Daniel 10 (2)

Introduction
Daniel receives yet another vision, this time from “a certain man” whose appearance is so overpowering and awesome that it leaves Daniel prostrate on the ground and without strength. What will follow is still more detail concerning the revelation Daniel has already received. This round of revelation emphasizes the direct hand of God in the historical events that are shortly to unfold.

Meditate on Revelation 1.9-13.

Read Daniel 10.4-9.

Think it through.
1.  How many similarities can you identify between what Daniel saw in these verses and what John saw in Revelation 1.9-13? How about in the responses of these two saints? Verse 7 reminds us of Paul’s experience on the Damascus road (cf. Acts 9.1-9). Explain. Who was this “certain man” Daniel saw? How can we explain this? Theologians use the term theophany to refer to a manifestation of the Son of God prior to His incarnation or after His ascension. We might expect the theophany received by John to be more detailed than that received by Daniel. Why? We can describe Daniel’s response to this vision as worshipful and ready. Explain.

2.  Meditate on Colossians 3.1-3. What should we expect to see as we set our minds like this? How can the visions of Daniel and John help us? Why is so much brightness associated with this vision? In painting, bright colors seem to come forward, toward the viewer. How does knowing this enhance the power of the visions received by Daniel and John? How often should we contemplate this vision of Christ (cf. Ps. 16.8)? Suggest some ways to do this. How should you respond?

Meditate.
“We must lift up our eyes if we are to be able to discern a mystical vision.” Jerome (347-420 AD)

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3.1-3

I lift my eyes to You, Lord Jesus. Help my vision of You to be clearer and more consistent, so that I…

Pray Psalm 102.23-28.
Do you feel weakened in the presence of the exalted Christ? Should you? 

Psalm 102.22-28 (Leominster: Not What My Hands Have Done)
Yet let us tell God’s Name and praise His glorious grace;
Let all as one His love proclaim together in this place. 
Though now our strength is low; though shortened grow our days,
Our God will not forsake us so, but keep us in His ways!

Of old You made the earth and heavens by Your hand.
Though they shall perish You endure; forever shall You stand.
They change, yet You remain the same, without an end. 
Our children shall Your favor gain, and theirs shall be Your friend.

T. M. Moore

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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.