Daniel 7 - The Lord of Victory
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Big Idea:
Big Idea:
The Lord and His people are victorious over darkness.
Good Friday at Victus:
Good Friday at Victus:
7pm.
Intro:
Intro:
Good morning [Church Online],
For the past few Summers, we’ve taken our Youth Group to Camp Berea in New Hampshire. There are so many things I love about this camp, but I wanted talk about something specific…
At Summer Camp, there are a lot of opportunities to be competitive and win. You can win “marksmen” awards at the rifle range. You can even win a golden toilet seat if your cabin has acquired enough points (based on games) for the day. This might not seem very special, but when you’re at camp with 300 kids, this gets you into breakfast, lunch, and dinner first! That’s a big deal, especially since there are times when they run out of the good stuff.
…but the MOST ELITE AWARD you can acquired is a black band. At Camp Berea…
You get a white band if you can stand in the water.
You get a blue band if you can pass the basic swim test (which ain’t that easy, especially when the speed boats go zipping by on Newfound Lake, making the water super choppy).
But you get a black band, it’s because you have swam a mile across that very lake!
My friends… this is no easy feat. I’ve seen kids gargling lake water just trying to pass the blue band test. And a mile is a LONG WAY. When you black band, you truly have bragging rights.
We’ve been to Berea for the past 3 summers. We’ve taken a lot of kids. Some pretty good athletes. There’s only been ONE YOUTH who has black-banded. That’s Elisabeth (Grissom).
I was in a kayak that day. Saw many kids struggle. Not Elisabeth. She was solid. Confident. And it’s not because she was experienced - this was her first time at Berea. But she finished - no problem.
I asked her parents about her swimming experience. She’s always been a fan of the water. But a few years ago she started getting serious. Training. So, when she got to Berea, swimming across this scary lake did not shake her. The training - the reps - she had put in prepared her for victory. And she currently has the highest Berea bragging rights of any River Church Youth!
Last week, we finished Daniel 6. The beloved Bible story of Daniel in the lion’s den. And we talked about how Daniel was solid. He’s been that way. Not just in the lion’s den, but over the past 6 chapters. His faith in God was supernaturally fortified. He fully trusted God with his life.
And as one of my heroes, it makes me ask, “How did he get that way?” Because I want to be like that!
Well, I believe Daniel 7 gives us the answer. So, let’s jump in and find out…
In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel saw a dream and visions of his head as he lay in his bed. Then he wrote down the dream and told the sum of the matter.
Exegesis:
Exegesis:
Last week, in chapter 6, the Persian empire had conquered Babylon. King Belshazzar is dead. And king Darius is now in charge. But apparently, in chapter 7, we have jumped backwards in time. That’s because a major shift has happened in the book.
The first 6 chapters were written as a narrative - telling a story. The story of Daniel. The story of his friends. The story of the kings. And the story of Daniel supernaturally interpreting dreams. But now, Daniel will share his supernatural dreams. And the style shifts from narrative to what’s called “apocalyptic” language.
That may stir up a lot of thoughts in our heads. Maybe it means nothing. But for today, I think what’s helpful for us is to know …
Apocalyptic writing uses a lot of imagery. It uses pictures to communicate truth. And the pictures have a purpose and a point. However, we also need to be careful because is not every detail in the picture is prophetic. When that’s not understood, we start saying and believing things that are not only wrong, but can even bring shame on God’s name. How many people have tried to prophetically guess the end of the world… only to be foolishly wrong.
Additionally, this kind of biblical literature does reveal the future - and a scary one at that.
But even though the future is dark, there is a victorious God who wins and gives us hope.
That being said, Daniel has a dream and…
Daniel declared, “I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the great sea.
In Ancient Near East thinking, the sea was a scary place. I get that. I don’t know about you, but this was a real fear of mine!
On our honeymoon, my dad gifted Janelle and I a 7-day cruise around the Hawaiian islands. Then, we spent 3 days on Waikiki. As expected, we went snorkeling in Hanauma Bay. It was pretty cool. And I’m scared of the ocean.
I’m swimming and seeing lots of colorful fish. We even see turtles and eels. And the whole time, I’m getting more bold and comfortable… until… I swam too far. And reached a dropoff. And all I could see is a black abyss. Nope. Not today Satan. I’m not getting eaten by a shark.
The sea is scary!
That’s how the ancients felt too. And with the wind blowing in every direction, it’s making the scary sea even more chaotic. The sense is… This scene is a place of terror. A place of death.
And four great beasts came up out of the sea, different from one another. The first was like a lion and had eagles’ wings. Then as I looked its wings were plucked off, and it was lifted up from the ground and made to stand on two feet like a man, and the mind of a man was given to it. And behold, another beast, a second one, like a bear. It was raised up on one side. It had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth; and it was told, ‘Arise, devour much flesh.’ After this I looked, and behold, another, like a leopard, with four wings of a bird on its back. And the beast had four heads, and dominion was given to it. After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, terrifying and dreadful and exceedingly strong. It had great iron teeth; it devoured and broke in pieces and stamped what was left with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns. I considered the horns, and behold, there came up among them another horn, a little one, before which three of the first horns were plucked up by the roots. And behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things.
