Making and Maturing

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Ryan serves as the Lead Pastor of Green Pond Bible Chapel in Rockaway, New Jersey. He is married with four children.
  • God Loves Us & Sends Us Trials- Daniel 10:1-11:1

    God Loves Us & Sends Us Trials- Daniel 10:1-11:1

    Take a moment to pray. Ask God to speak to you through his word—for his Spirit to convict you of sin, teach you the truth, and lead you in walking by faith.

    Setting the Scene

    Daniel’s 4th vision is all about preparation. God grants Daniel a vision that will prepare Israel in exile to walk through significant trials coming in their future. The message of this vision presupposes a paradoxical truth: God greatly loves us, and yet still sends us trials.

    It is seemingly contradictory to say that God loves us and ordains persecution, or cancer, or unemployment. Sometimes it’s not even those more significant trials that derail us, but the lesser ones. God loves us and ordained a break up? Traffic? Crazy weather?

    Daniel’s 4th vision also assumes God’s sovereignty over geopolitical events through angelic influence and intervention.  Due to our culture’s anti-supernatural bias this truth is not popular in the church today, but it is taught in the Scriptures.

    This vision is a bit long, so we’re going to tackle it in three parts. First, we’ll consider the preparation for Daniel to hear and pass on a hard message (Daniel 10:1-11:1). Next week we’ll look at the beginning of the vision itself (Daniel 11:2-35). Finally, we’ll examine the hopeful conclusion of the vision (Daniel 11:36-12:13).

    As you read this vision, you’ll be challenged to prepare your faith to endure whatever trials the Lord may send your way. Don’t fear. Be at peace. Be strong. You are loved.

    Daniel 10:1-11:1

    Dan. 10:1    In the third year of King Cyrus of Persia, a message was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belteshazzar. The message was true and was about a great conflict. He understood the message and had understanding of the vision.

    The message of this last vision for Daniel is centered on a great conflict. In some ways this vision serves to sober Israel, because at this time (about 536 BC) the first exiles had already been given permission to head home to Israel. The vision is a prophecy about the Seleucid and Ptolemy kingdoms, and specifically how Israel will suffer in various ways during their reign.  More on that next week.

    Dan. 10:2    In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three full weeks. 3 I didn’t eat any rich food, no meat or wine entered my mouth, and I didn’t put any oil on my body until the three weeks were over. 4 On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river, the Tigris, 5 I looked up, and there was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of gold from Uphaz around his waist. 6 His body was like beryl, his face like the brilliance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and feet like the gleam of polished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a multitude.

    Daniel received this vision while fasting and walking along the Tigris river. During this walk, a shining figure appeared to Daniel. Commentators are divided over whether this figure is a theophany, an appearance of God, or an angel, a messenger of God. Some of these same terms are used here are also used for the appearance of Jesus in Revelation 1:12-16. Even so, given the way the figure speaks, it seems more likely that this is an angel. Either way, this is God’s Word for Daniel and Israel.

    Dan. 10:7    Only I, Daniel, saw the vision. The men who were with me did not see it, but a great terror fell on them, and they ran and hid. 8 I was left alone, looking at this great vision. No strength was left in me; my face grew deathly pale, and I was powerless. 9 I heard the words he said, and when I heard them I fell into a deep sleep, with my face to the ground.

    Daniel’s friends did not see the figure who appeared to Daniel, nonetheless they were scared away. Daniel himself was overcome and physically taken ill over the appearance.

    Dan. 10:10    Suddenly, a hand touched me and set me shaking on my hands and knees. 11 He said to me, “Daniel, you are a man treasured by God. Understand the words that I’m saying to you. Stand on your feet, for I have now been sent to you.” After he said this to me, I stood trembling.

    While Daniel was afraid, the angel reassures him that he is treasured by God. He has a job to do—to understand the coming vision and communicate it as instructed.

    Dan. 10:12    “Don’t be afraid, Daniel,” he said to me, “for from the first day that you purposed to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your prayers were heard. I have come because of your prayers. 13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia opposed me for twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me after I had been left there with the kings of Persia. 14 Now I have come to help you understand what will happen to your people in the last days, for the vision refers to those days.”

    The angel starts his message to Daniel by encouraging him not to be afraid. He relates that he would have come when Daniel was first praying 21 days ago, but he was locked in conflict with “the prince of Persia”- a reference to a demon who was influencing Persian rulers. The archangel Michael came to his aide, and so he succeeded.

    Dan. 10:15    While he was saying these words to me, I turned my face toward the ground and was speechless. 16 Suddenly one with human likeness touched my lips. I opened my mouth and said to the one standing in front of me, “My lord, because of the vision, anguish overwhelms me and I am powerless. 17 How can someone like me, your servant, speak with someone like you, my lord? Now I have no strength, and there is no breath in me.”

    The prospect of once again hearing about Israel’s difficult days ahead was too much for Daniel. Yet he cannot refuse. In fact, the angel tells him twice that he is greatly loved by God.

    Dan. 10:18    Then the one with a human appearance touched me again and strengthened me. 19 He said, “Don’t be afraid, you who are treasured by God. Peace to you; be very strong!”  As he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.”

    Again, the angel encourages Daniel to not be afraid. He reiterates that God treasures Daniel. He exhorts him to be at peace, and to be strong. Every one of these encouragements is designed to bolster Daniel’s faith as he will hear about the coming trials for Israel.

