BIBLE CHALLENGE
October 1, 2021

"I kept watching. Then, because of the arrogant words, which the horn was speaking, I watched as the animal was killed, its body was destroyed..."
Daniel 7
“I kept watching. Then, because of the arrogant words, which the horn was speaking, I watched as the animal was killed, its body was destroyed; and it was given over to be burned up completely. As for the other animals, their rulership was taken away; but their lives were prolonged for a time and a season.” Daniel 7:11-12
In today’s chapter, we learn that in addition to being a superior intellect and physical specimen, with the ability to interpret dreams and visions, Daniel was given the gift of having dreams and visions of his own. It always amazes me what prophets see when they are “taken up” to heaven. Their experiences always seem like deleted scenes from some science fiction movie. What’s bizarre is how God’s perspective on reality seems like fantasy to us. But doesn’t that mean that God’s perspective IS reality and ours is the fantastic distortion?
Have you ever considered how God sees things? For instance, in today’s chapter, who we would consider to be world leaders (those guys we see getting out of limos for a U.N. meeting), God sees as vicious power-hungry beasts who are bent on destroying anything in their paths for the sake of national and personal ambition. Personally speaking, such a vision would have disturbed me, as well. But, when all seems out of control, we catch a glimpse of Messiah, Jesus.
“I kept watching the night visions, when I saw, coming with the clouds of heaven, someone like a son of man. He approached the Ancient One and was led into His presence. To Him was given rulership, glory, and a kingdom, so that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His rulership is an eternal rulership that will not pass away; and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.” Daniel 7:13-14
We may not know what the future holds, but we know Who holds the future. And God has shown us a glimpse of the future He holds. It is comforting to know that everything the Lord allowed Daniel to see has unfolded exactly as predicted. So, in light of such evidence, why would some people still be inclined to reject Jesus as Lord? Why would they seek another “god” and worship in defiance of God’s Word?
It has been said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over but expecting different results. Or, as Albert Einstein put it, “We cannot attempt to move beyond our present circumstances by utilizing the methods that brought us here.”
The nature, purpose, and ultimate goal of sin have not been altered since the fall of man. Satan continues to steal, kill and destroy throughout the generations. What Daniel saw prophetically, we can literally see 24-7 online and on television. That means our dependence on the certainty of redemption and the accuracy of Biblical prophecy is as necessary as ever. Messiah Jesus is Lord! He has been Lord from eternity past (Micah 5:2), and He will be Lord forever in the Kingdom to come.