And so out of this sea of death came four terrifying mutant beasts. Especially the fourth one, which was distinctively different.
I know we’re pretty desensitized today because of the things we’ve been visually exposed to… so we hear some of these things and think, “Boring…” But this vision would’ve been absolutely terrifying for Daniel. But then, a scene change…
“As I looked,
thrones were placed,
and the Ancient of Days took his seat;
his clothing was white as snow,
and the hair of his head like pure wool;
his throne was fiery flames;
its wheels were burning fire.
A stream of fire issued
and came out from before him;
a thousand thousands served him,
and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him;
the court sat in judgment,
and the books were opened.
Daniel’s thoughts are taken from a scene of chaos to a sovereign throne room. And there, one called the Ancient of Days (obviously God) takes his seat. He is in control. He is perfect and powerful. And tens of thousands are before Him, ready to serve Him. And not one detail is unaccounted for. Everything is recorded in the heavenly books.
…but then, another shift.
Hey, Daniel is one of the greatest Bible heroes, but he’s also a man just like us. He dreams like us. You know how our dreams be jumpin all over the place? At first, we’re going to work. We’re late. And we forgot to put deodorant on. And we’re worried about that. But then we notice we’re driving a banana. And it’s melting like ice cream. Only to find ourselves back in ninth grade… but we forgot to do our homework. Thankfully, Sargent Slaughter brought boba for the entire class.
You ever have random dreams like that? Where things keep changing? Well, Daniel’s dream changes again…
“I looked then because of the sound of the great words that the horn was speaking. And as I looked, the beast was killed, and its body destroyed and given over to be burned with fire. As for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was taken away, but their lives were prolonged for a season and a time.
Again, mysterious details in this dream. But one thing is clear, the great words of this horn were so disturbing that it shifted Daniel’s focus from the Ancient of Days, back to the chaos. Then, another scene change…
“I saw in the night visions,
and behold, with the clouds of heaven
there came one like a son of man,
and he came to the Ancient of Days
and was presented before him.
And to him was given dominion
and glory and a kingdom,
that all peoples, nations, and languages
should serve him;
his dominion is an everlasting dominion,
which shall not pass away,
and his kingdom one
that shall not be destroyed.
Once again, the dream moves from chaos to perfect control. Only this time, another Heavenly Figure enters the throneroom. He is described as the son of man. Most of us know this is Jesus, the Son of God.
And as the worldly kingdoms are destroying the Earth, the Son of Man receives the only real Kingdom - one that will last forever.
“As for me, Daniel, my spirit within me was anxious, and the visions of my head alarmed me.
This is different. Especially from the previous chapters. When have we ever seen Daniel shaken? He’s been a rock. A model of faithfulness. But now, he’s paralyzed with anxiety.
I approached one of those who stood there and asked him the truth concerning all this. So he told me and made known to me the interpretation of the things.
Thankfully, there is an angel nearby to help. Some believe this is the angel, Gabriel. The same angel who spoke to Zachariah about the birth of John the Baptist and Mary about the birth of Jesus. Whoever he is, he’s here to give Daniel clarity…
‘These four great beasts are four kings who shall arise out of the earth. But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, forever and ever.’
So the four beast are kings (more specifically… kingdoms). Scholars have different opinions about the kingdoms, but most agree that the first one is Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. The lion and eagle can symbolize pride - something Nebuchadnezzar was known for. And this beast was humbled, like Nebuchadnezzar, but also transformed like him too.
However, the remaining beasts are debated. It’s possible they follow Nebuchadnezzar’s statue in chapter two, with the beast representing Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. And much of the imagery seems to support this… but then there are other parts, especially when it comes to the fourth beast that make this interpretation difficult (more on that in a bit).
One additional option is the dream is not being precise, but making a main point. And the point is this:
For all of human history, the sinfulness of man, in partnership with spiritual darkness, will always lead to corrupt, wicked, and destructive kingdoms.
Therefore, our hope should never be in the human governments of this world. Rather, remember what else the angel said…
But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, forever and ever.’
… Remember, God wins. And so do His people. There’s a new Shane and Shane song that says, “We’re fighting a battle, God’s already won.” Or, as the psalmist put it…
Why am I discouraged?
Why is my heart so sad?
I will put my hope in God!
I will praise him again—
my Savior and my God!
Let’s keep moving through the dream…
“Then I desired to know the truth about the fourth beast, which was different from all the rest, exceedingly terrifying, with its teeth of iron and claws of bronze, and which devoured and broke in pieces and stamped what was left with its feet, and about the ten horns that were on its head, and the other horn that came up and before which three of them fell, the horn that had eyes and a mouth that spoke great things, and that seemed greater than its companions. As I looked, this horn made war with the saints and prevailed over them, until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was given for the saints of the Most High, and the time came when the saints possessed the kingdom.
“Thus he said: ‘As for the fourth beast,
there shall be a fourth kingdom on earth,
which shall be different from all the kingdoms,
and it shall devour the whole earth,
and trample it down, and break it to pieces.
