Visions And Dreams

Focus verses: Daniel 7

Daniel's dreams and visions in this passage have to do with the end of times. As such, they can be compared with the book of Revelation which also has to do with the end of time.

These visions are enigmatic. People have tried to interpret them in light of the nations that exist now. But I think that is probably a futile effort. God is bigger than man. His meanings are beyond us unless He reveals something directly.

One point of interest in this passage is Daniel's description of the Ancient of Days. The caricature of God looking like an old man might have some of its roots in this passage.

Daniel was a faithful servant of the Lord (even though he served many years in the halls of several evil kings). It is to His faithful servants that God reveals the arcane and unknown.

From the description of the dream, it seems that there are four kingdoms involved, not simultaneously but in sequence. The times of these nations will be a time of hardship and oppression of the people. But the fourth kingdom to arise will be stripped of its power, not by the might of another kingdom, but by the hand of God. At that time, God will bring about a just world where He will be universally worshiped and obeyed.

This ultimate outcome should bring enormous comfort to all who are undergoing hardship of any kind. God is ultimately the conqueror. He is the eternal Sovereign. He is the Ancient of Days.

Father, God,

Help us to see that our times are temporary. Keep us aware that whatever the circumstance, this, too, shall pass. Grant us the wisdom to know that only You are eternal and never changing.

In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.

Interpreting A Dream

Focus verses: Daniel 2:17-45

Nebuchadnezzar was the king of Babylon while Daniel was in bondage there. The king had a dream which he wanted interpreted, but he would tell no one the content of the dream. He insisted that the interpreter tell him what he had dreamed.

None of his magicians, enchanter, sorcerers and astrologers could tell him the content of the dream. They asked him to reveal the content, but the king grew angry and would have had them all executed. This would have included Daniel and his friends. But Daniel went to the king and asked for some time to interpret the dream. Then he prayed, and God revealed the dream and its interpretation to him.

He asked the Lord for this specific wisdom, and it was granted to him. "You have made known to us the dream of the king."

Then, if you will notice, he tells the king that the dream came from God as an unbidden knowledge. God was revealing the future to the king. Daniel can interpret the dream, not because he is wiser than anyone else, but because God has revealed it so the king could know what went through his mind.

The whole point of this exercise is that all wisdom comes from God. When we ask His wisdom, He is generous to reveal it. He gives us the knowledge we need for the time at hand -- when we ask.

Unfortunately, most of us rely on our own wisdom, not the Lord's. We tend to go about our daily business, blissfully unaware of the power and knowledge available to us if we but ask.

Father, God,

Help us to check the arrogance of our own intellects. Remind us that all wisdom comes from You, not us. Give us the grace to seek Your will before committing to a course of action.

In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.

A Firm Foundation

Focus verses: I Kings 8:54-61

"Not one word has failed" Solomon's benediction on the people of Israel tells us what we can rely upon, have relied upon, will continue to rely upon. The word of the Lord is the firm foundation on which any of our hopes and aspirations can safely be built.

Without that foundation, all our hopes and dreams are just so much smoke on the breeze. But with this foundation, we can build the most wonderful castles, not in the air, but on the ground.

Anything we can think of is within our grasp, if we stop and apply the word of the Lord. When we want to do something, we should stop and ask "Is this consistent with the teachings of the Lord?"
If it is, we can safely proceed. If not, we need to stop and move on to another project.

Not one word has failed of the promises He made to Israel. Not one word will fail of the remainder of His promises to us. We can safely build on the firm foundation of God's Word.

Father, God,

Your faithfulness to us in all generations has overwhelmed us. Keep us faithful to You in the same way You are faithful to Your word.

In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.