Even as an old man, Daniel listened to God and sought His face as he tried to understand the ongoing conflicts in the world. The fearful, frail prophet, still faithful to his Lord, was shown that earthly struggles reflect a greater conflict in the heavenly realms. In this message by Alistair Begg, we are challenged to follow Daniel’s example by remaining faithful to God’s Kingdom purposes as long as He gives us life, realizing we may not see the outcome until we see Him in glory.
Daniel's Terrifying Vision of a Man
1In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a word was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belteshazzar. And the word was true, and it was a great conflict.1 And he understood the word and had understanding of the vision.
2In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three weeks. 3I ate no delicacies, no meat or wine entered my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, for the full three weeks. 4On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river (that is, the Tigris) 5I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, a man clothed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. 6His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a multitude. 7And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for the men who were with me did not see the vision, but a great trembling fell upon them, and they fled to hide themselves. 8So I was left alone and saw this great vision, and no strength was left in me. My radiant appearance was fearfully changed,2 and I retained no strength. 9Then I heard the sound of his words, and as I heard the sound of his words, I fell on my face in deep sleep with my face to the ground.
10And behold, a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. 11And he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly loved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for now I have been sent to you.” And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling. 12Then he said to me, “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words. 13The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia, 14and came to make you understand what is to happen to your people in the latter days. For the vision is for days yet to come.”
15When he had spoken to me according to these words, I turned my face toward the ground and was mute. 16And behold, one in the likeness of the children of man touched my lips. Then I opened my mouth and spoke. I said to him who stood before me, “O my lord, by reason of the vision pains have come upon me, and I retain no strength. 17How can my lord's servant talk with my lord? For now no strength remains in me, and no breath is left in me.”
18Again one having the appearance of a man touched me and strengthened me. 19And he said, “O man greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage.” And as he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.” 20Then he said, “Do you know why I have come to you? But now I will return to fight against the prince of Persia; and when I go out, behold, the prince of Greece will come. 21But I will tell you what is inscribed in the book of truth: there is none who contends by my side against these except Michael, your prince.
Series: And He Shall Reign, Volume 2
Other messages in: And He Shall Reign, Volume 1
With stories of men who endured in the face of persecution, terrifying dreams, and mysterious visions, the book of Daniel has intrigued readers for generations. But at the heart of this book, we don’t meet a mere man, however brave, faithful, or wise. We meet God, the King of Kings, who rules over every earthly kingdom and who is committed to preserving His people through trouble and persecution.
In volume one of this series, Alistair Begg reminds us that God is a faithful deliverer. The historical events and fantastic visions contained in the first six chapters of Daniel were not written only to inspire and intrigue, but to comfort God’s suffering people in exile. Just as God equipped Daniel to encourage the exiles, these studies assure us that the God who brings His people into difficulty will certainly bring them through it. God reigns over the affairs of men and of nations, and He will reign forever.
Other messages in: And He Shall Reign, Volume 2
With stories of men who endured in the face of persecution, terrifying dreams, and mysterious visions, the book of Daniel has intrigued readers for generations. But at the heart of this book, we don’t meet a mere man, however brave, faithful, or wise. We meet God, the King of Kings, who rules over every earthly kingdom and who is committed to preserving His people through trouble and persecution.
In volume two of this series, Alistair Begg explains that rather than being fodder for speculation, the prophetic visions recorded in Daniel are fuel for the faith of persecuted believers. Nations will rise and fall, and the enemies of God’s people will increase in strength, but in all of these things, we can take heart. God will preserve and deliver His people from evil. Christ the King will destroy His enemies when He comes in glory, and He will reign forever.
