WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.480 You are listening to a message from Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama. 00:00:06.980 --> 00:00:09.540 Our passion is to experience and express grace. 00:00:10.080 --> 00:00:10.620 Join us. 00:00:12.580 --> 00:00:18.920 Yes, we did pick every song we could think of about that same theme this morning and 00:00:18.920 --> 00:00:19.740 sang them all. 00:00:20.300 --> 00:00:22.260 So that's always fun. 00:00:23.320 --> 00:00:25.620 Here's the roadmap for this morning. 00:00:25.620 --> 00:00:32.100 Long introduction, short sermon, great lunch. 00:00:33.120 --> 00:00:33.260 Okay? 00:00:34.020 --> 00:00:35.660 Y'all, anybody up for that? 00:00:35.799 --> 00:00:36.920 Yep, you in for that? 00:00:37.320 --> 00:00:39.079 You're voting for the short sermon part, aren't you? 00:00:39.960 --> 00:00:43.719 Those of you who sat through Sunday school with me already deserve the short sermon part. 00:00:43.799 --> 00:00:44.520 It's just for you. 00:00:46.400 --> 00:00:47.760 But there is a long introduction. 00:00:48.540 --> 00:00:53.079 So let me start with that long introduction before we read our passage for this morning. 00:00:53.079 --> 00:00:59.179 We're at the point in the book of Daniel where we begin to shift from stories about the life 00:00:59.179 --> 00:01:05.780 of Daniel and his friends living in Babylon and how they engage there, things that happen 00:01:05.780 --> 00:01:13.120 in their lives, to visions that Daniel has of the future, visions that happen during those 00:01:13.120 --> 00:01:16.920 years where there are fiery furnaces and lions' dens and so forth. 00:01:16.920 --> 00:01:21.960 But visions of the future God gives to Daniel that are recorded in these last six chapters 00:01:21.960 --> 00:01:23.140 of the book. 00:01:23.579 --> 00:01:28.500 This is what now in the second half of the book is called apocalyptic literature. 00:01:29.280 --> 00:01:33.180 What that means is that this is the revelation of the Old Testament. 00:01:33.740 --> 00:01:36.840 Some of you I know have studied revelation recently. 00:01:37.040 --> 00:01:40.560 If you've ever studied revelation, you know what it's like, right? 00:01:40.560 --> 00:01:49.500 It's chock full of incredible imagery and brilliant metaphors, wild pictures of beasts and battles 00:01:49.500 --> 00:01:53.540 and heaven and hell, all of these sorts of things. 00:01:53.740 --> 00:01:57.879 And that dynamic doesn't mean that the things described aren't real. 00:01:59.099 --> 00:02:04.260 It just means we recognize that often they can't be fully described by even the one who's 00:02:04.260 --> 00:02:05.700 seeing the vision. 00:02:05.700 --> 00:02:12.280 The emotion that's meant to be communicated by them requires this intense imagery, these 00:02:12.280 --> 00:02:13.580 vivid pictures. 00:02:14.439 --> 00:02:22.039 In fact, it's clear here in Daniel's visions that the ones he has should startle us, should 00:02:22.039 --> 00:02:26.699 some of them frighten us, should others of them shock us. 00:02:27.379 --> 00:02:32.000 That's what happens to Daniel himself when he sees these things in chapter 7. 00:02:32.000 --> 00:02:37.620 But I want us to ask the question, what is apocalyptic literature about? 00:02:38.080 --> 00:02:40.039 What are these visions of? 00:02:40.139 --> 00:02:42.280 What is it that we're seeing and reading? 00:02:43.180 --> 00:02:48.060 Perhaps when you think of apocalypse, you think of the end of the world, right? 00:02:48.219 --> 00:02:53.479 A tragic ending, a gloom and doom and terrible things happening in the end of the world. 00:02:53.599 --> 00:02:55.759 That's the way it's popularly talked about. 00:02:55.979 --> 00:02:58.379 That's not entirely unhelpful, actually. 00:02:58.379 --> 00:03:05.519 Daniel does have visions about other parts of history that lead up to the end times, but 00:03:05.519 --> 00:03:07.539 much of this is about the end. 00:03:07.939 --> 00:03:10.960 That's why there's so much controversy around so much of it. 00:03:11.240 --> 00:03:14.379 What does it mean and how's it all going to be in the end times? 00:03:14.979 --> 00:03:17.780 And much of it is indeed dark and dangerous. 00:03:18.740 --> 00:03:24.060 But it's important to understand this about Revelation, the book of Revelation, as well as 00:03:24.060 --> 00:03:29.420 this apocalyptic literature here in the next few chapters of Daniel, it's not just given 00:03:29.420 --> 00:03:32.199 to be scary and dark. 00:03:33.439 --> 00:03:40.580 As dark as they are, God gives the visions of the future and of heaven to his people, not 00:03:40.580 --> 00:03:46.259 merely to frighten them, but to encourage his struggling people. 00:03:46.259 --> 00:03:51.659 So that they are not surprised to find themselves suffering and sinking. 00:03:52.399 --> 00:03:58.359 So that they can be hopeful in a day yet to come when God will be finally victorious, when 00:03:58.359 --> 00:04:02.340 God's enemies will be judged, and when God's people will be saved. 00:04:02.919 --> 00:04:06.199 That's part of this literature as well. 00:04:06.459 --> 00:04:11.299 And that's why I want us in the next few weeks to slow down and get a look at what I'll call 00:04:11.299 --> 00:04:12.840 visions of heaven. 00:04:12.840 --> 00:04:19.399 We're going to jump around a little in Daniel 7 through 12 each week, but we'll be looking 00:04:19.399 --> 00:04:22.079 at those visions that Daniel has. 00:04:22.819 --> 00:04:26.399 You see, I would contend that we don't think about heaven enough. 00:04:27.340 --> 00:04:28.280 I don't. 00:04:28.800 --> 00:04:31.980 I don't think about heaven enough. 00:04:32.220 --> 00:04:38.340 I suspect many of you are like me in that thoughts of heaven get put into this category 00:04:38.340 --> 00:04:40.759 of I'll use them when I get there. 