DANIEL 10, in sequence

Someone established a sequential order for Daniel - and placed this chapter here.

I don’t have the historical knowledge to understand specifically why this chapter is located here…. It is like an interruption – an “Oh, by the way” – and is based on the Persian King’s timeline. It is apparent in Chapter 5 that the Babylonian kingdom went to King Darius the Mede immediately following Belshazzar’s death; but Chapter 10 clues us into the reality of the rule of King Cyrus the Persian as well…. It is corroboration of the interpretation of the dream Nebuchadnezzar had approximately 63 years earlier – that, while his kingdom would be the head of gold, the kingdom after him would be an empire with the chest and arms of silver. That kingdom has been identified as the Medo-Persian Empire, which was in power from 539 – 331 B C, and it began the night Belshazzar died in 539 B C.

The only one who comes to my mind who perfectly fits the description of the being seen in the vision reported in this passage is the pre-incarnate Messiah – the One who will come to Daniel’s people in the latter days, and when He returns for His Second Coming, He will not come as the innocent babe, but the conquering hero.

However, I am not a Bible scholar. I don’t know exactly whom it was who appeared in Daniel’s vision – but there are some lessons to be noted here. I do know Daniel’s vision came from God, and that the one who was sent was occupied doing battle with demonic forces who were trying to prevent Daniel’s prayers from getting through….

What is indelibly impressed on me in Chapter 10 is the commendation Daniel receives, directly expressed from the heart of God! At the precise point that Daniel was beyond overwhelmed being in the powerful presence of the one in the vision, he was encouraged and comforted with these words, “O Daniel, man greatly loved….” And later in this passage, in verse 19, after he was strengthened the message was reiterated, “O man greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage.” Daniel was a humble man, in spite of his successes, intelligence and giftedness. He is an amazing model of a true man of God.

In 539 B C, Daniel was approximately 81 years old. He was captured in 605 B C during Nebuchadnezzar’s reign and taken to Babylon. He was a youth at the time. For observation sake I have placed him at 15 years of age when he was captured, which is my basis for the observation that he was most likely about 81 in 539 B C, give or take a year or two….

Daniel was consistently faithful in spite of circumstances. He’ll soon get to prove that again!

The commendation he received is one I want to pass on today to those who are following God's call on their lives, and living faithfully in spite of obstacles and circumstances. May your stories be encouraging to others as you faithfully seek to serve Him with all your heart....

“O man greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage.”

I HAVE A DREAM....

Dr Martin Luther King, Jr was born January 15, 1929 – and died April 4, 1968. His most well known speech was one he made during the 'March on Washington' in August of 1963. (I was 17 years old at the time and had just graduated from High School in May of that year.)

The most frequently quoted sentence from what came to be known as his ‘I Have A Dream’ speech given during that march is, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”

It was and is a laudable dream. Character matters. In fact, it is noteworthy timing that we have this as a very present reminder.

I have been reading the Old Testament book of Daniel. Daniel had character. He is a perfect model for demonstrating what character looks like. He was faithful to his beliefs in spite of opposition. He had incredible integrity and remarkable character. Character is not something that is created in times of trouble; character is revealed in times of trouble.

We need those who have committed to lead our state to demonstrate that quality of character. It takes courage to stand for what is right when it is in opposition to the growing trend to bend to the pressure of politically correct perspectives. Integrity and honor demand that courage!

I, too, have a dream. It is a dream for people to treat people well in spite of differences, yet standing firm in matters pertaining to Biblical truths and teachings. In reality, I know the fulness of my dream will not be realized until I reach heaven's shore - but it's alright to have the dream!

Other selected quotes credited to Martin Luther King, Jr:

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

“Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable…. Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.”

“A man who won’t die for something is not fit to live.”

(I would state that last one a bit differently, i.e., "Having something worth dying for makes life worth living." Or "Live for something that is worth dying for." But I understand what he is saying!)

DANIEL

After reading Ezekiel, because it was Christmas season, I focused on some of the prophecies that foretold the birth of the Messiah, which were all fulfilled by the birth of Yeshua (Jesus).

Next I was drawn to read the book of Daniel. What great timing. (Thank you, Lord.) I had been fighting discouragement over circumstances I don't have a solution for - and I needed to re-read Daniel! There were a couple of other recent reminders of all I have to be thankful for - but Daniel reminds me that God is Sovereign, is on His throne, and everything is in His very capable hands. I may not prefer His timing - but I can trust Him!

This morning God reminded me that I had not accessed a tool I have often encouraged for others: and that is, simply telling Satan, "Get behind me" when thoughts that are definitely not from God assail. I readily attributed my dismay over this situation to being 'human', and didn't address the reality of seeing God at work - even through difficult circumstances.

So - let's look at Daniel. He was of the nobility in Jerusalem. He was from the tribe of Judah. The King of Judah was Jehoiakim. We aren't told his relationship to the royals, but we do know that the young men who were captured and taken to Babylon were of the royal and noble families (1:3).

Daniel could have been legitimately diverted to many other paths of action - but the one he chose was absolute faithfulness to God, and incorporated within that, faithfulness to serving King Nebuchadnezzar, except when the King's demands thwarted God's requirements.

Daniel makes for exciting reading! My chapter for today was chapter 4. We read these stories knowing the outcome, but Daniel lived them. Even with his enormous commitment and confidence in God, he was human, and faced the struggles associated with his calling - but he was faithful! Hooray Daniel! Thank you for your witness to courage, to faithfulness, to loving the Lord and honoring Him in spite of circumstances! I'm looking forward to meeting you in heaven!