Daniel 7 (5)

Introduction
Daniel’s dream is interpreted to him within the dream itself. This is a further elaboration of what he has understood previously, in chapters 2 and 4. We should also remind ourselves that this dream comes chronologically before the story of the lions’ den, and undoubtedly helps to explain why Daniel was able to keep his perspective and practices fully intact against the threats of the bear-king (Dan. 7.5). It’s instructive to see how much power for faithful living can be realized by focusing on and seeking the promised Kingdom of God.

Read and meditate on Daniel 2.36-45 and 4.31-35.

Read Daniel 7.15-22.

Think it Through
1.  Daniel saw the visions, including the revelation of the Ancient of Days and the One like the Son of Man. He says he was “grieved” and “troubled” by the visions, and that he sought to learn the truth conveyed in them. Here is a good example to follow in our own reading and study of divine revelation. He asked questions about specific aspects of the vision (v. 19), and he kept “watching (v. 21) for more revelation. Do you ever puzzle over passages of Scripture that you can’t quite understand? Can you think of one? Are you grieved and troubled to learn more? Do you plead with God to teach you, and do you search the rest of Scriptures (Acts 17.11; 1 Cor. 2.12, 13) to discover how they can help you understand the passage that’s troubling you? How can you improve your reading and study of Scripture, so that it consistently yields more of God’s truth for your walk with Him?

2.  Notice the promise of verse 18. This refers to the Kingdom mentioned in verses 13, 14. Who are the “saints”? How do they “receive” this Kingdom? How should receiving this Kingdom affect the way they live? The fourth beast in this vision is the Roman Empire, which subjugated the people of God in the years prior to Jesus’ coming, and would persecute the Church for nearly 300 years following His ascension. The “time” for the Kingdom mentioned in verse 21 refers to the promise of Luke 12.32 and Acts 1.7, 8. Explain. At that time “a judgment was made in favor of the saints of the Most High”. What was that “judgment”? Are we still living in that judgment at present (cf. Rom. 1.18-32)? How should knowing that an irrevocable judgment on our behalf has been made in the highest court of heaven affect the way we live? Like Daniel in chapter 6? Elaborate.

Meditate
“These kingdoms will be wiped out and the true, eternal kingdom will be handed over to the saints of the Almighty. Thus, while waiting for that eternal kingdom, count the kingdoms of this present age to be as nothing, which will soon enough come to their end.” Theodoret of Cyr (393-466 AD)

“Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12.32

Lord, You have called me to Your Kingdom and glory (1 Thess. 2.12). Why would I seek anything other than that? Help me today and every day to…

Pray Psalm 107.33-43.

How powerful and transforming are the effects of the Kingdom of God! Give thanks and praise to Him for the evidence of His Kingdom that you see all around you, and pray earnestly that more of His Kingdom might come on earth as it is in heaven.

Psalm 107.33-43, 1-3 (Faithfulness: Great is Thy Faithfulness)
You make the desert a river o’erflowing;
You make a wasted life fruitful and strong!
You bless the hungry with fields for the sowing;
Bless and increase us who to You belong!
Refrain vv. 1-3
  Lord, for Your wondrous works, and for Your steadfast love,
  We give You thanks, we exalt Your great Name!
  We who from east and west, north and south gather,
  Boldly redemption in Christ we proclaim!

When we are low, are oppressed and in sorrow,
You pour contempt on our fierce, angry foes.
We will rejoice at the hope of tomorrow:
He shall be wise who Your steadfast love knows!
Refrain

T. M Moore

Grow in your own vision of the Kingdom, and in the boldness and clarity of faith that vision can provide. Order a copy of our book, The Kingdom Turn, by clicking here, and let the adventure of Kingdom-seeking take off in your life.

Men, God is calling you to pray, lest He come in judgment against His Church. Watch this brief video, then seek the Lord about joining our Men at Prayer movement.

Please prayerfully consider sharing with The Fellowship of Ailbe through your giving. You can contribute to The Fellowship by clicking the Contribute button at the website or by sending your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006.