00:04:40.759 --> 00:04:46.480 That will be nice to know when I get there, but I'm not there yet. 00:04:46.539 --> 00:04:48.659 Kind of the way I treat thoughts of retirement. 00:04:49.560 --> 00:04:55.159 Or some of you may treat thoughts of adulthood or growing up and being a big... 00:04:55.159 --> 00:04:59.579 I mean, there's a lot to learn about that, but I'll handle it when I get there. 00:04:59.639 --> 00:05:03.379 That will be helpful to me when I arrive at that point. 00:05:03.379 --> 00:05:09.860 And you can see when you think about retirement or adulthood how unhelpful and dangerous that 00:05:09.860 --> 00:05:14.980 can be to put off thoughts of what that will be like until you're already in the midst of 00:05:14.980 --> 00:05:15.219 it. 00:05:16.199 --> 00:05:18.659 The same is true with heaven. 00:05:19.839 --> 00:05:22.360 We feel like we've got all we can handle today, right? 00:05:22.439 --> 00:05:24.300 I'm just trying to make it through day by day. 00:05:24.339 --> 00:05:26.620 I have no time to think of heaven. 00:05:26.620 --> 00:05:29.280 It'll be there when I need it. 00:05:31.000 --> 00:05:36.620 After all, as many of us have heard, when we think about heaven, we know that we don't 00:05:36.620 --> 00:05:40.199 want to be so heavenly minded that we're no earthly good, right? 00:05:40.740 --> 00:05:42.100 That's a common phrase. 00:05:42.160 --> 00:05:44.180 Johnny Cash even sang about that. 00:05:45.060 --> 00:05:46.319 I don't want to be like that. 00:05:46.620 --> 00:05:49.459 I mean, I want to be actually earthly good. 00:05:49.680 --> 00:05:54.120 I don't want to walk around with my head in the clouds, no help to anybody. 00:05:54.120 --> 00:06:01.560 But the Bible actually paints quite a different picture about the practical value today of 00:06:01.560 --> 00:06:02.959 thoughts of heaven. 00:06:03.379 --> 00:06:07.899 We've seen already in the book of Daniel, and we're going to see more, how remembering 00:06:07.899 --> 00:06:15.199 eternal realities and God's eternal perspective enables us to engage as we are called to here 00:06:15.199 --> 00:06:16.639 in this world. 00:06:17.980 --> 00:06:22.240 Paul agrees with that need to think more of heaven for today. 00:06:22.240 --> 00:06:27.579 Colossians chapter 3, if then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that 00:06:27.579 --> 00:06:30.680 are above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 00:06:31.139 --> 00:06:36.879 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on the earth. 00:06:37.019 --> 00:06:38.680 Think of heaven. 00:06:38.840 --> 00:06:42.660 Our minds are to be set on those eternal realities, right? 00:06:44.300 --> 00:06:44.720 C.S. 00:06:44.780 --> 00:06:48.439 Lewis has famously said it this way in his classic Mere Christianity. 00:06:48.439 --> 00:06:50.259 He says, 00:06:50.259 --> 00:06:55.500 A continual looking forward to the eternal world is not, as some modern people think, 00:06:55.599 --> 00:07:02.180 a form of escapism or wishful thinking, but one of the things a Christian is meant to do. 00:07:02.860 --> 00:07:06.000 It does not mean that we're to leave the present world as it is. 00:07:06.719 --> 00:07:10.599 If you read history, you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world 00:07:10.599 --> 00:07:13.379 were just those who thought most of the next. 00:07:13.379 --> 00:07:18.019 The apostles themselves who set on foot the conversion of the Roman Empire, 00:07:18.819 --> 00:07:21.040 the great men who built up the Middle Ages, 00:07:21.180 --> 00:07:24.219 the English evangelicals who abolished the slave trade, 00:07:24.399 --> 00:07:30.779 all left their mark on earth precisely because their minds were occupied with heaven. 00:07:32.120 --> 00:07:35.639 It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world 00:07:35.639 --> 00:07:38.399 that they have become so ineffective in this one. 00:07:39.259 --> 00:07:41.620 Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. 00:07:41.620 --> 00:07:46.100 Aim at earth and you will get neither, Lewis says. 00:07:47.240 --> 00:07:52.459 I think this is exactly why in the midst of the difficult realities of life 00:07:52.459 --> 00:07:56.620 in which Daniel found himself, that God kept giving him these visions. 00:07:57.040 --> 00:07:59.340 All the way through the stories we've already studied, 00:07:59.480 --> 00:08:00.879 what was keeping Daniel going? 00:08:01.280 --> 00:08:03.579 God was giving him visions of heaven. 00:08:03.879 --> 00:08:07.939 It's what he actually needed to live there in Babylon. 00:08:07.939 --> 00:08:13.879 I think a clear vision of heaven is helpful to us in at least two ways 00:08:13.879 --> 00:08:15.800 before we jump into the first one. 00:08:16.199 --> 00:08:20.459 First, it's helpful to us because seeing the end of the story, 00:08:21.300 --> 00:08:24.839 understanding where the story's headed and what the end is, 00:08:25.139 --> 00:08:28.480 helps us live appropriately in our part in the story. 00:08:29.620 --> 00:08:34.019 Theologian N.T. Wright uses the example of a Shakespearean play 00:08:34.019 --> 00:08:36.699 to talk about how this works. 00:08:37.100 --> 00:08:39.059 Shakespeare, if you're not an English major, 00:08:39.340 --> 00:08:42.240 often wrote his dramas in five acts, okay? 00:08:42.559 --> 00:08:45.840 So imagine that you're a character in a Shakespearean drama, 00:08:45.960 --> 00:08:50.340 maybe Hamlet, and you've read the first three acts. 00:08:50.600 --> 00:08:52.059 You've lived in them there. 00:08:52.120 --> 00:08:53.919 You know what Hamlet is like there. 00:08:53.919 --> 00:08:58.659 And then if you get act five, you know the end of the story. 00:08:59.879 --> 00:09:02.339 You may lose your script for act four, 00:09:02.500 --> 00:09:05.839 but you're going to have a pretty good idea how Hamlet should act, 00:09:06.059 --> 00:09:07.539 what kinds of things he would say, 00:09:07.639 --> 00:09:09.719 what's appropriate for him in that context, 00:09:09.839 --> 00:09:11.679 because you understand the story, 00:09:11.839 --> 00:09:13.979 where it started and where it's headed. 