Daniel 10 (7)

Introduction
Daniel is one of the most admirable characters in all of Scripture, in large part because we see him as so wise, faithful, and courageous. God set His favor on Daniel for a special calling, to serve Him in an unbelieving world, to receive and understand His Word, and to intercede for the people of God. In this calling, Daniel differs from us only in the circumstances of place and time. We, too, have been called to serve, receive, and pray. May we do so with the faithfulness and courage of Daniel.

Review Daniel 7.5, 6; 8.20, 21.

Read and Meditate on Daniel 10.

Think it through.
1.  From Daniel 10 we have seen that being entrusted with revelation from God can be an awesome burden. Daniel was nearly crushed under the weight of glory God was revealing to him, and only the strength and loving touch of the Word made it possible for him to continue in his calling. What can we learn from Daniel about fulfilling our calling from God? How does this relate to our time in God’s Word? Our prayer lives? Our service in an unbelieving world?

2.  We have also seen in Daniel 10 the close connection between the seen and unseen worlds. Nothing on earth happens in a merely temporal and material framework. Spiritual forces – of good and evil – are everywhere active, exerting influence on decisions and actions in all areas of life. Why does this make it all the more important that we be truly spiritual people, steeped in divine revelation and clothed in prayer? How can we know when the spiritual forces acting upon us are malevolent? What should we do then?

Meditate
“For unless the angel had reassured him by touching him like a son of man, so that his heart was freed of terror, he would not have been able to hearken to God’s secrets.” Jerome (347-420AD)

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3.1, 2

You have called me to Your Kingdom and glory, O Lord; and You have sent me to my world as Your witness. Use me today to…

Pray Psalm 102.1-28
Acknowledge your trials, confess your weaknesses, rejoice in the Lord’s faithfulness, and call upon Him to show favor to His people, now and in the generations to come.

Psalm 102.1-28 (Leominster: Not What My Hands Have Done)
Lord, hear my prayer and cry; hide not Your face from me!
In my distress and tears I sigh – Lord, hear my earnest plea!
My days like smoke blow past; my bones are scorched with sin.
My heart, like wilted, withered grass bends low to earth again.

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.

Then let the nations fear the glory of the Lord!
For He shall in His Church appear to heed our sighing words.
Then let our children learn to praise the Lord above.
He hears their groans and knows they yearn to dwell within His love.

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).