God's Unshakeable Kingdom

We are starting a second section of this book of Daniel series--Maybe something worth considering but today, let me encourage you: prophecy is a major part of your Bible. 25% of your Bible is prophecy. Another large portion of prophetic writing is found in the book of Revelation— the last book of the New Testament. We will refer to that from time to time also— Another OT book that contains prophetic writing is Ezekiel—It will be Brand new territory. We shift the focus to describing visions.

The timeline in prophecy can be somewhat challenging. Are we investigating some things that have already happened— even though they were predicted by Daniel back then— and we will be seeing something that is still ahead for us as well. That is somewhat controversial, but we will work hard to research thoroughly, and present the most common and acceptable conclusions. I also rely a bit more heavily upon Anabaptist writings and theology that has been established throughout our particular stream.

One thing I wanted to share with you is the actual sources and resource materials we have been consulting:

Commentaries describe and reflect upon the text— Histories are also somewhat like this, as they may quote large sections of teachings and sermons from other teachers in the past. I like what are called the original sources— we go back to scripture itself first— then pray in studying the thoughts and reflections/observations/applications of others.

[photo of resource books]

Recall how the book of Daniel is set up: The first half of the book, chapters 1–6, chronicles the life and challenges of 4 Hebrew captives seeking to live faithfully in the midst of a hostile culture, Babylon, where they’d been taken prisoner. Daniel shows us how it is possible to not only survive, but thrive in that environment. In fact, Daniel and these exiles endure even a change in leadership while they are prisoners: Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, and Darius have all been mentioned as kings—

These first chapters are written mostly in the language of Aramaic, the language of Babylon, because the focus is one shining out there, in Babylon.

Well, chapter 7 shifts back to the Hebrew language, because these prophecies are specifically given to God’s people to prepare them for the future.

They are not so much messages for people out there as they are for us, in here. In fact, you’ll notice that up until now, the dreams in the book of Daniel have been given to pagan kings and Daniel is the interpreter. Now, Daniel himself is the dreamer— These next chapters are less stories about Daniel and the exiles, they are rather accounts written BY Daniel of his visions and experiences thinking through what they mean. These prophecies are for God’s people--to teach us how to look at the future if we’re going to shine in the present.

Big Idea for today:

God’s Kingdom will prevail, even through history’s chaos and conflict.

What word characterizes your outlook on the future? STRESSFUL or PEACEFUL? Daniel’s prophecy helps us consider the difference between those two attitudes.

We left off in chapter 6 when Daniel was probably about 80 years old. Now, Daniel 7 and 8, we’re going to go back a few years to Daniel in his mid 60’s.

There’s a lot of detail in these chapters--Daniel’s dream has bears and leopards with wings and talking horns and a chariot with wheels of fire--and when you first read all of it, you’re concerned that Daniel might need to be drug tested. Like whoa dude— what’s going on here— Daniel himself will also admit that what he is seeing disturbs him at times!

But I want to show you that running through these details is a clear, easy message weaving through it. So, hang on, and don’t get overwhelmed by the details. It’s going to be a lot and you’re going to be like, “What in the world???” Just hang on, I hope to make it simple for us at the end, containing something we can apply and be encouraged with each week.

There are several parts to this visions in Chapter 7 and 8… But they have a primary theme and message, so thats why we are dealing with them together. In both chapters, there is a somewhat weird creature laden “science-fictionish” part—creatures and a ram and a goat-- but also then a glorious and powerful heavenly part, where Daniel gets a glimpse of both God the Father and God the Son.

I. Daniel’s Dream (v.1-8)

Daniel 7:1 NIV

1 In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream, and visions passed through his mind as he was lying in bed. He wrote down the substance of his dream.

Daniel 7:2 NIV

2 Daniel said: “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me were the four winds of heaven churning up the great sea.

Daniel 7:3 NIV

3 Four great beasts, each different from the others, came up out of the sea.

The sea is often a metaphor for the world at large—also like all the Gentile (non-Hebrew) world.

We will cover quite a bit of scripture here in this chapter, but jump down to verse 17 for a little hint on what we are about to read:

Daniel 7:17 NIV

17 ‘The four great beasts are four kings that will rise from the earth.

We don’t have to guess here.

Four beasts represent four kings— or even four kingdoms that can be identified and named.

Now we need to think back to Nebuchadnezzar's dream in chapter 2? There was this huge statue with the different materials comprising the different parts of the body?

In this dream— we can connect the vision Daniel has with different “world powers”.

A. Daniel sees four beasts, each representing earthly kingdoms. (v.4-7)

The Lion represented Babylon.

[Photo of LION]

Babylon was very commonly portrayed as a Lion or an eagle.

Daniel 7:4 NIV

4 “The first was like a lion, and it had the wings of an eagle. I watched until its wings were torn off and it was lifted from the ground so that it stood on two feet like a human being, and the mind of a human was given to it.