00:09:15.299 --> 00:09:18.740 If we imagine that the first three acts, so to speak, 00:09:18.799 --> 00:09:22.699 or what the Bible tells us in terms of the creation of the world, 00:09:22.700 --> 00:09:26.160 the fall of man, the history of Old Testament Israel, 00:09:26.379 --> 00:09:27.840 the coming of Jesus, 00:09:28.160 --> 00:09:30.360 there's the beginning of the story, 00:09:30.480 --> 00:09:31.500 and we know that. 00:09:32.740 --> 00:09:36.020 If we can live today in light of where the story is headed, 00:09:36.140 --> 00:09:38.220 in light of the end, if we know the end, 00:09:38.560 --> 00:09:42.180 then we'll know how to live as we ought right now 00:09:42.180 --> 00:09:45.420 in act four, so to speak, where we are. 00:09:46.100 --> 00:09:47.560 If we know where it's all going, 00:09:47.680 --> 00:09:49.340 if we know who finally wins, 00:09:49.340 --> 00:09:52.340 if we know what really matters eternally, 00:09:52.700 --> 00:09:55.460 we will live now as we should. 00:09:55.580 --> 00:09:58.160 Getting a vision of the future helps us live now 00:09:58.860 --> 00:10:00.620 in our part of God's story. 00:10:02.160 --> 00:10:04.520 And then secondly, a clear vision of heaven 00:10:04.520 --> 00:10:07.660 also helps us because there's a present reality 00:10:07.660 --> 00:10:09.220 that it reminds us of. 00:10:09.920 --> 00:10:12.280 I'll illustrate that with this story. 00:10:12.740 --> 00:10:15.640 When George Shultz was Secretary of State 00:10:15.640 --> 00:10:17.400 in Ronald Reagan's administration, 00:10:17.960 --> 00:10:19.920 Shultz kept a globe in his office. 00:10:20.919 --> 00:10:23.219 And whenever ambassadors to other countries 00:10:23.219 --> 00:10:24.579 would come in and meet with him, 00:10:24.639 --> 00:10:25.919 he would send them out, 00:10:25.959 --> 00:10:27.019 and on their way out the door, 00:10:27.099 --> 00:10:27.719 he would say, 00:10:28.659 --> 00:10:29.899 tell me, where's your country? 00:10:30.500 --> 00:10:33.399 Point to your country on that globe on your way out. 00:10:33.539 --> 00:10:36.240 And every one of them had done that very successfully. 00:10:36.360 --> 00:10:37.579 That was a good sign. 00:10:37.719 --> 00:10:39.360 You know, if you couldn't find where you were headed, 00:10:39.439 --> 00:10:41.319 you needed to stay back and get some more training. 00:10:42.319 --> 00:10:43.579 And then one day, 00:10:43.679 --> 00:10:45.899 a guy named Mike Mansfield was in his office. 00:10:45.899 --> 00:10:48.539 This Mansfield was the ambassador to Japan. 00:10:49.319 --> 00:10:50.199 And they met, 00:10:50.360 --> 00:10:51.980 and Mansfield got up to leave, 00:10:52.059 --> 00:10:53.360 and just like everybody else, 00:10:53.419 --> 00:10:54.199 he was asked, 00:10:55.059 --> 00:10:55.959 point to your country. 00:10:56.799 --> 00:10:58.259 And Mansfield spun the globe 00:10:58.259 --> 00:11:00.740 and put his finger on the United States of America 00:11:00.740 --> 00:11:03.379 and turned back to Shultz and said, 00:11:03.439 --> 00:11:04.539 this is my country. 00:11:05.699 --> 00:11:07.519 And Shultz told that story 00:11:07.519 --> 00:11:10.740 to every other ambassador that he would meet with. 00:11:10.740 --> 00:11:12.700 And he would say to them, 00:11:13.240 --> 00:11:14.139 never forget, 00:11:14.740 --> 00:11:17.100 you're over there in that country, 00:11:17.360 --> 00:11:20.080 but your country is the United States. 00:11:20.419 --> 00:11:23.560 You are there to represent us. 00:11:24.200 --> 00:11:28.740 It is a present reality for us as God's people 00:11:28.740 --> 00:11:30.279 that we are citizens of where? 00:11:31.000 --> 00:11:31.580 Of heaven. 00:11:32.279 --> 00:11:33.580 That that's our home. 00:11:34.019 --> 00:11:35.539 That that is the country 00:11:35.539 --> 00:11:39.740 that we are truly first and foremost citizens of. 00:11:39.740 --> 00:11:41.919 We're exiles on earth. 00:11:42.019 --> 00:11:43.419 Our true home is in heaven 00:11:43.419 --> 00:11:45.820 where we are already seated with Christ, 00:11:45.960 --> 00:11:46.799 Paul tells us. 00:11:47.560 --> 00:11:49.299 So a clear vision of heaven 00:11:49.299 --> 00:11:50.360 helps us remember 00:11:50.360 --> 00:11:52.620 not merely what will be true one day someday, 00:11:53.460 --> 00:11:56.139 but what is already true today, 00:11:56.180 --> 00:11:59.100 that we are ambassadors for heaven 00:11:59.100 --> 00:12:02.500 and the king of heaven here on earth. 00:12:04.060 --> 00:12:04.639 All right, 00:12:04.820 --> 00:12:06.560 thus endeth the long introduction. 00:12:06.559 --> 00:12:10.239 All of it serving to say 00:12:10.239 --> 00:12:12.019 for the next couple of weeks 00:12:12.019 --> 00:12:12.739 that we, 00:12:13.099 --> 00:12:13.619 like Daniel, 00:12:14.019 --> 00:12:16.859 need a clear vision of heaven. 00:12:17.579 --> 00:12:19.479 The first one we'll see today 00:12:19.479 --> 00:12:21.139 comes in chapter 7 00:12:21.139 --> 00:12:22.879 at verse 9. 00:12:23.579 --> 00:12:25.299 Daniel 7 at verse 9. 00:12:25.419 --> 00:12:27.199 This is God's holy word. 00:12:27.359 --> 00:12:28.119 Daniel says, 00:12:28.120 --> 00:12:29.580 As I looked, 00:12:29.759 --> 00:12:30.820 thrones were placed 00:12:30.820 --> 00:12:32.159 and the ancient of days 00:12:32.159 --> 00:12:33.039 took his seat. 00:12:33.560 --> 00:12:35.720 His clothing was white as snow 00:12:35.720 --> 00:12:37.100 and the hair of his head 00:12:37.100 --> 00:12:38.320 like pure wool. 00:12:39.179 --> 00:12:40.960 His throne was fiery flames. 