Daniel 10 - The Lord of the weak.
Sermon • Submitted • Presented
0 ratings
· 2 viewsNotes
Transcript
Big Idea:
Big Idea:
God’s plan for victory involves His power and community.
Intro:
Intro:
Good morning [church online]…
Today, we’re in Daniel chapter 10 and almost done with the book. Next week, for Easter, we’ll study chapters 11 & 12 and then we’re finished. But as we wrap up, I’m just going to warn you - once again - there’s repeated themes. You may even think, “Why are we talking about this again?”
I’m not sure how many of you are used to going verse-by-verse thru books of the Bible. When I first started going to church, that’s all we did. But not every church does, which is fine. We need what’s called “topical sermons” too!
But there’s a few unique things about verse-by-verse sermon series:
You must preach the text. Meaning, I don’t get to pick and choose verses I want to talk about. I preach what’s on the page and let the Holy Spirit speak to individual hearts and circumstances. Personally, I like that.
Because books of the Bible are written by a specific authors, for a specific times, there is usually a specific reason/theme/purpose of the Book. And with Daniel, the Holy Spirit moved him to write about specific events, for a specific reason. And that means - if we are going verse-by-verse - we may see intentionally repeated themes.
And the two main themes of Daniel are:
The God of Heaven is sovereign. No matter the circumstances, He is in control.
The God of Heaven is victorious. He always wins. Therefore, His people can trust Him, have hope, be comforted, and be encouraged as they walk towards victory.
And hasn’t that been seen time and time again in this great book? Whether it is exile, dreams, a fiery furnace, visions, lions dens, or regime changes… God is in control and Daniel has experienced victory. The stories change, but the themes are repeated.
In California, we have a fast food chain called “In N Out.” In my opinion, the best hamburgers. And many have shared this opinion. Even the popular, critical, and cranky chef, Gordon Ramsay, has said, “In-N-Out burgers [are] extraordinary. I was so bad, I sat in the restaurant, had my double cheeseburger then minutes later I drove back round and got the same thing again to take away." On the West Coast, it’s an extremely popular place!
But here’s something crazy about In-N-Out… they’ve rarely changed their menu. It’s just burgers, fries, and a drink. A few years ago, it was a big deal when they added hot chocolate and lemonade!
Usually, the competitive food industry seems to want to offer everything and/or the latest, greatest thing. However, In-N-Out has lived by the motto: Keep it simple; do one thing, and do it the best you can.
And it’s worked - for 75 years! And there’s something to that, especially as we wrap up the book of Daniel.
Even when the Scriptures repeat things (the don’t change), we can be still be confident in the quality. Be assured it’s the best thing you can hear. It works - and it’s worked for thousands of years. We don’t need the latest greatest human philosophy or the wealth of knowledge available through AI. What we really need is God’s Word, amen?
So, let’s jump in…
In 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. And he understood the word and had understanding of the vision.
Exegesis:
Exegesis:
Once again, Daniel has a vision. This is after the previous vision of the goat and ram in the last chapter. This vision - as we’ll see - is also of the future. Additionally, this vision is connected to the previous dreams and visions but focuses on - as the NLT puts it - “events certain to happen in the future - times of war and great hardship.” To put another way, a storm is coming…
In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three weeks. I ate no delicacies, no meat or wine entered my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, for the full three weeks.
At the time of this vision, Daniel was a mess. He’s barely surviving. No extras in his life, not even deodorant.
To this point, Daniel’s been the hero of the story - a stud (a Sigma - I apologize, as a coach, I hang out with middle school boys way too much). But now… there is nothing impressive about him. He is in a season of weakness. Ever been there?
On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river (that is, the Tigris) I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, a man clothed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. His 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.
Who is this man? Based on the description, some theologians think this might be the pre-incarnate Christ (Old Testament appearance of Jesus). Others believe it is an angel. That’s what I think.
Maybe even Gabriel… but since he was in the previous vision and we’d assume Daniel would’ve both recognized and named him.
And 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. So I was left alone and saw this great vision, and no strength was left in me. My radiant appearance was fearfully changed, and I retained no strength. Then 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.
A few things…
First off, chapter 10 is actually part of a longer story that involves chapters 11 & 12. It’s all one story.
That being said, the uninspired chapter divisions can make understanding the timing of the vision unclear.
Some think Daniel received the vision earlier, which caused him to mourn for the past 3 weeks.
Or, maybe there are two visions in this chapter… the vision of the angel and then the vision of the future - that starts in chapter 11.