    Dan. 10:20    He said, “Do you know why I’ve come to you? I must return at once to fight against the prince of Persia, and when I leave, the prince of Greece will come. 21 However, I will tell you what is recorded in the book of truth. (No one has the courage to support me against those princes except Michael, your prince.

    Dan. 11:1    In the first year of Darius the Mede, I stood up to strengthen and protect him.)

    One interesting assumption in the Bible about angels and demons is they have geographic/national jurisdictions (check out the “sons of God” in Deut. 32:8). Here the angel tells Daniel that with the help of Michael he must go and resume battle with the demon over Persia, and later the demon over Greece. He concludes by telling Daniel he had also fought alongside Michael against the demon over Persia in 538 BC. That was the year that Cyrus permitted the Israelites to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple.

    The Big Picture

    The future for Israel would not be smooth sailing, but Daniel needs to interpret this bad news in light of God’s sovereignty. Here we see the paradox: God loves us and sends us trials.

    When we pull back and consider the whole of the Bible, we see that the fundamental truth of God’s sovereignty is the foundation for our hope in trials. God is doing something. He is even directing geopolitical events, sometimes via angelic influence and intervention! God is active and reigning. Yes, there is a struggle, but his servants fight to accomplish his plan.

    Looking forward to the work of the Messiah, we can see Jesus’ death as the prime example of the tension in these verses. The trials are hard, but just because they are hard doesn’t mean God doesn’t love you or have a plan. The Apostle Peter says as much in Acts 4:27-28. He points out that those complicit in Jesus’ death did “whatever your hand and your will had predestined to take place.”

    At the bare minimum, the preparation of Daniel to hear this 4th vision reinforces this key Biblical principle: God is at work even in the hardest trials we will ever face.

    Taking It Home

    The reason why we struggle to embrace this idea of God loving us yet ordaining trials is because we love comfort too much. There’s no sense in desiring suffering, but 21st century Americans assume that we are entitled to be comfortable. I know I do. At that point comfort becomes a false god rather than a blessing.

    So let’s acknowledge what we know to be true: God has ordained trials for us. We simply don’t know exactly what they are. What should we do in the meantime? Prepare.

    Don’t fear. Fight your fear with faith in the sovereign God of the universe. Remember that his unlimited power and unmatched goodness are the ultimate authority in the world.

    Be at peace. Don’t settle for anxiety. Don’t feed your worry. Take a deep breath, and focus on who you know God is.

    Be strong. Maybe it’s time we toughen up a bit as Christians. Maybe we need to learn a lesson or two from the persecuted church around the world. Maybe we need a sobering reminder that our comfort is the chief purpose of God’s creation.

    You are loved. Yes it will be hard. Yes it will hurt. Yes sin is ugly and destructive. Though the tears and trials don’t lose sight of the fact that God treasures you.

    Finally, when we’re facing a trial, be it large or small, let’s remember that there’s much more going on than we can see. We can fight despair with the truth that God is at work. If only we could see the spiritual battles going on around us! God is doing something.

    Next week we will continue Daniel’s 4th vision. Lest Daniel (or Israel, or we) doubt, the rest of the vision prophesies with remarkable accuracy what is coming down the pike.

    Pray

    • Praise God for sovereign power over this universe. As you pray, consider geopolitical events or headlines that seem out of his control. Pray for his will to be done.
    • Ask God to prepare you to walk through trials by faith. Consider areas of your life where you struggle with anxiety, fear, and worry. Confess those to the Lord.
    • If you are going through a trial right now, ask God to help you trust him with the outcome. Praise God that he comforts us with character in our hardest times.
  • Sin Stops Here: Daniel’s 70 Weeks- Daniel 9:20-27

    Sin Stops Here: Daniel’s 70 Weeks- Daniel 9:20-27

    Take a moment to pray. Ask God to speak to you through his word—for his Spirit to convict you of sin, teach you the truth, and lead you in walking by faith.

    Setting the Scene

    Infinite wisdom dictated the hour at which the Messiah should be born, and the moment at which He should be cut off. His advent and His work are the highest point of the purpose of God, the hinge of history, the center of providence, the crowning of the edifice of grace, and therefore peculiar care watched over every detail.

    -C. H. Spurgeon

    The problem has always been sin. When we struggle, hurt, fail, get sick, and suffer we naturally look for the causes. Crime is up—we need education! Cancer rates are up—we need a cure! My spouse is frustrating me—we (they) need therapy! But at the root of all the angst and brokenness in our universe is one single cause: sin.

    Daniel’s third vision was given around 539 BC, towards the end of Israel’s time in exile. He and the other Israelite exiles in Persia (formerly Babylon) were painfully aware of the consequences of sin. They just wanted to be home. They wanted the fix.

    In Daniel chapter 9, he tells us that he had been reading Jeremiah 25:11-13 where God promised the exile would last 70 years. He knew the first exiles had been taken around 605 BC, so they were potentially getting close to that 70 year mark.

    This led Daniel to pray a prayer of confession and repentance on behalf of the nation (Daniel 9:4-19). He asked God to forgive Israel’s sins, to honor his promises, and to bring Israel home again.

    Right in the middle of this prayer, the angel Gabriel interrupts Daniel to give him an answer in the form of a vision (Daniel 9:21-23). In this answer, Gabriel shows Daniel that the exile will end, but the problem of sin persists. In fact, God’s ultimate plan is not just about getting Israel to a particular piece of real estate. Instead, it’s about dealing with sin.