00:12:41.080 --> 00:12:42.860 Its wheels were burning fire. 00:12:43.279 --> 00:12:44.620 A stream of fire issued 00:12:44.620 --> 00:12:46.139 and came out from before him. 00:12:46.460 --> 00:12:48.360 A thousand thousands served him 00:12:48.360 --> 00:12:49.740 and ten thousand times 00:12:49.740 --> 00:12:51.620 ten thousand stood before him. 00:12:52.159 --> 00:12:53.399 The court sat in judgment 00:12:53.399 --> 00:12:55.500 and the books were opened. 00:12:56.720 --> 00:12:57.179 Thus far, 00:12:57.279 --> 00:12:58.179 God's holy word. 00:12:58.259 --> 00:12:58.679 Let's pray. 00:13:02.679 --> 00:13:03.240 God, 00:13:03.319 --> 00:13:04.939 this is your word 00:13:04.939 --> 00:13:06.799 and we need your help 00:13:06.799 --> 00:13:09.059 that we might see you 00:13:09.059 --> 00:13:10.259 more clearly. 00:13:10.459 --> 00:13:11.179 Holy Spirit, 00:13:11.399 --> 00:13:12.059 teach us, 00:13:12.439 --> 00:13:13.439 speak in ways 00:13:13.439 --> 00:13:14.620 that I can't 00:13:14.620 --> 00:13:16.220 to my heart, 00:13:16.720 --> 00:13:18.240 to all of our hearts, 00:13:18.240 --> 00:13:21.680 that we might be changed today 00:13:21.680 --> 00:13:22.960 by what we see 00:13:22.960 --> 00:13:24.480 of one day, 00:13:24.700 --> 00:13:24.980 someday. 00:13:25.720 --> 00:13:27.240 We ask it in Jesus' name. 00:13:28.279 --> 00:13:28.600 Amen. 00:13:30.980 --> 00:13:32.159 Have you ever seen 00:13:32.159 --> 00:13:34.419 a decorated military officer 00:13:34.419 --> 00:13:35.639 from a distance? 00:13:36.080 --> 00:13:36.299 You know, 00:13:36.340 --> 00:13:37.279 across a room 00:13:37.279 --> 00:13:38.879 or in a small shot 00:13:38.879 --> 00:13:39.600 on television? 00:13:40.060 --> 00:13:41.060 And you've seen him 00:13:41.060 --> 00:13:42.860 and you see his chest 00:13:42.860 --> 00:13:44.560 decorated with all sorts 00:13:44.560 --> 00:13:45.480 of medals and everything 00:13:45.480 --> 00:13:47.000 and just from a distance 00:13:47.000 --> 00:13:48.360 your initial impression is, 00:13:48.700 --> 00:13:48.779 wow, 00:13:48.860 --> 00:13:49.480 that's impressive. 00:13:50.379 --> 00:13:52.600 This guy is pretty special. 00:13:53.500 --> 00:13:56.019 This is no average guy. 00:13:56.159 --> 00:13:56.879 He's important. 00:13:58.259 --> 00:13:59.240 He's heroic. 00:13:59.500 --> 00:14:00.480 I can see the medals. 00:14:00.639 --> 00:14:02.000 I can tell there are stars 00:14:02.000 --> 00:14:03.460 on his shoulder. 00:14:05.279 --> 00:14:07.179 Due to your distance from him 00:14:07.179 --> 00:14:09.039 or perhaps your ignorance 00:14:09.039 --> 00:14:10.320 of military honors, 00:14:10.759 --> 00:14:11.820 you may not know 00:14:11.820 --> 00:14:12.960 any of the specifics. 00:14:13.320 --> 00:14:14.220 The things there 00:14:14.220 --> 00:14:15.340 may not mean anything 00:14:15.340 --> 00:14:16.519 particular to you, 00:14:16.519 --> 00:14:17.759 but at first glance 00:14:17.759 --> 00:14:18.860 you're impressed anyway. 00:14:20.059 --> 00:14:21.419 And then you get up close 00:14:21.419 --> 00:14:23.240 and you shake his hand 00:14:23.240 --> 00:14:24.879 and you learn 00:14:24.879 --> 00:14:26.399 that the stars were earned 00:14:26.399 --> 00:14:27.840 by a particular rank 00:14:27.840 --> 00:14:30.179 and that that purple heart 00:14:30.179 --> 00:14:31.159 is what it's called 00:14:31.159 --> 00:14:31.779 was earned 00:14:31.779 --> 00:14:32.939 in a particular incident 00:14:32.939 --> 00:14:34.179 where he acted 00:14:34.179 --> 00:14:35.340 very heroically 00:14:35.340 --> 00:14:37.579 and now you're impressed again, 00:14:37.679 --> 00:14:37.899 right? 00:14:37.980 --> 00:14:39.960 But in a different way 00:14:39.960 --> 00:14:41.740 by knowing the particulars 00:14:41.740 --> 00:14:43.679 of who the man is. 00:14:43.679 --> 00:14:45.639 I think we need to have 00:14:45.639 --> 00:14:47.139 both of those experiences 00:14:47.139 --> 00:14:47.859 this morning 00:14:47.859 --> 00:14:49.039 with the vision 00:14:49.039 --> 00:14:49.899 Daniel gets 00:14:49.899 --> 00:14:51.439 of the Ancient of Days 00:14:51.439 --> 00:14:52.759 on his throne. 00:14:53.779 --> 00:14:54.299 Remember, 00:14:54.500 --> 00:14:55.079 these visions 00:14:55.079 --> 00:14:56.099 are meant to evoke 00:14:56.099 --> 00:14:57.419 emotional response, 00:14:57.539 --> 00:14:58.459 to paint a picture, 00:14:58.620 --> 00:15:00.419 give an overall impression 00:15:00.419 --> 00:15:02.099 of something. 00:15:02.799 --> 00:15:03.819 What is the image 00:15:03.819 --> 00:15:04.679 portrayed here 00:15:04.679 --> 00:15:05.739 when you just listen 00:15:05.739 --> 00:15:06.819 and imagine 00:15:06.819 --> 00:15:08.419 the picture that's painted? 00:15:08.539 --> 00:15:09.439 Listen to it again. 00:15:09.440 --> 00:15:10.460 As I looked, 00:15:10.600 --> 00:15:11.580 thrones were placed 00:15:11.580 --> 00:15:12.780 and the Ancient of Days 00:15:12.780 --> 00:15:13.660 took his seat. 00:15:13.980 --> 00:15:15.800 His clothing was white as snow 00:15:15.800 --> 00:15:17.000 and the hair of his head 00:15:17.000 --> 00:15:18.100 like pure wool. 00:15:18.600 --> 00:15:20.540 His throne was fiery flames, 00:15:20.660 --> 00:15:22.420 its wheels were burning fire. 00:15:23.020 --> 00:15:24.640 A stream of fire issued 00:15:24.640 --> 00:15:26.420 and came out from before him. 00:15:26.820 --> 00:15:28.960 A thousand thousand served him 00:15:28.960 --> 00:15:30.460 and ten thousand times 00:15:30.460 --> 00:15:32.500 ten thousand stood before him. 00:15:32.760 --> 00:15:34.080 The court sat in judgment 00:15:34.080 --> 00:15:35.780 and the books were opened. 00:15:37.280 --> 00:15:38.660 Whatever the particulars, 00:15:39.440 --> 00:15:40.300 even if you don't know 00:15:40.300 --> 00:15:41.240 what any of that means, 00:15:41.780 --> 00:15:42.820 you can already tell 00:15:42.820 --> 00:15:44.440 this is a vision 00:15:44.440 --> 00:15:45.400 of someone important. 00:15:45.960 --> 00:15:46.100 Right? 