The visions, given to Daniel, concerned God’s eternal Kingdom (Daniel
7:27). This eternal dimension must never be lost. If we have nothing to
which we can look forward, with confidence in the eternal God, we are,
in the words of the Apostle Paul, “of all men most miserable.” When we
look, through faith in Jesus Christ, beyond the earthly horizon, we
catch a glimpse of the eternal glory, and our faith is increased. We
come to believe, most firmly, that what happens, here on earth, is not
the last word on our life. God is preparing us for His Kingdom. He is
preparing His Kingdom for us.
“Daniel saw a vision” (Daniel 8:1).
With this vision, there was the explanation. Daniel falls down. He hears
these words, “Son of man, understand that the vision is about the end
times” (Daniel 8:17). Daniel does not remain facedown. He is lifted up:
“Then he touched me and raised me to my feet” (Daniel 8:18). Daniel 8
ends with these words - “The vision horrified me, because I couldn’t
understand it” (Daniel 8:27). There is much, in God’s Word, that is
beyond our understanding. We must keep on looking to the Lord. We must
pray that He will lead us in His perfect way.
In Daniel 9, we see
Daniel, the man of prayer. He confesses his own sin and the sin of the
nation (Daniel 9:8). He looks to the Lord, the God of compassion and
forgiveness (Daniel 9:9). He prays that God will move among the people,
with His blessing (Daniel 9:19).
“Then he touched me and made my
hands and knees shake” (Daniel 10:10). It is an awesome thing to be in
the presence of the living God. What a reassuring thing it was, for
Daniel, when he heard this gracious word: “Daniel, you are highly
respected ... Don’t be afraid” (Daniel 10:11-12). When we are in the
presence of God, we must listen to what He has to say to us - “Pay
attention to my words ....” (Daniel 10:11). We dare not speak words
until God gives us the words that we are to say: “I bowed down ... And
was silent” (Daniel 10:15). When God gives the words, that is the time
for speaking (Daniel 10:16). God gives us words to confess our need of
His grace and mercy: “pain has overwhelmed me, and I’m helpless” (Daniel
10:16). When we look to God for His grace and mercy, He speaks His Word
of encouragement: “Be strong! Be strong!” (Daniel 10:19). God’s Word
makes us strong.
When, in Daniel 11, we read of the rise and fall
of human kingdoms, we must remember this - God is building His eternal
Kingdom. This Kingdom - God’s Kingdom - is the only Kingdom which will
never come to an end. We put our trust in the Lord. Our trust in the
Lord is well-founded. The Lord is absolutely trustworthy.
The Word
of God points us forward to “the end times” (Daniel 12:4,7-9,13). There
will be a time of salvation. There will be a time of judgment. Those
who have believed in our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, are called to
win others for Him. Along with the call to be faithful and fruitful
servants of the Lord, we are given a great promise: “Those who lead many
people to righteousness will shine like the stars for ever and ever”
(Daniel 12:3).
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