    As we read this vision, we should be aware that we often desire the quick fix to a problem rather than God’s ultimate solution. Gabriel essentially tells Daniel that the spiritual exile isn’t just 70 years, but 70 “sevens” of years. Do the math—that’s 490 years. While that might seem like a discouragement, it’s a promise to Daniel that God will indeed deal with the problem.

    Daniel 9:20-24

    Dan. 9:20    While I was speaking, praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my petition before the LORD my God concerning the holy mountain of my God— 21 while I was praying, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the first vision, reached me in my extreme weariness, about the time of the evening offering. 22 He gave me this explanation: “Daniel, I’ve come now to give you understanding. 23 At the beginning of your petitions an answer went out, and I have come to give it, for you are treasured by God. So consider the message and understand the vision:

    This introduction to the vision clarifies how it relates to Daniel’s prayer in the previous verses. The angelic guide who gives a vision and explains it is a hallmark of Biblical apocalyptic visions.

    Dan. 9:24    Seventy weeks are decreed about your people and your holy city—

    to bring the rebellion to an end, to put a stop to sin,

    to atone for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness,

    to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most holy place.

    Daniel’s famous 70 weeks of years have been the subject of much speculation and disagreement among Christians. What is abundantly clear, and what everyone agrees on, is the purpose of these 490 years (70 x 7 = 490).

    Gabriel states 6 related end results of these 490 years. They will result in an end to rebellion and sin, atonement for sin, ushering in of eternal righteousness, sealing of the vision, and dedication of the temple’s most holy place.

    In short, after the 490 years, the problem of sin will be solved through an atoning sacrifice. A permanent, enduring righteousness will be available through faith. The prophecy will have been sealed, meaning that it will be authenticated as legitimate. Finally, the most holy place once again be available for ministry, although there is some ambiguity as to whether this most holy place is the temple or the Messiah himself.

    Note that the first three results are negative—sin is removed, while the second three are positive—righteousness is given, the prophecy proven true, and the most holy place provided.

    Gabriel now goes on to provide some specifics about these 490 years. This is where some Christians will disagree on the details, but remember that the overall purpose of these years is clear.

    Daniel 9:25-27

    25 Know and understand this:

    From the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until an Anointed One, the ruler, will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks. It will be rebuilt with a plaza and a moat, but in difficult times.

    Gabriel states that there will be a decree to rebuild Jerusalem. We’re not sure which decree this is, because there are actually 7 plausible starting dates, so the dating isn’t easy to nail down.

    Translators differ as to the identity of the “Anointed One.” The CSB, as you see here by the capitalization, take this as a reference to the Messiah. This makes the best sense given what comes in verse 26.

    So Gabriel says that after 483 years, Jerusalem will have been rebuilt and the Messiah will come. The initial thought might be that the Messiah will easily solve all of Israel’s problems. But first he has to deal with the problem.

    26 After those sixty-two weeks the Anointed One will be cut off and will have nothing. The people of the coming ruler will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come with a flood, and until the end there will be war; desolations are decreed.

    Gabriel describes the Messiah being cut off, and having nothing in the last 7 years of these 490 years. After that time, the people of coming ruler (the Messiah’s people, perhaps), will destroy Jerusalem. We know that the Romans destroyed Jerusalem and the temple in AD 70, and that was judgment for Israel’s sin.

    27 He will make a firm covenant with many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice and offering. And the abomination of desolation will be on a wing of the temple until the decreed destruction is poured out on the desolator.”

    “He” in verse 27 refers to the coming ruler, which is likely still a reference to the Messiah. If it is, then this is a reference to the new covenant. If not, it could be a reference to the Seleucid ruler Antiochus IV, or possibly the Roman general Titus who destroyed Jerusalem in AD 70.

    This ruler will put a stop to sacrifice and offering. Many have taken this as a negative and assumed it is a reference to Antiochus IV, or Titus, or the antiChrist. But the Messiah will himself be a sacrifice to end all sacrifices. This makes better sense of the syntax and the consistent reference to the Messiah throughout this vision.

    The last line of Gabriel’s explanation refers to the destruction of the temple that happened in AD 70 (check out Matthew 24:15 where Jesus refers to this prophecy). That destroyer would himself be destroyed, meaning his kingdom (Rome) would not be a lasting kingdom.

    While these last specifics may be a bit hazy, the overall picture is clear: the Messiah will come, deal with sin, although with difficulty. Jerusalem will not be spared future judgment, but ultimately sin will be dealt with through an atoning sacrifice.

    The Big Picture

    It is no accident that in light of several of the possible starting dates, these 490 years culminate right at the time of Jesus’ earthly life, ministry, death, and resurrection. Given Gabriel’s stated purpose of this extended spiritual exile, we realize how this fits into the overall story of the Bible: the Messiah will deal with sin, which is the ultimate reason Israel is in exile.

    In Matthew 24:15 Jesus understood the end of Daniel 9:27 to be a reference to the destruction of Jerusalem, but some take his words to refer to the future judgment. Either way, we know that God’s plan to deal with sin includes provision for forgiveness and judgment of those who reject him.