00:15:46.540 --> 00:15:48.100 The words that came to mind 00:15:48.100 --> 00:15:48.640 for me 00:15:48.640 --> 00:15:50.200 as I read it this week 00:15:50.200 --> 00:15:51.380 were majesty, 00:15:52.740 --> 00:15:53.380 authority, 00:15:54.560 --> 00:15:55.320 grandeur, 00:15:56.500 --> 00:15:57.920 images like that. 00:15:58.420 --> 00:16:00.640 Picture the infinite sea 00:16:00.640 --> 00:16:02.500 of people bowing before him. 00:16:02.540 --> 00:16:04.260 That's what's being pictured here. 00:16:04.940 --> 00:16:06.120 Bowing before him 00:16:06.120 --> 00:16:07.240 and surrounding him 00:16:07.240 --> 00:16:08.380 to serve him. 00:16:08.379 --> 00:16:10.019 infinite stretching 00:16:10.019 --> 00:16:12.500 as far as the eye can see. 00:16:14.320 --> 00:16:16.639 John's vision of God's throne room 00:16:16.639 --> 00:16:17.860 in Revelation 4 00:16:17.860 --> 00:16:19.679 highlights some different details 00:16:19.679 --> 00:16:21.759 but also shows us the response. 00:16:22.159 --> 00:16:23.080 These other people 00:16:23.080 --> 00:16:24.460 surrounding the throne 00:16:24.460 --> 00:16:26.220 who are responding 00:16:26.220 --> 00:16:28.439 to what they see on the throne. 00:16:28.580 --> 00:16:29.879 Let's read this description 00:16:29.879 --> 00:16:31.480 and get a picture of it 00:16:31.480 --> 00:16:32.639 from Revelation 4. 00:16:32.639 --> 00:16:34.799 At once I was in the spirit 00:16:34.799 --> 00:16:36.779 and behold a throne stood in heaven 00:16:36.779 --> 00:16:38.360 with one seated on the throne 00:16:38.360 --> 00:16:39.960 and he who sat there 00:16:39.960 --> 00:16:40.679 had the appearance 00:16:40.679 --> 00:16:42.120 of Jasper and Carnelian 00:16:42.120 --> 00:16:43.360 and around the throne 00:16:43.360 --> 00:16:44.059 was a rainbow 00:16:44.059 --> 00:16:45.019 that had the appearance 00:16:45.019 --> 00:16:45.819 of an emerald. 00:16:46.779 --> 00:16:47.480 Around the throne 00:16:47.480 --> 00:16:48.779 were 24 thrones 00:16:48.779 --> 00:16:49.860 and seated on the thrones 00:16:49.860 --> 00:16:50.919 were 24 elders 00:16:50.919 --> 00:16:52.419 clothed in white garments 00:16:52.419 --> 00:16:53.500 with golden crowns 00:16:53.500 --> 00:16:54.120 on their heads. 00:16:54.899 --> 00:16:55.559 From the throne 00:16:55.559 --> 00:16:56.879 came flashes of lightning 00:16:56.879 --> 00:16:57.500 and rumblings 00:16:57.500 --> 00:16:58.539 and peals of thunder 00:16:58.539 --> 00:16:59.779 and before the throne 00:16:59.779 --> 00:17:01.100 were burning seven torches 00:17:01.100 --> 00:17:01.740 of fire 00:17:01.740 --> 00:17:03.279 which are the seven spirits 00:17:03.279 --> 00:17:03.879 of God 00:17:03.879 --> 00:17:05.279 and before the throne 00:17:05.279 --> 00:17:06.140 there was as it were 00:17:06.140 --> 00:17:07.039 a sea of glass 00:17:07.039 --> 00:17:07.860 like crystal 00:17:07.860 --> 00:17:09.460 and around the throne 00:17:09.460 --> 00:17:10.519 on each side of the throne 00:17:10.519 --> 00:17:11.720 are four living creatures 00:17:11.720 --> 00:17:12.660 full of eyes 00:17:12.660 --> 00:17:14.259 in front and behind. 00:17:15.099 --> 00:17:16.160 The first living creature 00:17:16.160 --> 00:17:16.799 like a lion 00:17:16.799 --> 00:17:17.920 the second living creature 00:17:17.920 --> 00:17:18.579 like an ox 00:17:18.579 --> 00:17:19.620 the third living creature 00:17:19.620 --> 00:17:20.660 with the face of a man 00:17:20.660 --> 00:17:21.660 and the fourth living creature 00:17:21.660 --> 00:17:22.860 like an eagle in flight. 00:17:23.500 --> 00:17:24.660 And the four living creatures 00:17:24.660 --> 00:17:25.200 each of them 00:17:25.200 --> 00:17:25.940 with six wings 00:17:25.940 --> 00:17:26.839 are full of eyes 00:17:26.839 --> 00:17:27.980 all around and within 00:17:27.980 --> 00:17:29.259 and day and night 00:17:29.259 --> 00:17:30.660 they never cease to say 00:17:30.660 --> 00:17:33.180 holy, holy, holy 00:17:33.180 --> 00:17:35.060 is the Lord God Almighty 00:17:35.060 --> 00:17:36.800 who was and is 00:17:36.800 --> 00:17:38.019 and is to come. 00:17:39.620 --> 00:17:40.720 And whenever the living creatures 00:17:40.720 --> 00:17:41.860 give glory and honor 00:17:41.860 --> 00:17:42.720 and thanks to him 00:17:42.720 --> 00:17:43.920 who is seated on the throne 00:17:43.920 --> 00:17:45.600 who lives forever and ever 00:17:45.600 --> 00:17:47.620 the 24 elders fall down 00:17:47.620 --> 00:17:48.180 before him 00:17:48.180 --> 00:17:49.259 who is seated on the throne 00:17:49.259 --> 00:17:50.460 and worship him 00:17:50.460 --> 00:17:51.840 who lives forever and ever 00:17:51.840 --> 00:17:53.320 they cast their crowns 00:17:53.320 --> 00:17:54.060 before the throne 00:17:54.060 --> 00:17:55.519 saying worthy are you 00:17:55.519 --> 00:17:56.519 our Lord and God 00:17:56.519 --> 00:17:57.980 to receive glory 00:17:57.980 --> 00:17:59.400 and honor and power 00:17:59.400 --> 00:18:01.360 for you created all things 00:18:01.360 --> 00:18:02.280 and by your will 00:18:02.280 --> 00:18:03.060 they existed 00:18:03.060 --> 00:18:04.500 and were created. 00:18:05.560 --> 00:18:06.180 You get a picture 00:18:06.180 --> 00:18:07.040 of their response 00:18:07.040 --> 00:18:07.920 when they see 00:18:07.920 --> 00:18:09.000 the throne of God? 00:18:09.759 --> 00:18:11.460 Holy, holy, holy 00:18:11.460 --> 00:18:13.280 they keep saying 00:18:13.280 --> 00:18:14.180 all the time. 00:18:14.960 --> 00:18:16.240 Worthy of honor 00:18:16.240 --> 00:18:17.060 and glory 00:18:17.060 --> 00:18:18.019 and power 00:18:18.019 --> 00:18:20.320 that's the picture 00:18:20.320 --> 00:18:21.080 that we get 00:18:21.080 --> 00:18:23.040 that's the response 00:18:23.040 --> 00:18:24.840 that ought to come. 00:18:25.240 --> 00:18:26.200 There's no doubt 00:18:26.200 --> 00:18:27.019 when we read 00:18:27.019 --> 00:18:28.259 Daniel's vision 00:18:28.259 --> 00:18:29.759 we've got a majestic ruler 00:18:29.759 --> 00:18:31.500 sitting on the throne 00:18:31.500 --> 00:18:32.639 someone awesome 00:18:32.639 --> 00:18:34.139 and glorious. 