As for the ten horns,
out of this kingdom ten kings shall arise,
and another shall arise after them;
he shall be different from the former ones,
and shall put down three kings.
He shall speak words against the Most High,
and shall wear out the saints of the Most High,
and shall think to change the times and the law;
and they shall be given into his hand
for a time, times, and half a time.
There are many thoughts on this fourth kingdom. And time doesn’t permit us to dive deeply into it. But I’ll share this. I believe this kingdom is still future to us, which makes seeing it as simply “Rome” difficult. But more specifically, this kingdom is one under the rulership of what many have called the anti-christ.
The Bible prophetically reveals that one day, a ruler will come and sweep the world off it’s feet. Many will think he’s the Christ - the savior. But it’s a lie. Because consider the Greek preposition “anti.” It can mean “against” or “opposition.” Which is fitting when we consider this future leader who will be possessed by Satan.
But I think it’s more fitting to consider an additional definition. Anti doesn’t just mean “different.” It can also mean “very similar, but radically different in nature.” That’s scary.
One day, there will be a world leader who REALLY REALLY REALLY seem like he’s the savior of the world (like he’s Jesus), but be warned… he is radically different in nature. And as the dream foretells, he will both destroy the world and seek to destroy God’s people. And again, this is a possibility for our future. That’s scary!
But the angel isn’t done yet…
But the court shall sit in judgment,
and his dominion shall be taken away,
to be consumed and destroyed to the end.
And the kingdom and the dominion
and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven
shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High;
his kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom,
and all dominions shall serve and obey him.’
As scary as that future is, the angel preaches good news. He says, “But remember this - the Lord is in control. And He will win. And His people will win. And that victory lasts forever.”
“Here is the end of the matter. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts greatly alarmed me, and my color changed, but I kept the matter in my heart.”
Daniel ends by saying, “This dream jacked me up.” You ever have a dream jack you up?
… but let’s look at the last thing Daniel said… “I kept the matter in my heart.” It reminds me of when the Christmas shepherds were visited by angels and told about the birth of Jesus. And how they visited Mary, Joseph, and Jesus,and shared with them the gospel. And when they did, it says…
But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.
I think - like Mary - Daniel let these truths marinate in his heart. It was a lot to take in. And it was scary. But it was purposeful. Think of chapter 7 this way…
Verses 1-6: Daniel’s dream is scary.
Verse 9-10: But he saw the Ancient of days perfectly in control.
Verses 11-12: Daniel saw the scary fourth beast.
Verse 13-14: But then he saw the Son of Man.
Verses 15-17: Daniel was anxious about his dream.
Verse 18: But the angel reminds him, “God wins.”
Verses 19-20: Daniel feared the fourth beast.
Verses 21-22: But the angel reminds him, “The saints win.”
Verses 23-25: The anti-christ destroys the earth.
Verses 26-27: But the angel declares, “We still win.”
Do you see the repetition? I think this dream is intentionally laid out this way to cultivate transformation - first and foremost in Daniel. Like Elisabeth, who put in the reps to be a black band swimmer, Daniel needed to put in the reps to fortify his faith. I believe this last verse informs us that he consistently meditated on these truths.
…And the result: The faithful, unshakeable Daniel we see in Daniel 6.
Response:
Response:
As we close, let’s ask, “What’s this chapter all about?”
Is it about Daniel’s supernatural dream on the future? Yes.
Does it accurately tell us (warn us) about our future? Yes.
But more importantly, I think this chapter teaches that no matter how dark our lives are, there is always hope. Why? Because there is victorious God in Heaven, who is perfectly in control, loves us, and wants to save us.
Do you believe that?
However, you’d answer that question, I’d like for you to ponder something Jesus said over the next week…
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Is this not a perfect summarization of Daniel 7? This world is scary and broken. But take hope in Jesus, because at the cross, He won. And if we belong to Him (are His saints), we win too.
What trial are you facing right now?
Are you having trouble at school? Hope in God. He will help you.
Are you facing challenges at work? Hope in God. And remember, the saints will reign.
Are you in despair because of relationships or your health - both physically and mental? Hope in God. He will give you victory.
And here’s an additional bonus… these circumstances aren’t just for your benefit. God wants to fortify your faith, but He also wants to use you to help others.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.
What you are going thru has purpose. So, trust in Jesus. Victory, breakthrough, and deliverance are coming (for you and your community). Because God promises… the saints shall reign.
…and if that’s difficult for you to believe RIGHT NOW, then TRAIN. Put in the reps. Meditate on these truths, over and over again. Ponder them in your heart. And watch your faith become fortified.
Let’s pray…
Father, this world is scary. But You sit on the throne of Heaven. Help us to remember that. Help us to remember that we’re fighting a battle You’ve already won. That for those who have trusted in Jesus as Lord and Savior, victory is promised. So, like Daniel, may we take our eyes off the chaos, and look to You - the Ancient of Days… and to the Son of Man, and live with hope. In Jesus name, amen.