This describes what happened to Neb quite well. He was prideful, humbled, but then restored from being like an animal back to being a man.

Daniel 7:5 NIV

5 “And there before me was a second beast, which looked like a bear. It was raised up on one of its sides, and it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. It was told, ‘Get up and eat your fill of flesh!’

b. The Bear represented the Medes and Persian empire.

[photo of Bear]

Historians even marvel that the ribs or “flesh” that Daniel sees in this bear’s mouth could represent the three empires that the Medes and Persians conquered: Babylon, Egypt, and Lydia.

Daniel 7:6 NIV

6 “After that, I looked, and there before me was another beast, one that looked like a leopard. And on its back it had four wings like those of a bird. This beast had four heads, and it was given authority to rule.

c. The Leopard represented the Greek empire.

[photo of Leopard]

The Greek empire was the next huge world power under Alexander the Great— he conquered a huge portion of the world in a very short period of time. That is perhaps the connection to the wings, and incidentally, Alexander died at a fairly young age, and the kingdom at that time was divided among four of his generals. They inherited the authority.

Daniel 7:7 NIV

7 “After that, in my vision at night I looked, and there before me was a fourth beast—terrifying and frightening and very powerful. It had large iron teeth; it crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was left. It was different from all the former beasts, and it had ten horns.

d. The fourth terrifying beast represented the Roman empire.

[photo of 4th beast]

This beast isn’t even described as an animal at all. He just says that it’s not like any of the others. Maybe Daniel didn’t even know how to explain what he was seeing. The Romans were a strong and most powerful kingdom. The imagery here fits, as it’s described as having iron teeth, crushing their enemies, and stomping on everything with their feet. The Roman’s were the first to build roads which allowed soldiers to travel much faster and further than ever before. This also aligns with the statue vision, with this part being the feet!

If fact— there’s a cool connection here with the ten horns: (Ten toes on the feet— there is a connection with some historians to ten leaders of the Roman empire) Horns are often used as symbols of power.

Daniel 7:8 NIV

8 “While I was thinking about the horns, there before me was another horn, a little one, which came up among them; and three of the first horns were uprooted before it. This horn had eyes like the eyes of a human being and a mouth that spoke boastfully.

There seems to be one little horn that takes out three of the others. Now just as a warning— this is somewhat controversial. If you’re interested, there are all kinds of explanations for this little horn guy. Generally, there are a couple rulers who could fit this description. We will talk about one in particular next week— but there are also credible respected authors who have attributed this in other ways.

Notice that this little horn appears to have eyes like a human, and a mouth that is speaking boastfully.

With some research, we can discover that the Apostle John, who had a vision also later in his life— also speaks about a beast that is speaking arrogantly or boastfully in Revelation:

Revelation 13:5–6 NIV

5 The beast was given a mouth to utter proud words and blasphemies and to exercise its authority for forty-two months. 6 It opened its mouth to blaspheme God, and to slander his name and his dwelling place and those who live in heaven.

John and Daniel are in essence seeing the same beast. The general consensus is that this is a description of what is called the “Antichrist”. More about that whole thing next week in Chapter 8.

The thing we can learn today is that- This little dude is not good. Put a pin in that, and remember the little horn for the future visions.

You can read more about the interpretation of this part of the dream in verse 15-25— I’m only going to touch on those verses a bit— so you can take a look at those on your own.

Next however, we need to understand that sometimes these prophetic visions are not quite linear (in the timeline of humans!). Scholars generally agree that these four beasts represent the same four kingdoms mentioned in chapter 2 and Neb’s dream of the statue. With particular attention given to that last kingdom— the fourth beast— and how it is particularly menacing.

Lets jump ahead here to consider what the angel says about that fourth beast/kingdom (which many agree refers to the Roman Empire)

Daniel 7:23 NIV

23 “He gave me this explanation: ‘The fourth beast is a fourth kingdom that will appear on earth. It will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth, trampling it down and crushing it.

Daniel 7:24 NIV

24 The ten horns are ten kings who will come from this kingdom. After them another king will arise, different from the earlier ones; he will subdue three kings.

Daniel 7:25 NIV

25 He will speak against the Most High and oppress his holy people and try to change the set times and the laws. The holy people will be delivered into his hands for a time, times and half a time.

Remember, I mentioned that there were two parts to the vision.

We are now introduced to a wonderful and glorious part of the vision: The scene shifts from a dark, menacing theme— to one of glorious light and fire.

II. The Ancient of Days (v.9-14)

Daniel 7:9 NIV

9 “As I looked, “thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze.

Scholars believe we are getting a picture of the throne of God. The Ancient of Days is a wonderful thought— God is eternal— there wasn’t ever a time where God wasn’t. There will not be a time when God is not. The purity of his hair and beard, his clothing, it all communicates holiness. Ezekiel also has visions of God coming on a throne with Fire all around it. That’s in Ezekiel 1.