00:18:36.000 --> 00:18:37.519 But then let's look up close 00:18:37.519 --> 00:18:38.180 and understand 00:18:38.180 --> 00:18:39.759 the particular metals 00:18:39.759 --> 00:18:40.960 so to speak. 00:18:41.740 --> 00:18:42.700 Now the specific parts 00:18:42.700 --> 00:18:43.160 of the vision 00:18:43.160 --> 00:18:44.200 are important too. 00:18:44.279 --> 00:18:45.059 What do they teach us 00:18:45.059 --> 00:18:45.839 about God? 00:18:45.920 --> 00:18:46.799 What do we see 00:18:46.799 --> 00:18:47.559 about him here? 00:18:47.700 --> 00:18:48.059 First 00:18:48.059 --> 00:18:49.539 notice his clothing. 00:18:51.539 --> 00:18:53.460 His clothing was white 00:18:53.460 --> 00:18:55.039 as snow. 00:18:55.860 --> 00:18:56.940 God is entirely 00:18:56.940 --> 00:18:58.140 pure 00:18:58.140 --> 00:18:58.940 completely 00:18:58.940 --> 00:19:00.299 righteous. 00:19:02.259 --> 00:19:03.200 What this means 00:19:03.200 --> 00:19:03.779 is that God 00:19:03.779 --> 00:19:05.299 doesn't make mistakes. 00:19:06.819 --> 00:19:07.840 He hasn't messed up. 00:19:08.940 --> 00:19:09.980 He didn't do wrong 00:19:09.980 --> 00:19:10.700 by you 00:19:10.700 --> 00:19:12.759 even though sometimes 00:19:12.759 --> 00:19:13.920 it may feel like it. 00:19:15.180 --> 00:19:16.579 What e'er my God 00:19:16.579 --> 00:19:17.200 ordains 00:19:17.200 --> 00:19:18.120 is right 00:19:18.120 --> 00:19:19.740 as the hymn writer says. 00:19:20.420 --> 00:19:21.539 Entirely pure 00:19:21.539 --> 00:19:22.859 and completely 00:19:22.859 --> 00:19:23.659 righteous. 00:19:25.019 --> 00:19:25.960 But his clothes 00:19:25.960 --> 00:19:26.980 aren't all that's white 00:19:26.980 --> 00:19:28.460 so is his hair. 00:19:29.779 --> 00:19:30.920 White hair 00:19:30.920 --> 00:19:32.319 as white 00:19:32.319 --> 00:19:34.000 and pure 00:19:34.000 --> 00:19:35.680 as lamb's wool. 00:19:36.980 --> 00:19:38.119 The passage tells us 00:19:38.119 --> 00:19:38.920 white hair 00:19:38.920 --> 00:19:39.759 is often used 00:19:39.759 --> 00:19:40.480 in these days 00:19:40.480 --> 00:19:41.139 and in ours 00:19:41.139 --> 00:19:42.000 to depict what? 00:19:42.399 --> 00:19:43.000 Wisdom. 00:19:44.200 --> 00:19:44.720 God is 00:19:44.720 --> 00:19:45.879 most 00:19:45.879 --> 00:19:47.039 wise. 00:19:47.200 --> 00:19:47.740 His hair 00:19:47.740 --> 00:19:48.500 is as white 00:19:48.500 --> 00:19:49.359 as lamb's wool 00:19:49.359 --> 00:19:50.500 a picture of something 00:19:50.500 --> 00:19:51.779 as pure and white 00:19:51.779 --> 00:19:53.119 as can be imagined. 00:19:53.259 --> 00:19:54.160 He is the most 00:19:54.160 --> 00:19:55.240 wise. 00:19:57.799 --> 00:19:58.700 Have you ever felt 00:19:58.700 --> 00:19:59.500 like you know 00:19:59.500 --> 00:20:00.460 better than God? 00:20:01.799 --> 00:20:02.039 I mean 00:20:02.039 --> 00:20:02.660 who's going to admit 00:20:02.660 --> 00:20:03.220 that in church 00:20:03.220 --> 00:20:03.460 really? 00:20:04.700 --> 00:20:05.319 I mean 00:20:05.319 --> 00:20:06.519 you wouldn't have said it 00:20:06.519 --> 00:20:07.220 yes somebody is. 00:20:07.920 --> 00:20:09.059 You wouldn't have said it 00:20:09.059 --> 00:20:09.859 that way 00:20:09.859 --> 00:20:10.519 perhaps 00:20:10.519 --> 00:20:12.099 but if you're like me 00:20:12.099 --> 00:20:13.519 you've thought before 00:20:13.519 --> 00:20:14.779 I know 00:20:14.779 --> 00:20:15.700 what God 00:20:15.700 --> 00:20:16.339 should do 00:20:16.339 --> 00:20:16.779 now. 00:20:17.420 --> 00:20:18.319 I see what 00:20:18.319 --> 00:20:18.900 he's up to 00:20:18.900 --> 00:20:20.060 and this is what 00:20:20.060 --> 00:20:21.160 he needs to do 00:20:21.160 --> 00:20:21.740 next. 00:20:23.480 --> 00:20:23.920 God 00:20:23.920 --> 00:20:24.460 this would be 00:20:24.460 --> 00:20:25.019 so good 00:20:25.019 --> 00:20:25.540 if you would 00:20:25.540 --> 00:20:26.440 just help 00:20:26.440 --> 00:20:27.500 this person. 00:20:27.860 --> 00:20:28.400 If you would 00:20:28.400 --> 00:20:29.140 just make this 00:20:29.140 --> 00:20:30.480 work this way 00:20:30.480 --> 00:20:31.019 that would be 00:20:31.019 --> 00:20:31.759 the best thing. 00:20:31.820 --> 00:20:32.060 It would make 00:20:32.060 --> 00:20:33.259 so much sense. 00:20:34.500 --> 00:20:35.320 And in my life 00:20:35.320 --> 00:20:35.860 at least 00:20:35.860 --> 00:20:36.540 that seems 00:20:36.540 --> 00:20:37.440 to be a guarantee 00:20:37.440 --> 00:20:38.480 for I've missed 00:20:38.480 --> 00:20:38.940 something. 00:20:40.140 --> 00:20:40.820 I've gotten 00:20:40.820 --> 00:20:41.259 caught up 00:20:41.259 --> 00:20:41.860 in my own 00:20:41.860 --> 00:20:42.660 plans 00:20:42.660 --> 00:20:43.280 and ideas 00:20:43.280 --> 00:20:44.259 and forgotten 00:20:44.259 --> 00:20:44.980 what was 00:20:44.980 --> 00:20:45.620 really 00:20:45.620 --> 00:20:46.980 best. 00:20:46.980 --> 00:20:48.539 Tim Keller 00:20:48.539 --> 00:20:49.380 says this 00:20:49.380 --> 00:20:50.279 God will 00:20:50.279 --> 00:20:50.539 either 00:20:50.539 --> 00:20:51.240 give us 00:20:51.240 --> 00:20:51.759 what we 00:20:51.759 --> 00:20:52.299 ask 00:20:52.299 --> 00:20:54.120 or give us 00:20:54.120 --> 00:20:54.599 what we 00:20:54.599 --> 00:20:55.140 would have 00:20:55.140 --> 00:20:55.620 asked 00:20:55.620 --> 00:20:56.279 if we knew 00:20:56.279 --> 00:20:56.960 everything 00:20:56.960 --> 00:20:57.740 God 00:20:57.740 --> 00:20:58.480 knows. 00:21:00.240 --> 00:21:00.799 Interesting. 00:21:00.920 --> 00:21:01.380 Either what we 00:21:01.380 --> 00:21:01.880 ask 00:21:01.880 --> 00:21:03.259 or what we 00:21:03.259 --> 00:21:03.599 would have 00:21:03.599 --> 00:21:03.920 asked 00:21:03.920 --> 00:21:04.380 if we knew 00:21:04.380 --> 00:21:04.940 everything 00:21:04.940 --> 00:21:06.240 God knows. 