Daniel 10 (4)

Introduction
Daniel is overwhelmed and worn down. He is bent and speechless and can think of nothing to say. His strength fails him, and he can barely breathe. Such is the burden of truth. Daniel knew it, as did Isaiah before him. Do we?

Read Isaiah 6.1-13.

Read Daniel 10.15-17.

Think it through.
1.  Daniel was in the midst of receiving further revelation from God. In his mind, he added what he was hearing in this chapter to what he had heard since he was but a youth (Daniel 2). God’s truth about what was yet to come was piling up on Daniel. Describe the physical effects of this latest round of revelation on him. Why was this such a heavy burden for him? Why was he so troubled about what God was showing him? How was he able to bear this burden, and to commit it to writing (vv. 10, 16)?

2.  Daniel was shown nations coming under the judgment of God, struggles in the spiritual realm, and the ultimate desolation of his own nation. He was crushed by what God revealed to him. Meditate on Romans 1.18-32. The truth about our world is that God’s wrath is being poured out even now. What forms does that take? Does this trouble you? Meditate on Revelation 20.11-15. Should knowing this affect how we live in the present? Explain. Daniel bore the heavy burden of truth which God revealed to him in his Word, and he faithfully proclaimed as much of it as he knew, even though he did not fully understand it. How should his example instruct us? Where can we find the strength to bear the burden of truth as God intends?

Meditate.
“For whenever all the strength of our life and its glory pass from us, then are we strengthened by Christ, who stretches forth his hand and raises the living from among the dead, and as it were from Hades itself, to the resurrection of life.” Hippolytus (fl. 222-245 AD)

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown itto them. Romans 1.18, 19

Father, give me a heart for the lost! Let Your goodness lead me to repentance for any sins! Help me to bear the burden of Your truth each day, and I will…

Pray Psalm 102.8-17.
Being a witness for Christ can be risky, but we are called to reach out to the lost with the Good News of Jesus. Pray for those who may yet be enemies of God (Rom. 5.10). Give your fears of being a witness over to the Lord, and call on Him to rise and have mercy on you as you bear the burden of His truth today.

Psalm 102.5-14 (Leominster: Not What My Hands Have Done)
With loudest groans and cries, and leanness in my soul,
No shelt’ring place arrests my eyes, no rest to make me whole.
My enemies grow strong; I weep with bitter tears;
My days are like a shadow, long; God’s face is no more near.

But You, O Lord, abide forever in Your place.
Arise and stand on Zion’s side and lavish us with grace!
Revive Your Church, O Lord! Let all her dust and stones
Be strengthened by Your mighty Word, and compact be as one.

T. M Moore

For a better understanding of the book of Daniel, and all the books of the Bible, order a copy of the workbook, God’s Covenant, from our online store. The studies in this workbook will show you how the parts of the Bible connect with one another to tell the story of God’s redemption and glory (click here).

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 buttonat 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.