DAY 277- BIG PICTURE IN A YEAR - THE EXILE
Reading: Daniel 7
As we conclude our studies of Daniel today, we come across perhaps the most compelling and remarkable aspect of his life – the fact that he prophesied the course of world history for the next several centuries and recorded these prophecies in the book bearing his name.
The fulcrum for all this is Daniel, chapter 7.
This chapter occupies a unique place in the Bible. It provides the most comprehensive prophecy of future events found anywhere in the Old Testament. Scholars generally are agreed that in this chapter, Daniel traces the course of four great world empires, namely, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome, concluding in the climax of world history in the second coming of Jesus Christ and the inauguration of the eternal kingdom of God, represented as a fifth and final kingdom which is from heaven.
Daniel, a godly prophet and a man of unshakable faith, has been steadfast in his daily walk of fellowship with God throughout the first six chapters of the Book of Daniel. Nothing has caused him to panic or depart from his faith and practice as a godly Jew. Neither peer opposition nor the king's new law (chapter 6) greatly disturbed Daniel. Daniel’s first inner turmoil only occurs in chapter 7. Twice in chapter 7 Daniel speaks of his distress:
“As for me, Daniel, my spirit was distressed within me, and the visions in my mind kept alarming me” (verse 15). “At this point the
revelation ended. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts were greatly alarming me and my face grew pale, but I kept the matter to myself” (verse 28).
A look through the Scriptures shows that Daniel’s response to the prophecies he received was not unique. Many Old Testament prophets shared Daniel’s distress as a result of the prophecies they received.
Should we be distressed as well?
The interpretation of the events Daniel witnessed in his vision is given in its most concise form in verses 17 and 18: The four beasts are four kings, who will arise from the earth. In spite of these kings, the saints of the Highest One will possess the eternal kingdom forever and ever. In spite of all these beasts do and say, in spite of their power and even their success, neither they nor their kingdoms will last. The kingdom of God will be established and the saints will possess it forever.
Phew!
Prayer
Thank You for showing me in Your Word that You’ve got this – help me to be a useful part of Your overall plan.
FOR THE FAMILY
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