00:21:06.360 --> 00:21:07.099 He knows 00:21:07.099 --> 00:21:08.460 what is best 00:21:08.460 --> 00:21:09.480 because he 00:21:09.480 --> 00:21:10.240 is most 00:21:10.240 --> 00:21:11.380 wise. 00:21:12.940 --> 00:21:13.819 Next we see 00:21:13.819 --> 00:21:14.539 God is the 00:21:14.539 --> 00:21:15.279 powerful 00:21:15.279 --> 00:21:16.400 warrior. 00:21:16.400 --> 00:21:17.100 Look at the 00:21:17.100 --> 00:21:17.759 rest of 00:21:17.759 --> 00:21:18.360 verse 9. 00:21:18.460 --> 00:21:18.940 His throne 00:21:18.940 --> 00:21:19.860 was fiery 00:21:19.860 --> 00:21:20.440 flames. 00:21:20.580 --> 00:21:21.040 Its wheels 00:21:21.040 --> 00:21:21.640 were burning 00:21:21.640 --> 00:21:22.259 fire. 00:21:22.580 --> 00:21:23.040 A stream 00:21:23.040 --> 00:21:23.500 of fire 00:21:23.500 --> 00:21:24.019 issued and 00:21:24.019 --> 00:21:24.519 came out 00:21:24.519 --> 00:21:25.120 from before 00:21:25.120 --> 00:21:25.420 him. 00:21:25.680 --> 00:21:26.180 This is no 00:21:26.180 --> 00:21:26.980 normal throne. 00:21:27.100 --> 00:21:27.320 It's not 00:21:27.320 --> 00:21:27.680 just some 00:21:27.680 --> 00:21:28.400 tiny chair 00:21:28.400 --> 00:21:28.759 is it? 00:21:29.400 --> 00:21:30.140 This is a 00:21:30.140 --> 00:21:30.700 chariot. 00:21:31.519 --> 00:21:32.440 A war 00:21:32.440 --> 00:21:33.100 chariot 00:21:33.100 --> 00:21:34.080 with fire 00:21:34.080 --> 00:21:34.880 coming out 00:21:34.880 --> 00:21:36.140 with wheels 00:21:36.140 --> 00:21:36.820 on it. 00:21:38.640 --> 00:21:39.040 It pictures 00:21:39.040 --> 00:21:39.720 God as the 00:21:39.720 --> 00:21:40.500 mighty general 00:21:40.500 --> 00:21:41.019 ready to 00:21:41.019 --> 00:21:41.820 carry out 00:21:41.820 --> 00:21:42.340 justice 00:21:42.340 --> 00:21:43.340 and vengeance. 00:21:43.339 --> 00:21:43.619 patience. 00:21:44.819 --> 00:21:45.639 He's not 00:21:45.639 --> 00:21:46.480 some meek 00:21:46.480 --> 00:21:47.779 loving 00:21:47.779 --> 00:21:48.599 grandfather 00:21:48.599 --> 00:21:49.519 in the sky 00:21:49.519 --> 00:21:50.299 known only 00:21:50.299 --> 00:21:50.799 for his 00:21:50.799 --> 00:21:51.459 gentleness. 00:21:52.899 --> 00:21:53.319 No this 00:21:53.319 --> 00:21:53.599 is a 00:21:53.599 --> 00:21:54.179 powerful 00:21:54.179 --> 00:21:55.240 warrior 00:21:55.240 --> 00:21:56.399 with fire 00:21:56.399 --> 00:21:57.259 coming forth 00:21:57.259 --> 00:21:57.740 from his 00:21:57.740 --> 00:21:58.119 throne 00:21:58.119 --> 00:21:59.220 to consume. 00:22:00.799 --> 00:22:01.359 But maybe 00:22:01.359 --> 00:22:01.799 it's just 00:22:01.799 --> 00:22:02.799 a powerful 00:22:02.799 --> 00:22:03.559 guy just 00:22:03.559 --> 00:22:04.339 sitting there 00:22:04.339 --> 00:22:04.980 waiting to 00:22:04.980 --> 00:22:05.500 be told 00:22:05.500 --> 00:22:05.919 what he's 00:22:05.919 --> 00:22:06.480 allowed to 00:22:06.480 --> 00:22:06.720 do, 00:22:06.839 --> 00:22:07.179 where he 00:22:07.179 --> 00:22:07.579 can go 00:22:07.579 --> 00:22:08.220 in force. 00:22:08.759 --> 00:22:09.220 Maybe this 00:22:09.220 --> 00:22:09.639 is just 00:22:09.639 --> 00:22:10.519 the muscle 00:22:10.519 --> 00:22:11.839 with no 00:22:11.839 --> 00:22:12.639 real authority. 00:22:13.200 --> 00:22:13.579 Could that 00:22:13.579 --> 00:22:13.839 be? 00:22:15.079 --> 00:22:15.879 No way. 00:22:16.720 --> 00:22:17.400 Perhaps the 00:22:17.400 --> 00:22:18.339 clearest detail 00:22:18.339 --> 00:22:19.220 communicated in 00:22:19.220 --> 00:22:19.759 this vision 00:22:19.759 --> 00:22:20.400 of God 00:22:20.400 --> 00:22:21.960 is that God 00:22:21.960 --> 00:22:22.539 is the 00:22:22.539 --> 00:22:24.039 final judge, 00:22:24.160 --> 00:22:25.160 the ultimate 00:22:25.160 --> 00:22:26.279 authority. 00:22:26.500 --> 00:22:27.279 That's how it 00:22:27.279 --> 00:22:28.079 begins and 00:22:28.079 --> 00:22:28.660 ends with 00:22:28.660 --> 00:22:30.039 thrones placed 00:22:30.039 --> 00:22:30.339 in the 00:22:30.339 --> 00:22:30.940 ancient of 00:22:30.940 --> 00:22:31.539 days taking 00:22:31.539 --> 00:22:32.400 his seat on 00:22:32.400 --> 00:22:32.960 what we find 00:22:32.960 --> 00:22:33.379 out is the 00:22:33.379 --> 00:22:34.359 center throne 00:22:34.359 --> 00:22:35.279 from that 00:22:35.279 --> 00:22:35.740 picture in 00:22:35.740 --> 00:22:36.220 Revelation. 00:22:36.920 --> 00:22:37.519 The court 00:22:37.519 --> 00:22:38.299 sat in 00:22:38.299 --> 00:22:39.259 judgment and 00:22:39.259 --> 00:22:39.759 the books 00:22:39.759 --> 00:22:40.379 were opened. 00:22:40.519 --> 00:22:41.059 Who else 00:22:41.059 --> 00:22:41.420 needed to 00:22:41.420 --> 00:22:41.799 sit down 00:22:41.799 --> 00:22:42.240 before the 00:22:42.240 --> 00:22:42.559 court could 00:22:42.559 --> 00:22:42.879 start? 00:22:43.759 --> 00:22:44.119 Nobody. 00:22:45.119 --> 00:22:45.980 The judge 00:22:45.980 --> 00:22:46.539 has taken 00:22:46.539 --> 00:22:47.200 his seat 00:22:47.200 --> 00:22:48.299 and he's 00:22:48.299 --> 00:22:48.799 ready to 00:22:48.799 --> 00:22:49.180 start. 00:22:49.279 --> 00:22:49.720 The image 00:22:49.720 --> 00:22:50.559 is one of 00:22:50.559 --> 00:22:51.139 God as 00:22:51.139 --> 00:22:51.660 judge. 00:22:52.559 --> 00:22:53.119 He is the 00:22:53.119 --> 00:22:53.420 one who 00:22:53.420 --> 00:22:54.099 decides who 00:22:54.099 --> 00:22:54.539 is raised 00:22:54.539 --> 00:22:55.000 up and 00:22:55.000 --> 00:22:55.319 who is 00:22:55.319 --> 00:22:56.119 cast down. 00:22:56.599 --> 00:22:57.200 He is the 00:22:57.200 --> 00:22:57.960 one dispensing 00:22:57.960 --> 00:22:58.799 judgments on 00:22:58.799 --> 00:22:59.279 all of 00:22:59.279 --> 00:22:59.759 history. 00:23:00.259 --> 00:23:00.720 He is the 00:23:00.720 --> 00:23:01.139 one in 00:23:01.139 --> 00:23:01.480 whose 00:23:01.480 --> 00:23:02.180 righteous 00:23:02.180 --> 00:23:03.420 and wise 00:23:03.420 --> 00:23:04.980 hands is 00:23:04.980 --> 00:23:05.660 the authority 00:23:05.660 --> 00:23:06.740 for all 00:23:06.740 --> 00:23:07.759 decisions. 