Daniel Unlocked #40

Daniel Unlocked #40. Some Exciting News!

If you have accepted Jesus into your life, it should be comforting for you to know that he is central to the judgment as depicted in this chapter.

From an earthly point of view the Holy Ones of the ‘Most High’ – God’s people (Dan.7:18, 21, 22, 25, 27.) are attacked by the power represented by the little horn. Because they insist on remaining faithful to God’s Word, they are persecuted during the times of papal rule. Christians were persecuted during the time of the pagan Roman Empire, too (the fourth beast itself), but the persecution mentioned in Daniel 7:25 by the Holy Roman church, is a persecution of the saints by the little horn, which arises only after the pagan phase of Rome ends.

However, God’s people won’t be subjected to oppression by worldly power forever. The kingdom of God will replace the kingdoms of the world. Interestingly, in the actual vision, to the Son of man “was given dominion and glory and a kingdom” (Dan. 7:14). But in the interpretation offered by the angel, it is the “holy ones” who receive the kingdom (Dan. 7:18). There is no contradiction here. Because the Son of man is related to God and humanity, His victory is the victory of those He represents! (Just like when a football team wins – it is for all their fans.)That’s good news!

When the high priest asks if Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, Jesus points back to Psalm 110:1 and Daniel 7:13, 14 and says: “I am. And you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven” (Mark 14:62). That did not impress the High Priest, but it should impress us! The ‘I Am’ pointed back to Exodus 3:14.

Therefore, Jesus is the One who represents us in the heavenly tribunal.

Therefore, Jesus is the One who represents us in the heavenly tribunal. He already has defeated the powers of darkness and shares His triumph with those who come close to Him. Therefore, there is no reason to fear. As the apostle Paul so aptly states: “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:37–39).

Here’s another great piece of news. In His final discourse (John 14:1 – 16:15) with the disciples before His crucifixion, Jesus told them of the promised coming of the Holy Spirit, in the Greek – Paracletos, sometimes translated as ‘comforter’, ‘counsellor’, or ‘the one called alongside.’ However, in 1 John 2:1 the Greek word Paracletos is referred to Jesus and is translated ‘advocate.’ Dwell on that thought for a moment! You have the Holy Spirit here on earth to strengthen, encourage and instruct.

But In heaven you have an advocate (your lawyer) in the judgment who is totally on your side, if you are committed to Him. Do you get it? All heaven is on your side! The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit ARE ALL CHEERING YOU ON, SAYING, “You can make it, just keep on keeping on.” The angels are also watching closely and are ‘ministering spirits as well. Keep your eyes on the goal, don’t let the devil distract you with shadows that will pass away.

As we see how accurately Daniel’s vision depicts history, thousands of years in advance, it should help us trust in God’s promises for the future?