Another option is the already weakened Daniel receives the vision from the angel, is further weakened by the vision of horrible conflict, and chapter 11 is when the angel helps him understand the vision. I prefer this option.
Regardless of the vision’s timing, here’s the message WE need to hear:
Weakness doesn’t disqualify us.
Weakness doesn’t disqualify us.
At this moment, Daniel is a mess. There’s nothing visibly special about him. And yet, God gives him a supernatural vision!
Why give such an important message about the future to an old, weak, still enslaved prophet?
Typically, it’s not a good strategy to give important responsibilities to weak people.
In war, you send in the Navy Seals when it’s a high priority mission.
In sports, you give it to the all star for the last shot.
But, in the Kingdom of God… things are done differently…
The apostle Paul, inspired by God, wrote this, “Jesus told me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor. 12:9).
God has a different perspective on weakness. It doesn’t disqualify us. In fact, weakness may help us see more clearly.
Isn’t it interesting that Daniel (who has been weak for 3 weeks) is the only one who sees the vision, even though he’s with - what we can assume are - a bunch of fully-strengthened people.
I wonder how often God’s wanted to show us something special (He’s called us to an important responsibility) but we’ve disqualified ourselves because we felt weak and imperfect…
And behold, a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. And 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.
More weakness. Daniel needs help just getting on all fours. And even then, he’s trembling…
To all my dog people out there… you know when you bathe a dog and they look pathetic? Their hair is all disheveled and their shaking. That’s Daniel. Weak. Pathetic.
But what does the angel say? “O Daniel, you are greatly loved!”
I’m a dog person. I have two dogs. One of my dogs is kinda pathetic, especially after a bath. It’s the yorkiepoo. He’s small and weak. He’s also naughty. He steals food. He pees and poops in the house. But I can’t help it… when I look at him, I love him. It’s not because he’s impressive or deserves it. It’s because he’s greatly loved.
That’s like how God feels about Daniel. And that’s how God feels about us. And strangely, our weakness make this TRUTH clear. While the world requires us to earn it’s love, God greatly loves and desires us… in our weakness.
Weakness clarifies how much God loves us.
Weakness clarifies how much God loves us.
Then 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. The 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, and 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.”
Once again, we see the TRUTH that “there’s a cosmic war behind every conflict.” We’re not told why Daniel’s been mourning for 3 weeks. But it’s likely connected to something spiritual. And that seems to be confirmed by God intending to send this vision to Daniel 3 weeks earlier, but the angel was attacked by the “prince of Persia.”
…every time I hear this I think of the Super Nintendo video game…
Who is the “prince of Persia?” Most likely it’s an extremely powerful demon who controls the region of Persia, influencing the evil actions of the empire.
And when God’s angel was dispatched with Daniel’s vision, spiritual darkness did not let him pass. And it wasn’t until Michael, one of God’s chief angels, came and helped, that the angel was able to get free and get to Daniel.
Btw, this is one of the reasons why I don’t believe the angel speaking to Daniel is Jesus. Jesus would have no problem pulverizing the prince of Persia…
When he had spoken to me according to these words, I turned my face toward the ground and was mute. And 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. How can my lord’s servant talk with my lord? For now no strength remains in me, and no breath is left in me.”
Daniel remains weak and overwhelmed by the entire situation. Now, he can’t even talk. But…
Again one having the appearance of a man touched me and strengthened me. And 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.”
Daniel goes from barely able to breath (on life support) to a fully strengthened warrior, ready to fight - like Mike Tyson fighting Jake Paul. Kinda fitting, right? Mike Tyson is old… but have you seen the videos? I don’t want to get hit by that old man.
And here, Daniel receives supernatural help strengthening him for God’s purposes. You see, in the Kingdom of God, here’s the odd thing about weakness…
Weakness puts us in a position to receive from help from Heaven.
Weakness puts us in a position to receive from help from Heaven.
That’s a good thing. Actually God designed it that way. We are designed to be dependent on God…
That’s why we have verses like…
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
Or when Jesus said…
I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
We were created to be dependent on God! That’s why, at the beginning of creation, God looked and said, “It is good!” It was because creation existed in perfect relationship with Him.
God would walk in the garden with His creation.
And it was only after sin entered the world that we read statements like…
Then the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”
Sin separated us from God. But God designed us for relationship. And that’s why at the end of the Bible (in the future - the same one Daniel keeps envisioning and dreaming about) we read…
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
In the future, when God finally makes all things right, we see relationship restored. God is WITH His creation.
God designed us to be dependent on Him. And our current weakness often puts us in a place to realize this and receive God’s help.