    In the story of the Bible, Israel’s return from exile was a great moment where God showed his faithfulness, but it wasn’t the end of the story. The sickness of sin still plagued Israel (and the rest of the world). Therefore, God gave Daniel this vision to teach his people to look to a bigger program than just a literal return to the land. He wanted his people to look for the Messiah who would be the atoning sacrifice to take away sin.

    When we read the New Testament, we find out that’s exactly what Jesus accomplished for us. Speaking of Jesus’ sacrificial death for us, the author of Hebrews says, “He did this once for all time when he offered himself” (Hebrews 7:27). The sin stops with Jesus, because he paid the price. As a result, eternal righteousness is available. The prophecy of Gabriel to Daniel is validated. Most of all, Jesus became the most holy place for us. This is the purpose of Daniel’s 70 weeks, and this is what Jesus accomplished for us.

    Taking It Home

    When people talk about Daniel’s 70 weeks, or especially the 70th week, they rarely talk about the atoning sacrifice of the Messiah. Yet we have no doubt that this is the main point of the vision. We want dates and details, all the while God wants us to focus on his mission to save sinners.

    It’s not hard to imagine Israel getting distracted by the date of their possible return to the land, just like we are easily distracted by the little and big details of our lives. But when we pause and zoom out, we see that the Messiah’s mission is the center of God’s plan.

    This means that God dealing with sin was more important than Israel getting back to the land. It means that God dealing with sin is more important than you getting that promotion, or solving that family problem, or never getting sick.

    What are issues in your life that might be distracting you from the big picture? What are ways you can identity sin as the root cause of those problems? Now ask yourself, what does Jesus’ ministry 2,000 years ago have to do with my problems today? Maybe you’ve been seeking the wrong kinds of solutions for your problems. Take time to repent of your sin, and praise Jesus for being the solution.

    The Messiah’s work for us on the cross means we can be confident our sins are forgiven. That means our eternal hope is secure. No sickness, suffering, or temporary trial can undo his work. The prophecy is sealed; our hope is alive because Jesus rose from the dead.

    Pray

    • Ask God to point out ways that sin is the root cause of problems you are facing. Pray for wisdom to know how to deal with those problems.
    • Praise God for the plan of redemption. Praise him for sending Jesus at just the right time to be the atoning sacrifice to put an end to sin. Pray for more people to understand and believe the gospel.
    • Pray for wisdom as we seek to walk by faith in the midst of a broken world. Pray for clarity as we have opportunities to explain to people how sin is the ultimate problem we all face.
  • The Lifespan of Evil – Daniel 8:1-27

    The Lifespan of Evil – Daniel 8:1-27

    The Lifespan of Evil – Daniel 8:1-27

    Take a moment to pray. Ask God to speak to you through his word—for his Spirit to convict you of sin, teach you the truth, and lead you in walking by faith.

    Setting the Scene

    How long will evil last? When we look around the world, we must concede that evil is alive and well. The church is persecuted. The weak are abused and taken advantage of. Theft and murder are rampant. Justice is often thwarted. Wicked regimes commit genocide. Even in our own families we see the evidence of evil.

    When the headlines are dragging us down, we may rightly ask the Lord, how long? For how long must we endure? When will it end? Daniel’s second vision addresses this very question. At the time God gave Daniel this vision (the mid 6th century BC), Israel was still in exile in Persia. In fact, that exile was roughly 4 decades and 2 empires old.

    The continued existence of evil, especially seen in persecution of God’s people, might cause some to refuse to trust God. Why doesn’t God intervene? What about his promises? Israel needed a reminder that God is sovereign over evil.

    So God sent Daniel a second vision. This vision was a prophecy of the geo-political circumstances Israel would face about 400 years in the future. He showed Daniel another time when Israel would suffer, specifically during the reign of Seleucid king Antiochus IV. As he does so, he gave Israel, and us, an important message about the lifespan of evil.

    Daniel 8:1-14

    Dan. 8:1    In the third year of King Belshazzar’s reign, a vision appeared to me, Daniel, after the one that had appeared to me earlier. 2 I saw the vision, and as I watched, I was in the fortress city of Susa, in the province of Elam. I saw in the vision that I was beside the Ulai Canal. 3 I looked up, and there was a ram standing beside the canal. He had two horns. The two horns were long, but one was longer than the other, and the longer one came up last. 4 I saw the ram charging to the west, the north, and the south. No animal could stand against him, and there was no rescue from his power. He did whatever he wanted and became great.

    God sent Daniel this vision in 551 or 550 BC in Susa, a royal city that would later become the administrative headquarters of Persia. It was during 550 BC that Cyrus severed his alliance with the Medes and formed the Medo-Persian kingdom. This regime change would have unsettled the Israelites in exile. What did this mean for them? What was God doing?

    The Ram in the vision represents that kingdom. The two horns are probably a reference to the Medes and Persians, whose two people groups made up the kingdom. That kingdom was the new regime at the time Daniel received this vision, and as the vision describes, it was powerful.

    Dan. 8:5    As I was observing, a male goat appeared, coming from the west across the surface of the entire earth without touching the ground. The goat had a conspicuous horn between his eyes. 6 He came toward the two-horned ram I had seen standing beside the canal and rushed at him with savage fury. 7 I saw him approaching the ram, and infuriated with him, he struck the ram, breaking his two horns, and the ram was not strong enough to stand against him. The goat threw him to the ground and trampled him, and there was no one to rescue the ram from his power. 8 Then the male goat acted even more arrogantly, but when he became powerful, the large horn was broken. Four conspicuous horns came up in its place, pointing toward the four winds of heaven.

