Hitherto is the end of the matter. As for me Daniel, my cogitations (deepest thoughts, contemplations) much troubled me, and my countenance (mental composure) changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart. Daniel 7:28
Daniel had been God’s instrument as the interpreter of dreams for Nebuchadnezzar. His faithfulness despite being a captive had lead him to a place of position within the courts of King Nebuchadnezzar, ruler over Babylon. Ultimately, King Nebuchadnezzar worshipped God. Then, came his grandson, Belshazzar, who had no respect for God. During a lavish drunken, sensual party; God wrote upon the walls those fateful words of Weighed, found wanting, and dissected as the army of the Medes easily took over the Babylonian empire fulfilling the next historical phase prophesied to King Nebuchadnezzar in his dream many years before. After Daniel told us of this historical event in Chapter 5 followed by the events in his own life under Darius in Chapter 6 that lead to Darius worshipping God; he now in chapter 7 reflects back to a prophetic dream that God had given to Daniel.
As, Daniel begins chapter 7, he writes “in the first year of Belshazzar, king of Babylon, I had a dream”. He saw the winds blowing over the Mediterranean Sea and beasts that would come out of the sea, each different and each one devouring the one before. Each beast was more frightening and more ferocious in nature until,
the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened. I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame. Daniel 7:9-11
Daniel was deeply disturbed by the dream and an angel came to Daniel to interpret the dream for him. Again, in different format God had revealed the future as it would occur. Each revelation would add details not previously seen in the initial revelations. Each would help to guide Daniel and us toward a full understanding of God’s Sovereignty. It would demonstrate God’s Steady Determination and Faithfulness in fulfilling His Covenant toward His people despite their rebellious, sin laden hearts. It would portray eras of darkness, moments in which His Chosen Children would undergo devastation, sorrow, pain, and suffering; yet, with one shining hope. God has won the victory!! One day, His throne will be established to stand firm. We can look at the details as outlined in this dream of Daniel and recognize that the four kingdoms referred to in Daniel’s vision all came to be: just as foretold in the dream. For that reason, we can with certainty know that Satan’s final stand will occur when the 10 horns arise only to be devoured by the one large horn representing the Antichrist—all of which is yet to come. With that same certainty, once the Antichrist has ruled 3 ½ years, God will cast him into hell as Christ returns to establish His Kingdom forever.
The parts of the vision that has already become reality are: The lion seen represented Babylon, who was then overtaken by the bear which represented the Mede-Persian empire, followed by the leopard who represented the Grecian Empire under Alexander the Great-that divided into 4 kingdoms following his death; and finally the Roman Empire. Currently we stand in a period of time that is somewhat a gap between those events that already occurred and those that are yet to come. This is the time after Christ came to earth to pay the price for sin and last until the end times just before His second return. This gap of time has been referred to as the church age.
WHY DOES ANY OF THIS MATTER?
Notice, that as Daniel came to know these truths; his thinking changed, as did his mental composure. The weight of knowing what was to come carried with it also a sadness to see the pain that would come. He knew that Babylon would fall and his own world as he knew it would change. He felt the weight of knowing that evil would devour and ravage the hearts of men. Yes, he knew that God would one day establish His Kingdom. Did Daniel in a sense foresee the agony of the cross, the depth of pain God was willing to endure to provide Grace to all who would seek Him? At any rate, Daniel did feel the weight of man’s evil heart upon the earth. It drew him ever more into searching the words of God and prayer. He carried that weight with him as he watched the evil acts of Belshazzar, knowing Belshazzar would not heed the warning. Indeed, Belshazzar had never sought audience with Daniel until the fateful night of Belshazzar’s demise and the overtaking of the throne.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR YOU AND ME?
As I watch the news of terrorist attacks around the world, the horror of poverty, the sufferings of people who are oppressed, the atrocities, the corruption of governments, and the willingness of humans to accept such evil; I, like Daniel, am affected. Deep within my mind and heart I cry out for our nation and our world. Perhaps Daniel felt a bit of helplessness as he realized he was only one person and what could one person do? How can I become light that holds back darkness? Daniel shows us–through prayer and seeking God we can be light and hope to our world.
[tweetthis]God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1[/tweetthis]
[bctt tweet=”When everything around us appears to be falling apart—God is our refuge.” username=”effiedarlene”]
[tweetthis]When our heart is breaking into pieces, God is the healer of our heart.[/tweetthis]
[bctt tweet=”God is on His Throne, He Is the Great I am, & He gave His Son to purchase our freedom” username=”effiedarlene”]
[tweetthis]For all who seek Him- God gave His best and Always will keep His Promises.[/tweetthis]
We are called to be God’s Messenger of light to a dark world. How much are you willing to suffer for the salvation of one soul? How much are you willing to give? That is the question I ask myself every morning as I pray for each of you.
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2016
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.