter their worldview in order to reconstruct the whole nation. A small group heeded the biblical command regarding exile expectations and remained expectant of how God could use them during that time.
Remember all those hopes you had on December 31, 2019? We were all going to have a “2020” vision for the future. This year was going to be the year.
Have you ever desired to understand the Book of Daniel? Learn some insights into the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. Daniel’s account motivates God’s people to remain faithful despite exilic times.
Daniel learned how to stay faithful to God in a culture that was hostile toward his faith. Navigating through promised persecution, prideful politicians, and petrifying predictions, Daniel and his friends maintained their commitment regardless of the outcome.
After the division of the kingdom into Israel and Judah, the nation continued to spiral out of control. As sin increased, God sent prophets to warn the nations about impending punishment. Their disregard led to their exile. 16 – Exile The Purpose of the Prophets Prophecy does not simply mean foretelling the future. The primary job was to speak for God to …
Interpreting the Old Testament prophets is an important hermeneutics’ skill.
While the prophets are historical literature, they are more like sermons commenting on the events than detailed reporting of the events.
The Apostle Paul clearly warned believers when he wrote, “See to it that no one takes you through hollow and deceptive philosophy, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ” (Col. 2:8). The word “philosophy” literally means “the love of wisdom.” Wisdom is not a bad thing. Hollow and deceptive obsession …