    The goat here stands for the Greek empire under Alexander the Great that defeated Persia in 334 BC. He was even more arrogant than the Persian kings, but he would be replaced as well. The four generals under Alexander replaced him, eventually resulting in a split kingdom.

    Dan. 8:9    From one of them a little horn emerged and grew extensively toward the south and the east and toward the beautiful land. 10 It grew as high as the heavenly army, made some of the army and some of the stars fall to the earth, and trampled them. 11 It acted arrogantly even against the Prince of the heavenly army; it revoked his regular sacrifice and overthrew the place of his sanctuary. 12 In the rebellion, the army was given up, together with the regular sacrifice. The horn threw truth to the ground and was successful in what it did.

    The “beautiful land” is Israel. This little horn of the goat had a particular interest in Israel. This would be Antiochus Epiphanes IV, the Seleucid king who claimed to be god. He asserted himself over Israel, and he desecrated the temple of God in Jerusalem.

    This vision describes in general terms the arrogance and sinful pride of Antiochus IV. His reign was an abomination, and truly would be a low point in Israel’s history. The question here is why does God tell Israel this almost 400 years in advance? Daniel’s angelic vision guide had an answer.

    Dan. 8:13    Then I heard a holy one speaking, and another holy one said to the speaker, “How long will the events of this vision last—the regular sacrifice, the rebellion that makes desolate, and the giving over of the sanctuary and of the army to be trampled?” 14  He said to me, “For 2,300 evenings and mornings; then the sanctuary will be restored.”

    The question presupposes that God is sovereign over this ruler, and that the duration of his reign and blasphemy are set by God. Therefore, faith in God is still warranted. As verses 23-26 make clear below, this blasphemous ruler is the focus of the vision.

    The time of 2,300 evenings and mornings is probably a reference to the evening and morning sacrifice, which means 1150 days or just over 3 years. History confirms that this timing is accurate. The time from Antiochus IV Epiphanes desecrated the temple in 167 until Judas Maccabeus rededicated the temple in 164 was just over 3 yrs.

    The overall point is that even though the temple will be desecrated, that’s not the end of the story. The sanctuary will be restored.

    Daniel 8:15-27

    Dan. 8:15    While I, Daniel, was watching the vision and trying to understand it, there stood before me someone who appeared to be a man. 16 I heard a human voice calling from the middle of the Ulai: “Gabriel, explain the vision to this man.” 17  So he approached where I was standing; when he came near, I was terrified and fell facedown. “Son of man,” he said to me, “understand that the vision refers to the time of the end.” 18 While he was speaking to me, I fell into a deep sleep, with my face to the ground. Then he touched me, made me stand up, 19 and said, “I am here to tell you what will happen at the conclusion of the time of wrath, because it refers to the appointed time of the end. 20 The two-horned ram that you saw represents the kings of Media and Persia. 21 The shaggy goat represents the king of Greece, and the large horn between his eyes represents the first king. 22 The four horns that took the place of the broken horn represent four kingdoms. They will rise from that nation, but without its power.

    The angel Gabriel thus explains the vision to Daniel. Note that the end is an appointed time. The angel can reveal it to Daniel because God is sovereign over it.

    23 Near the end of their kingdoms, when the rebels have reached the full measure of their sin, a ruthless king, skilled in intrigue, will come to the throne.

    24 His power will be great, but it will not be his own.  He will cause outrageous destruction and succeed in whatever he does.  He will destroy the powerful along with the holy people.

    25 He will cause deceit to prosper through his cunning and by his influence, and in his own mind he will exalt himself.  He will destroy many in a time of peace; he will even stand against the Prince of princes.  Yet he will be broken—not by human hands.

    26 The vision of the evenings and the mornings that has been told is true.  Now you are to seal up the vision because it refers to many days in the future.”

    Antiochus IV is the rebellious king. He is the one who will cause deceit to prosper. He certainly exalted himself by the self-claimed title Epiphanes, which means “god-manifest.” He did stand against God, and yet even his bold blasphemy would be defeated. He was killed by divine intervention (an unknown cause to this day) rather than in battle or by assassination.

    Gabriel tells Daniel that he should seal up the vision because it is still far off, and it needs to be kept for that time. Even so, the message for Daniel’s generation is clear- the blasphemy and persecution of Antiochus IV will not last. God is still sovereign over their circumstances.

    Dan. 8:27    I, Daniel, was overcome and lay sick for days. Then I got up and went about the king’s business. I was greatly disturbed by the vision and could not understand it.

    Daniel is disturbed by what he has seen. It will be a very dark time for Israel, and just imagining it bothered Daniel.

    The Big Picture

    The promise of this vision is that God has set a limit on evil’s lifespan. Although evil exists, the clear and consistent message of the Bible is that God is sovereign over it.

    As one example, consider Joseph from then book of Genesis. In Gen. 50:20 Joseph tells his brothers, “you meant it for evil, God meant it for good.” This statement presupposes that his brothers selling him into slavery was evil, but God sovereignly used their evil choices for good.

    The truth that God is sovereign over evil is most clearly expressed when we consider the cross of Jesus Christ. In Acts 2:23 Peter tells a crowd of Jews that Jesus was “delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God.” Even so, those complicit in his death weren’t off of the hook. He goes on to tell the crowd, “you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.”