And look what happens next…
Then 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. But 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.
“And as for me, in the first year of Darius the Mede, I stood up to confirm and strengthen him.
As this chapter wraps up, and the angel begins to give Daniel on the clarity of his vision, we see a couple of interesting things:
The war is not over. The archangel Michael helped this angel escape, but he’s gotta go back and fight. And even once the Persian demon is defeated, the demonic prince of Greece is ready to keep pushing spiritual darkness forward.
There’s a saying, “The devil doesn’t take a day off.” That’s true. Even today, him and his demonic armies continue destroying this world and attacking God’s beloved people. That’s kinda scary. It’s overwhelming. But…
In the midst of this spiritual battle, we see an encouraging confirmation of the TRUTH we just learned. Check it out…
The angel has come to help Daniel.
The angel was helped by Michael.
But the angel has also helped Michael.
Notice the mutual help. It’s almost like the Scriptures are emphasizing relationship. Like this is “how it’s done.”
We don’t fight alone.
We’re too weak by ourselves.
We need help from heaven.
…and so do the greatest angelic warriors.
And here’s an additional verse that supports this TRUTH. I found this one as I was reading my One-Year-Thru-The-Bible-Plan…
Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him.
This is talking about Jesus! When Jesus came to earth 2000 years ago, fully God and fully man, He came to save us from our sin. To fight mankind’s greatest battle.
And the night before going to the cross, He was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane about all that was going to happen. And in His humanity, he was so overwhelmed that he began to sweat blood. But then, Luke writes an angel from heaven strengthened him - He too (the Son of God) received help from heaven in His weakness.
And from there He would save the world by dying on the cross for our sins and rising 3 days later victorious over sin and death!
And I believe that’s the TRUTH we see in Daniel 10. We see that our weakness is not a problem for God. God knows how fragile we are. As the King David wrote…
For he knows how weak we are;
he remembers we are only dust.
He knows we can’t handle the storms - the conflicts, especially the ones sourced from spiritual darkness - on our own. We’re too weak!
But that’s okay. He’s in control. He has a plan for victory that’s taken our weakness into account. And He’s sending help from Heaven!
Response:
Response:
Today is Palm Sunday. It’s the Sunday before Jesus rose from the dead. It’s also the day when the Savior, Jesus, walked into Jerusalem for the purpose of dying for our sins. It’s literally when the weak and sinful world received the ultimate help from Heaven.
And today, as we close, I believe God wants to encourage all of us in our weakness…
God doesn’t need you to be strong all the time.
God doesn’t need you to be perfect.
God doesn’t need you to be right.
God doesn’t need you to pretend you have it all together.
He wants you to remember that…
When you’re weak, He is strong.
When you’re weak, you are greatly loved.
When you’re weak, He is sending help.
And when He does, simply receive it.
I know strength through weakness seems backwards, almost like In-N-Out not changing their menu for 75 years, but it works because it’s sourced from God. And His ways are perfect.
And yes, I’m talking about In-N-Out too. If you ever visit one, look on the bottom of their cups and you’ll know why…
But if you’ve been…
down on yourself or…
disqualifying yourself or…
running from God because of your weakness…
Today is the day of salvation!
Jesus is waiting to help you. All you need to do is receive it. Say, “God, I’m sorry for my sins. Forgive me. And I need Your help because I confess, I’m too weak. Please save me.”
And it wouldn’t surprise me if one day - in eternity (or maybe before that) - we find out that at the moment you started praying, God sent a word for help, just like He did for Daniel. Why? Because just like Daniel, you are greatly loved.
And one last thing… I believe some of us have been running from the call of God on our lives. You know God has plans for your life. But you’ve been ignoring Him, avoiding Him, because you feel too weak. But hopefully after today, you realize that your weakness is actually God’s secret weapon. Because His power is made perfect in weakness.
So, stop running. God’s has created you for good works that your family, this church, and this world need! Stand up and be strengthened!
Communion:
Communion:
On this Palm Sunday, we’re gonna close with communion. Communion is a time for those of us who have received Jesus as Savior to remember His help from Heaven. And if you’ve never received Christ as Lord and Savior, this is not a moment to be turned away, rather, get right with God and receive. Turn from your sins, ask Jesus to save you, and then come take communion with our church family…
Let’s pray…
Father, we are weak but You are strong. We have sinned greatly, but You are a great Savior. And so today, we confess our weakness, but we also believe You are sending help from Heaven. Even though it seems like darkness is growing, God, You are in control. And You are victorious. So our hope is in You. Save us, in Jesus name, amen.