It seems the vision that Daniel was given is the prophecy of how the Lord will bring about the establishment of His kingdom. Although frightening to some extent, there is a peace the Lord desires to bring.
Although, before the kingdom of God is established on the earth, Daniel is shown that four earthly kingdoms will rise and fall. He is shown the four kingdoms from the least bad to the worst of the worst. Arrogant, boastful, and even blasphemous kings will reign over the nations, opposing God and oppressing Christians. All of this is by divine design.
It seems that during the times of oppression, the Christians appear to be defeated and that the Kingdom of God is a far reach. But then, Daniel is shown that when the oppression and evil reach a crucial point, that God will remove the Christians and He will establish His kingdom. Then we will all rule and reign with Him.
A number of lessons from this scripture have broad application to our thinking and the way we act as Christians.
The lessons here to think about?
(1) Prophecy is necessary because God has chosen to settle His accounts with men/women slowly.
(2) While the timing of the fulfillment of divine prophecy may seem remote to the recipient, it still has relevance for him.
(3) The best commentary on the prophecy of Daniel 7 comes from our Lord Himself, not man.
(4) Suffering is to be expected by us Christians, before they enter into the glorious kingdom of God.
(5) Prophecy is not written as hype but revealed to produce the hope of glory and endurance in present tribulation.
(6) Prophecy is written to sober us Christians.
(7) Prophecy is revealed, not to give us the particulars of things to come, but to change our perspective.
What's your perspective, thoughts and feelings on these scriptures in the book of Daniel?
Sunday, November 30, 2008
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