    Jesus not only paid for sin on the cross, but in the end he will return and defeat the armies of Satan. He will judge all evil. Those not safe in him will suffer their rightful judgment by the perfect judge. Evil is not outside of God’s control, and evil’s days are numbered.

    Taking It Home

    In times such as those described in this vision, believers are tempted to despair. We wrestle with doubt. Where are you God? Why don’t you intervene? Why don’t you act?

    When we are struggling, Satan will try to deceive us with specific lies. He will whisper to us that evil is all powerful: “none could rescue from his power” (8:4, 7). He will suggest that God is absent. He will try to discourage us with the thought that evil will never end- “For how long?”

    But these are lies. The Ram is powerful, the Goat even more so, but God is sovereign over them all. So in the meantime, put your faith in him.

    You will need this truth. One day in the future you or someone you know will suffer for their faith. They might even die for their faith. Persecution will never gradually fade away. It will increase. On that day, more than any other day, we need to know this fundamental truth: evil’s lifespan is limited. God is not only still there, he is working over and above the evil. How can we be sure?

    When that person speaks hatefully about you because of your faith, remember that evil’s lifespan is limited. When laws are passed intended to keep Christianity out of schools, remember that evil’s lifespan is limited. When you hear of Xians imprisoned or executed, remember that evil’s lifespan is limited.

    Pray

    • Pray for God to show his mercy to Christians suffering across the world. Pray for those under persecution to trust him, and to be faithful witnesses in the midst of the darkness.
    • Thank God that no evil can overcome his purposes. Ask him to give you faith in the midst of despair and discouragement.
    • Praise God that he used the crucifixion of Jesus -the most evil act in history- to accomplish the greatest good.
  • I Repent—Spurgeon Was a Great Preacher

    I Repent—Spurgeon Was a Great Preacher

    When I was in seminary, at the zenith of youthful pride, I mentioned to several compatriots that I disapproved of the preaching of C. H. Spurgeon (aka “the Prince of Preachers”—I should have known). My reasons were legitimate concerns about what we call today a “Christ-centered” approach to preaching. In short, the accusation was that Spurgeon would start with a text and then run to the cross as quickly as possible.

    In fact, he said as much:

    Whenever I get hold of a text, I say to myself, ‘There is a road from here to Jesus Christ, and I mean to keep on His track till I get to Him.’” “Well,” said the young man, “but suppose you are preaching from a text that says nothing about Christ?” “Then I will go over hedge and ditch but what I will get at Him.”

    -C.H. Spurgeon, The Soul Winner

    My seminary training instilled in me a commitment to let the text be the source of the sermon (a good thing). This meant, especially with Old Testament passages, not inserting a Messianic reference where God hadn’t put one. It meant just preaching the verses of the preaching portion, and giving them the primacy in explanation and application. To be candid, I scoffed at Spurgeon (it pains me to write this).

    Then I got older, read more of Spurgeon’s sermons, and preached a lot more. What I found in Spurgeon was not a forced insertion of Jesus where he was not. On the contrary, I found that he preached with a keen awareness of a passage’s context and of the entirety of the Bible. With masterful succinctness, Spurgeon explains what the passage means and then makes several applications with his audience specifically in mind. He often illustrates these applications with memorable or relatable images from everyday life or literature.

    I’ve become convinced that the Christ-centered component of Spurgeon’s sermons was a result of his grasp of Biblical theology as a whole. His famous runs to the cross flowed naturally from an understanding that the Bible is one unified story. He persists in calling his hearers to repent of their sins and turn in faith to Jesus, the promised Messiah and savior.

    I’m sure I don’t agree with every exegetical decision Spurgeon made. I’m sure I wouldn’t preach a text in precisely the same way he did. I think my main disagreement with him would be in choosing the size of text he would preach on, but even there I would concede his skill in keeping the audience tuned into the context. All in all, I confess my pride in dissing Spurgeon in my youth. The older I get, the more I like Spurgeon’s sermons. When I grow up I think I want to preach like him.

  • Kingdom Coming – Daniel 7:1-28

    Kingdom Coming – Daniel 7:1-28

    Take a moment to pray. Ask God to speak to you through his word—for his Spirit to convict you of sin, teach you the truth, and lead you in walking by faith.

    Setting the Scene

    The chaos is all around us. Politics. Wars. Even the weather seems to defy order and rational explanation. Because so much of our lives just happens to us, it often feels like chaos- an unorganized raging sea whose waves just keep thrashing and pounding.

    Even the kings and kingdoms we see around us seem to be a product of the chaos- or they at least seem to be contributing to it. Our own government, in what is arguably among the most advanced and sensible cultures on the planet, often seems like a three ring circus.

    What hope is there in such a world? Whether we are looking at the big picture or the minute details of our lives, it’s easy to lose hope. The visions of Daniel were given by God for such a time as this.

    The world, ourselves included, needs to know who God is in the midst of all this chaos. We have to know, in order to walk by faith in the midst of it. And wouldn’t you know it, Daniel’s first vision starts with a raging sea.

    Daniel 7:1-8

    As we get into this vision, we have to remember that apocalyptic visions in the Bible are representations of real truths that God’s people need. These visions are not security camera footage of the future, rather they are a theological interpretation of events that have happened, are happening, or will happen. Each vision must be understood in light of the context in which the vision was given.

