Daniel – Page 6 – GaryCombs.org

“The king answered and said to Daniel, ‘Truly, your God is God of gods and Lord of kings, and a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this mystery’” (Daniel 2:47)

November 26, 2013

Nebuchadnezzer, king of Babylon, had a dream concerning his and all future human kingdoms. He knew it was important, so he asked his wise men to tell him both the dream and its meaning… or die. They could not. But God revealed both to Daniel, one of the Hebrew captives from the Babylonian conquest of Judah. After Daniel gave the interpretation, the king promoted him to his right hand in command and proclaimed the above truth about God. When we share God’s wisdom with the world, sometimes it gets us elevated and sometimes persecuted, but always noticed for His Name’s sake.

“’Don’t be afraid,’ he said, ‘for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!'” (Daniel 10:19)

December 2, 2012

The One speaking to Daniel had a similar appearance and effect as Christ did on John in Rev. 1. When we encounter God’s holiness (His wholly otherness and righteousness), it causes fear. Yet, Christ says, “Fear not. For you are very precious to God.” What joy! This is the message of Christmas: “Peace. Fear not. Be encouraged.” For Christ has come and is coming again!

“As my vision continued that night, I saw someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence. He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him. His rule is eternal—it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed” (Daniel 7:13-14)

November 30, 2012

Daniel’s vision of the coming Messiah. The Messianic title, “Son of Man,” was taken up by Jesus, especially as recorded in Luke’s gospel. Christ’s coming in the clouds to rule forever is a not-yet-fulfulled prophesy that Daniel saw. We celebrate His first coming at Christmas. Someday, we’ll celebrate His second coming as Daniel prophesied.

“Praise the name of God forever and ever, for he has all wisdom and power. He controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings” (Daniel 2:20-21)

November 25, 2012

Daniel learned to live for God as an exile in a fallen world. He understood his dual citizenship. He looked to the Lord rather than human government for hope. Understanding the temporary nature of worldly kingdoms, he trusted his future to God. Yet, the Lord lifted him up and called him to serve in a position of influence in Babylon.

“Know and understand this: From the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One comes, there will be seven ‘sevens,’ and sixty-two ‘sevens'” (Daniel 9:25)

December 2, 2011

This prophecy was fulfilled when Jesus came exactly 483 years (62×7+7×7) after the temple was rebuilt. Yet, one ‘seven’ remains to complete the prophecy of the 70 weeks of years.

“Those who walk in pride he is able to humble” (Daniel 4:37)

November 27, 2011

King Nebuchadnezzar learned this first hand after his pride caused him to over-reach. Pride takes many forms, some more subtle than others, even disguising itself as modesty. But God recognizes it. The heart of pride is in opposition to God. Better to humble yourself than be humbled by God.