8/14/15

Daniel encounters Messiah and future wars and hardships are explained

AIM: Truth is revealed by God when we are humble

A) Daniel encounters frightening man sent from God to answer his prayer and fasting
(1) third year of Cyrus of Persia, another vision future war hardship
(2-3) vision after three weeks of mourning, no rich food, meat, wine, no lotions
(4-6) April 23, bank of Tigris River, looked up saw man linen clothing, pure gold belt waist, body like a precious gem, face flashed like lightning, eyes flamed like torches, arms/feet like polished bronze, voice like a multitude of people
(7) Only Daniel saw vision, men with him saw nothing but were terrified and ran
(8-9) Left alone, pale and weak, fainted
(10-11) hand lifted Daniel trembling hands and knees “very precious to God, listen carefully, Stand up, I’ve been sent to you”
(12) Don’t be afraid, since first day you began to pray for understanding, humbled yourself before God your request heard in heaven, answered prayer
(13-14) But for 21 days, spirit prince Persia blocked my way, Michael archangels came to help me, Now I’m here to explain what will happen your people future
(15-17) Looking down, unable to speak, looked like a man, touched lips, began to speak, “filled with anguish, very weak, how can I speak my lord, strength is gone, hardly breathe”
(18-19) touched again, strength returning 19 “Don’t be afraid,” he said, “for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!”
Application: While the answer may already be sent it sometimes takes time for us to get it. Never stop praying (1 Thes 5:17)

B) The terrifying man reveals he’s come to fight against spirits and tell Daniel what will happen in future wars.
(20-11:1) “Know why I have come? Fight against spirit kingdom of Persia, then spirit kingdom of Greece will come, meanwhile I’ll tell you what is written in Book of Truth – only Michael, your spirit prince helps – I’ve stood beside Michael support/strengthen him since first year of Darius the Mede (Chapter 6 – lions den)
(2) I will reveal truth to you, three more Persian kings, succeeded by fourth richer one, stirs to fight Greece
(3-4) Mighty king rise up, succeed in everything, height of power broken to four parts, not ruled by kings descendants, nor authority once had, empire uprooted, given to others
(5) King of south increase in power, one official more powerful than he, rules kingdom with great strength
(6) years later alliance formed between kings north and south. Daughter of south marriage to north secure alliance – she’ll lose influence, abandoned
(7-8) one of her relatives king of south, raised an army – defeat king of north, returns to Egypt, idols, priceless articles, gold, silver, years afterward leave king of north alone
(9-10) later king of north invade realm of south, return to own land, but sons of north assemble great army, advance like flood, carry battle as far as enemy’s fortress
(11-12) in rage south king rally against vast forces and will defeat them, filling him with pride, execute enemies success short lived
(13-14) years later north king returns with greater army than before, general uprising against king south – violent men will join but not succeed
(15) then King of north lay siege, capture fortified city, best troops of south can’t stand
(16-17) king north unopposed pause in glorious land of Israel intent on destroying, plans, entire kingdom, alliance form south (via daughter) but plan will fail
(18-19) then turn attention to coastland, conquer many cities but commander another land end insolence, king north retreats in shame. Refuge in own fortresses but stumble, fall and seen no more
(20)north  successor taxes, but brief reign will die, not from anger or battle
(21-22) next despicable man, not in line/royal succession. Slip in, least expected, take over by flattery and intrigue, great armies swept away, including covenant prince
(23-24) deceitful promises, various alliances, strong despite having only handful of followers, without warning enter rich areas, plunder wealth among followers, something never done, plot to overthrow strongholds, lasting only a short while
(25-26) north courage against south, south king battles no avail, own house causes downfall, his army swept away, many killed
(27) seeking nothing but harm for each other, kings plot against each other at conference table attempting deceive each other but makes no difference, end will come at appointed time.
(28) north king returns with great riches, set himself against people of holy covenant, doing much damage before continuing journey
(29-30) again north invades south, different – warships from western coastlands will scare him off, return home, vent anger against people of holy covenant and reward those who forsake the covenant (seems like Nazi Germany)
Application: Having seen horrors of World Wars, seems clear that end of time is approaching. Knowing this how should my life change?

C) Daniel receives encouragement that while times are hard, some people still know God and are helped by him.
(31-32) his army take over Temple fortress, pollute sanctuary, stop daily sacrifices, setup sacrilegious object causes desecration, flatter, win over those who violated the covenant – People who know God strong, resist him.
(33-34) wise leaders instruction to many but will die by fire, sword or jailed and robbed. During persecutions little help will arrive, many join them not sincere
(35) some wise fall victim to persecution, refined, cleansed, made pure until time of the end – appointed time still to come
(36) king does as pleases, exalting himself, claiming greater than every god, even God – he will succeed, only till time of wrath is complete -  For what has been determined will surely take place.
(37-39) no respect for gods, boast greatness over all, instead worships god of fortress, one never known – lavish gold, silver, precious stones, expensive gifts (Buddha, Islam?)
(40-41) end of time, king of south attack north, north sweeps lands like a flood, enter Israel but Moab, Edom, Ammon escape.
(42-43) conquer many countries, Egypt, gain control of gold, silver, treasures of Egypt, Libyans, Ethiopians as servants
(44-45) News from east and north alarm him, in anger set out to destroy, obliterate many – stop between glorious holy mountain and sea but there time suddenly runs out and no one will help him.
(12:1) Michael, the archangel who stands guard over Israel will arise. Greatest anguish of all time – but everyone written in the book will be rescued.
(2-3) dead will rise to everlasting life or disgrace, wise will shine bright as sky – who lead many to righteousness shine like stars forever
(4) Keep this prophecy secret, sealed up until many rush around and knowledge will increase
(5-6) Daniel saw two others on opposite banks of river, one asked man now standing above river “how long until shocking events are over?”
(7) raised hands toward heaven, solemn oath by One who lives forever…”time, times and half time” when shattering of the holy people has finally come to an end, these things will have happened.
(8-9) Daniel didn’t understand, asked “how?” he said “go it kept secret and sealed until the time of the end”
(10) Many will be purified, cleansed, and refined by these trials. But the wicked will continue in their wickedness, and none of them will understand. Only those who are wise will know what it means.
(11) daily sacrifice is stopped, sacrilegious object causes desecration set up to be worshiped, 1,290 days
(12-13) blessed are those who wait, remain until the end of the 1,335 days, Daniel rest at the end of the days – rise again receive inheritance set aside for you.
Application: We can know God’s word is true because of fulfilled prophecy and given courage to withstand hardships.