    Dan. 7:1 In the first year of King Belshazzar of Babylon, Daniel had a dream with visions in his mind as he was lying in his bed. He wrote down the dream, and here is the summary of his account. 2 Daniel said, “In my vision at night I was watching, and suddenly the four winds of heaven stirred up the great sea. 3 Four huge beasts came up from the sea, each different from the other.

    Daniel and his first readers were Israelites in exile in Babylon in the late 6th century BC. The co-regency of kings Nabonidus and Belshazzar started around 553 BC. The “great sea” is the Mediterranean Sea. The beasts that Daniel will see represent earthly kingdoms both present and future from Daniel’s perspective.

    There is some disagreement about what kingdom corresponds to what beast, but the overall point is clear: these kingdoms assert themselves as the power on earth, yet one by one they are replaced by another.

    Dan. 7:4 “The first was like a lion but had eagle’s wings. I continued watching until its wings were torn off. It was lifted up from the ground, set on its feet like a man, and given a human mind.

    The Lion with eagle’s wings is a well known symbol of Babylon. The losing of the wings might be a reference to Nebuchadnezzar’s humbling by God. Daniel lived through the glory and demise of the Babylonian empire of the 6th century BC.

    Dan. 7:5 “Suddenly, another beast appeared, a second one, that looked like a bear. It was raised up on one side, with three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. It was told, ‘Get up! Gorge yourself on flesh.’

    The bear being “raised up on one side” means standing on its hind legs, either to pounce or just to show off. This is probably a reference to Medo-Persia, the kingdom which succeeded Babylon. The three ribs may indicate his “insatiable” appetite, probably the military appetite of the Medo-Persian empire. The command for it to eat is symbolic of military conquest.

    Dan. 7:6 “After this, while I was watching, suddenly another beast appeared. It was like a leopard with four wings of a bird on its back. It had four heads, and it was given dominion.

    In Daniel, God alone gives dominion to empires. He appoints kings and kingdoms. This leopard is probably the Greek empire. The four heads could plausibly be a reference to the “Diadochi”- four generals who replaced Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC.

    Dan. 7:7 “After this, while I was watching in the night visions, suddenly a fourth beast appeared, frightening and dreadful, and incredibly strong, with large iron teeth. It devoured and crushed, and it trampled with its feet whatever was left. It was different from all the beasts before it, and it had ten horns.

    Dan. 7:8 “While I was considering the horns, suddenly another horn, a little one, came up among them, and three of the first horns were uprooted before it. And suddenly in this horn there were eyes like the eyes of a human and a mouth that was speaking arrogantly.

    This fourth beast is categorically different, a point which is emphasized in both the description and the interpretation. This is a new kind of terrifying beast.

    The ten horns and the little horn are variously interpreted depending on the interpretive scheme applied. In general, a horn stands for kingship and power. If the four kingdoms of Daniel chapter two are consistent with the four beasts of this vision, then this could be a reference to the Roman Empire.

    Having seen four powerful earthly kingdoms, the Spirit now shows Daniel a glimpse of God, the one with true power and authority.

    Daniel 7:9-14

    Dan. 7:9    “As I kept watching, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was white like snow, and the hair of his head like whitest wool. His throne was flaming fire; its wheels were blazing fire.

    The plural reference to “thrones” means that at least two are in view- one for the Father and the Son (cf. 7:13, Mk. 14:62). The title “Ancient of Days” is unique to Daniel, and reflects the eternality of God. The white clothing indicates purity and majesty, while the white hair indicates wisdom. God is qualified to judge.

    The fire imagery is common in visions of God, and probably pictures pure judgement (cf. 7:11). Wheels on the throne reflect the reality that God’s throne is mobile, and therefore his authority and right to judge have no limit.

    10 A river of fire was flowing, coming out from his presence. Thousands upon thousands served him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was convened, and the books were opened.

    The river of fire is representative of God’s judgment. Yes, the four beasts are imposing, but they must answer to the Judge. The thousands are probably angelic servants of God. The books are records from which God will make judgement. These are the books in which the deeds of all humanity are written.

    Dan. 7:11    “I watched, then, because of the sound of the arrogant words the horn was speaking. As I continued watching, the beast was killed and its body destroyed and given over to the burning fire. 12 As for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was removed, but an extension of life was granted to them for a certain period of time.

    The picture here is of God judging the beasts by fire. Each beast is judged after a given time, which shows God’s authority over every kingdom.

    13 I continued watching in the night visions, and suddenly one like a son of man was coming with the clouds of heaven.  He approached the Ancient of Days and was escorted before him.

    14 He was given dominion, and glory, and a kingdom; so that those of every people, nation, and language should serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will not be destroyed.

    The Son of Man is a human figure. In the New Testament God makes it clear that this is Jesus. He uses this title of himself many times (cf. Matt. 8:20, 24:30, 25:31). Clouds are frequently a sign of theophany, a time when God appears to man (note Ex. 16:10, 1 Kings 8:10).

    The Son of Man stands at the center of this vision. God the Father gives him all authority and the greatest kingdom. His dominion is over the entire earth including all people groups, and the duration of his kingdom is forever. There is no beast that can supplant his authority.