A. Daniel sees God the Father on His throne.

Daniel 7:10 NIV

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

Ezekiel has very similar visions, and explains those in Ezekiel 1. There is a powerful reflection practice here: For all of history, men and women have taken these passages and simply read them carefully and allowed the Holy Spirit to help us envision what this might look like.

The books mentioned here represent the records of all our deeds.

In verses 11-12, we read that the fourth beast, with it’s loud mouthed little horn are destroyed— presumably because of what is revealed in the books. Then what follows is a very powerful portion of scripture:

Daniel 7:13 NIV

13 “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence.

B. A person is brought before God and given all authority.

Daniel 7:14 NIV

14 He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

Son of Man is the primary title Jesus used to describe himself! In fact, that title is used 82 times in the New Testament! Jesus is certainly also called the “son of God”—that title would be used to emphasize Jesus’ divine nature.. that He is God. Son Of Man is often used to emphasize His humanity. But another powerful thought is that each time the phrase Son of Man is used, it’s often a DIRECT reference back to Daniel 7:13-14.

Here’s a great example:

Near the end of Jesus’ earthly life— he is presented before the High Priest Caiaphas and the whole assembly of religious leaders— Caiaphas is desperate to get some resolution to Jesus--

Matthew 26:63–64 (NIV)

63 But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.” 64 “You have said so,” Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

This is a direct reference to Daniel 7:13-14. Everyone in the room knew what Jesus was pointing them back to— THE one who Daniel originally saw receiving power and authority and glory from God the Father.

This statement ends the trial. They convict him of blasphemy— and justify killing Him because He calls himself this title.

Jesus identifies himself as the person from Daniel 7:14! (Matthew 26:64)

This is such a powerful prophecy for Daniel and all people who are prisoners. This was echoed by the first martyr after Jesus— Stephen:

Acts 7:54–56 “54 When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.””

Remember the little horn? We will talk more about the little horn-- but take a look at the end of this chapter to see his fate:

Now lets bring these two parts of the dream together:

Daniel 7:26 NIV

26 “ ‘But the court will sit, and his power will be taken away and completely destroyed forever.

This refers to the little horns power— and ultimately to any kingdom on earth— it’s all under the authority of God. The authority and power and greatness is extended to others as well— US! The Holy people of the Most High!

Daniel 7:27 NIV

27 Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be handed over to the holy people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey him.’

Daniel admits that he is quite shaken by all that he has seen:

Daniel 7:28 NIV

28 “This is the end of the matter. I, Daniel, was deeply troubled by my thoughts, and my face turned pale, but I kept the matter to myself.”

Even though Daniel’s vision affirmed the eventual victory and reign of the Son of Man and of God’s people, Daniel was still alarmed by the fourth beast and the malevolent little horn’s hostility toward the saints.

There is more to this story that we will tackle in the remaining chapters— but what can we take from this dream and its interpretation today?

It’s wise for us to focus on the most important parts of this, rather than argue or become too rigid about the smaller details. Scholars that I’ve read suggest that the imagery and descriptions that Daniel has written here are somewhat transferable— that means that they could play out several times in different actual historical events. We are going to see some compelling evidence next week about a couple real life historical figures that acted A LOT like this little horn— but even though we may not agree on exactly who this person is— we can ALL agree that the victory of the Son of Man is clear. The everlasting kingdom has been inaugurated— and the saints— that’s you and me, will inherit all that Christ accomplished on our behalf. The future is secure. Jesus’ teaching on earth alludes to that.

Luke 12:32 NIV

32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.

“The Son of God became the Son of Man so that the sons of man may become sons of God.” C. S. Lewis

So how are you feeling about the world now? Anxious? Peaceful? An election season is coming to a close— I hope this passage reminds us clearly who is on the throne of the universe. It’s important to have elections, to have political parties and strategies on how best to solve problems, set up laws and the structure of our world here… But— let this remind us of a transcendent authority.

“Kings and Kingdoms will all pass away, but there’s something about that name”

(WORSHIP TEAM)

What are you placing your hope in this morning? I recommend that it would never put that kind of faith in a person, or a process or a culture or a system of this world.

What are you placing your trust in this morning? That’s a more important question in our life.

What are you placing your faith in today? And it really doesn’t matter how strong that faith is— it’s about the object of your faith.

I heard a teacher this week explain faith in a very cool way.

Even the strongest person, who is standing in quick-sand, is still going to sink— it really doesn’t matter how strong they are. But even the weakest person standing on rock is secure. What I’m talking about here is not about the level of my faith, but rather the object of my faith.

If you’ve been distracted— let’s get back to what matters most— and place our trust and faith in the Rock that will prevail above everything else.