    Daniel 7:15-28

    Dan. 7:15    “As for me, Daniel, my spirit was deeply distressed within me, and the visions in my mind terrified me. 16 I approached one of those who were standing by and asked him to clarify all this. So he let me know the interpretation of these things: 17 ‘These huge beasts, four in number, are four kings who will rise from the earth. 18 But the holy ones of the Most High will receive the kingdom and possess it forever, yes, forever and ever.’

    This highlights the purpose of the vision for the exiles, and the main point. Those connected to the Son of Man will reign with him forever, even though these kingdoms seem so strong.

    Dan. 7:19    “Then I wanted to be clear about the fourth beast, the one different from all the others, extremely terrifying, with iron teeth and bronze claws, devouring, crushing, and trampling with its feet whatever was left. 20 I also wanted to know about the ten horns on its head and about the other horn that came up, before which three fell—the horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spoke arrogantly, and that looked bigger than the others. 21 As I was watching, this horn waged war against the holy ones and was prevailing over them 22 until the Ancient of Days arrived and a judgment was given in favor of the holy ones of the Most High, for the time had come, and the holy ones took possession of the kingdom.

    This section probably describes the resulting judgment decided by and performed by God in 7:9-11. The reason the little horn is mentioned here briefly is to assure Daniel that even though the godly face persecution, God’s purposes endure.

    Dan. 7:23    “This is what he said: ‘The fourth beast will be a fourth kingdom on the earth, different from all the other kingdoms. It will devour the whole earth, trample it down, and crush it. 24 The ten horns are ten kings who will rise from this kingdom. Another king, different from the previous ones, will rise after them and subdue three kings. 25 He will speak words against the Most High and oppress the holy ones of the Most High. He will intend to change religious festivals and laws, and the holy ones will be handed over to him for a time, times, and half a time. 26 But the court will convene, and his dominion will be taken away, to be completely destroyed forever. 27 The kingdom, dominion, and greatness of the kingdoms under all of heaven will be given to the people, the holy ones of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will serve and obey him.’

    The difference of the 11th king is in his arrogance and godlessness. He will blaspheme God explicitly (25a), oppress the saints with long lasting persecution (25b), attempt to change the “times” of religious festivals (25c), and attempt to change the law (of God) and impose a new morality (25c). Unfortunately, many kings throughout history fit this description.

    A time, times, and half a time = 3.5 years, an amount of time in which believers will be persecuted. This may be a literal period of time or a symbolic period of time. One way or another, God will judge this fourth kingdom and his kingdom will replace it.

    The angel explains to Daniel that the Messiah’s kingdom will come and destroy the kingdom of the beast and the people of God will reign with him.

    Dan. 7:28    “This is the end of the account. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts terrified me greatly, and my face turned pale, but I kept the matter to myself.”

    Why was Daniel upset even given the ultimate “happy ending” of the vision? Probably due to threat that evil posed to God’s people. Yes, God’s purposes will endure, but it wouldn’t be an easy road for the faithful.

    The Big Picture

    Given the chaos in the world, this vision is intended to provide a comprehensive narrative for the believer. The Father will judge, the Son will reign, and the Saints will endure.

    Jesus is at the center of God’s plan. In this vision, the presentation of the Son of Man to the Ancient of Days is the key moment. When he arrived, he announced that kingdom of heaven was at hand. That means that the arrival of Jesus, in one sense, signals the beginning of the end for earthly kingdoms.

    Every time someone repents of their sin and turns to Jesus in faith, his kingdom grows. No military or law can stop this growth, and no earthly force can over power it. The church’s mission is guaranteed to succeed!

    The judgment pictured in this vision is reserved for Jesus’ return. This means that when we see or experience sin, evil, and injustice we can comfort ourselves with a sure hope in God’s judgment.

    One final component of the vision is the participation of the saints. All believers are saints, because by faith in Jesus our sins are paid for and so we are made holy. The Apostle Paul teaches us in Ephesians 2:19, “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” While we may suffer persecution for a time, ultimately we will reign with Jesus, the Son of Man.

    Taking It Home

    If Jesus is the center of God’s plan, we must ask is he the center of our plan? Do we read his Word? Pray robustly? Talk about him? Yes our world is chaotic, and this is all the more reason to maintain our focus on Jesus.

    We miss so much in life because our plan doesn’t center on Jesus. He will reign over all forever. He is king today, we simply are awaiting his return.

    When does his kingdom matter?

    When we wake up. God calls us to be about his kingdom business every day, even in this midst of everyday stuff (work, school, family).

    When we buy into other kingdoms. They won’t last, no matter how shiny or bulletproof they seem.

    When we are wronged. We will experience suffering and undergo persecution. When this happens, we can take comfort in the fact that the Father will judge those who violate others. No enemy of his purposes will escape.

    When we wrong others. When this happens, run to cross! Confess and repent, praise Jesus for his work. Because of the Son of Man, we are forgiven.

    When we die. Death is not the end of God’s plan for us. To live is Christ, and to die is gain. No regrets- at the end of our lives may we be able to say I lived for Jesus. His kingdom is forever.

    The Father will judge, the Son will reign, and the Saints will endure– no matter how chaotic the oceans seem.

    Pray

    • Praise God that he is sovereign over all kingdoms. Pray for Jesus to return to judge the nations and put a final end to rebellion against him.
    • Ask God to help you make and keep his kingdom as your number one priority.
    • Pray for persecuted Christians around the world. Ask God to give them faith and endurance in their trials, and to comfort them with the truth that his justice will be done.