00:23:08.639 --> 00:23:09.079 In fact, 00:23:09.139 --> 00:23:09.680 that's immediately 00:23:09.680 --> 00:23:10.500 what happens 00:23:10.500 --> 00:23:11.000 in the next 00:23:11.000 --> 00:23:11.559 two verses 00:23:11.559 --> 00:23:12.740 after this 00:23:12.740 --> 00:23:13.220 vision. 00:23:13.779 --> 00:23:14.000 Without 00:23:14.000 --> 00:23:14.859 awaiting a 00:23:14.859 --> 00:23:15.660 jury vote, 00:23:16.500 --> 00:23:16.920 without a 00:23:16.920 --> 00:23:17.259 lot of 00:23:17.259 --> 00:23:18.039 fanfare, 00:23:19.240 --> 00:23:20.160 great human 00:23:20.160 --> 00:23:21.039 kings and 00:23:21.039 --> 00:23:22.000 kingdoms are 00:23:22.000 --> 00:23:23.359 dethroned and 00:23:23.359 --> 00:23:24.500 destroyed in 00:23:24.500 --> 00:23:25.140 an instant. 00:23:26.480 --> 00:23:28.160 Justice is 00:23:28.160 --> 00:23:28.819 served. 00:23:29.519 --> 00:23:30.099 The ancient 00:23:30.099 --> 00:23:31.039 of days is 00:23:31.039 --> 00:23:31.960 seated on the 00:23:31.960 --> 00:23:32.539 throne and 00:23:32.539 --> 00:23:33.279 there is no 00:23:33.279 --> 00:23:34.039 room for 00:23:34.039 --> 00:23:34.859 anyone else. 00:23:35.640 --> 00:23:36.400 An awesome 00:23:36.400 --> 00:23:37.380 vision of our 00:23:37.380 --> 00:23:39.200 glorious and 00:23:39.200 --> 00:23:40.000 mighty God. 00:23:42.340 --> 00:23:43.320 Last question 00:23:43.320 --> 00:23:43.820 this morning. 00:23:45.180 --> 00:23:45.700 When do we 00:23:45.700 --> 00:23:46.260 need this 00:23:46.260 --> 00:23:46.620 vision? 00:23:49.840 --> 00:23:50.280 Well, you 00:23:50.280 --> 00:23:50.780 said a vision 00:23:50.780 --> 00:23:51.380 of heaven would 00:23:51.380 --> 00:23:52.120 be practically 00:23:52.120 --> 00:23:53.300 helpful in the 00:23:53.300 --> 00:23:54.500 here and now. 00:23:54.900 --> 00:23:55.420 Would be 00:23:55.420 --> 00:23:56.160 something that 00:23:56.160 --> 00:23:57.380 would help 00:23:57.380 --> 00:23:58.240 me today. 00:23:58.960 --> 00:23:59.300 I mean, of 00:23:59.300 --> 00:23:59.760 course, it's 00:23:59.760 --> 00:24:00.800 always helpful to 00:24:00.800 --> 00:24:02.080 see God more 00:24:02.080 --> 00:24:03.000 clearly, but when 00:24:03.000 --> 00:24:03.820 do we especially 00:24:03.819 --> 00:24:05.319 need this 00:24:05.319 --> 00:24:05.679 vision? 00:24:06.639 --> 00:24:07.359 We could make 00:24:07.359 --> 00:24:08.279 up answers, but 00:24:08.279 --> 00:24:09.740 in what context 00:24:09.740 --> 00:24:10.460 does God give it 00:24:10.460 --> 00:24:11.139 to Daniel and 00:24:11.139 --> 00:24:11.740 the rest of his 00:24:11.740 --> 00:24:12.019 people? 00:24:12.099 --> 00:24:12.559 When does he 00:24:12.559 --> 00:24:14.240 think we need 00:24:14.240 --> 00:24:14.419 it? 00:24:14.819 --> 00:24:15.480 It's actually 00:24:15.480 --> 00:24:16.220 really interesting 00:24:16.220 --> 00:24:16.899 if you start at 00:24:16.899 --> 00:24:17.579 the beginning of 00:24:17.579 --> 00:24:19.399 Daniel 7, when 00:24:19.399 --> 00:24:20.279 the ancient of 00:24:20.279 --> 00:24:21.819 days shows up. 00:24:22.259 --> 00:24:23.000 Because the 00:24:23.000 --> 00:24:23.619 vision up to 00:24:23.619 --> 00:24:24.240 that point is 00:24:24.240 --> 00:24:25.279 actually not about 00:24:25.279 --> 00:24:25.679 heaven. 00:24:26.059 --> 00:24:26.939 All the way up to 00:24:26.939 --> 00:24:27.839 verse 9 where we 00:24:27.839 --> 00:24:28.899 started, the first 00:24:28.899 --> 00:24:29.779 eight verses are 00:24:29.779 --> 00:24:31.059 about the next few 00:24:31.059 --> 00:24:31.819 hundred years of 00:24:31.819 --> 00:24:33.000 human history after 00:24:33.000 --> 00:24:33.440 Daniel. 00:24:34.339 --> 00:24:35.319 They're about kings 00:24:35.319 --> 00:24:36.339 and kingdoms and 00:24:36.339 --> 00:24:38.220 wars and terrible 00:24:38.220 --> 00:24:38.940 things that are 00:24:38.940 --> 00:24:39.599 going on. 00:24:39.759 --> 00:24:40.420 And with no 00:24:40.420 --> 00:24:41.599 transition whatsoever, 00:24:41.720 --> 00:24:42.539 it shifts to the 00:24:42.539 --> 00:24:43.200 throne room of 00:24:43.200 --> 00:24:43.400 heaven. 00:24:43.519 --> 00:24:44.339 Look, this is the 00:24:44.339 --> 00:24:45.099 end of those first 00:24:45.099 --> 00:24:45.599 eight verses. 00:24:45.779 --> 00:24:46.440 I considered the 00:24:46.440 --> 00:24:47.440 horns on one of 00:24:47.440 --> 00:24:48.299 these beasts, one 00:24:48.299 --> 00:24:48.920 of these kings. 00:24:49.519 --> 00:24:50.059 There came up among 00:24:50.059 --> 00:24:50.920 them another horn, a 00:24:50.920 --> 00:24:51.599 little one, before 00:24:51.599 --> 00:24:52.440 which three of the 00:24:52.440 --> 00:24:53.079 first horns were 00:24:53.079 --> 00:24:53.819 plucked up by the 00:24:53.819 --> 00:24:54.059 roots. 00:24:54.440 --> 00:24:55.160 And behold, in this 00:24:55.160 --> 00:24:56.200 horn were eyes like 00:24:56.200 --> 00:24:57.099 the eyes of a man in 00:24:57.099 --> 00:24:57.819 a mouth, speaking 00:24:57.819 --> 00:24:58.599 great things. 00:24:58.880 --> 00:24:59.900 As I looked, thrones 00:24:59.900 --> 00:25:00.599 were placed in the 00:25:00.599 --> 00:25:01.400 ancient of days, took 00:25:01.400 --> 00:25:01.819 his seat. 00:25:03.000 --> 00:25:03.819 He shows up right 00:25:03.819 --> 00:25:04.440 there in the midst 00:25:04.440 --> 00:25:05.180 of it with no 00:25:05.180 --> 00:25:06.000 transition. 00:25:06.200 --> 00:25:06.960 It's as though your 00:25:06.960 --> 00:25:08.559 television set is 00:25:08.559 --> 00:25:10.759 sounding beep, beep, 00:25:11.539 --> 00:25:11.799 beep. 00:25:13.000 --> 00:25:14.279 We interrupt this 00:25:14.279 --> 00:25:15.920 current broadcast to 00:25:15.920 --> 00:25:16.920 give you breaking 00:25:16.920 --> 00:25:17.859 news of something 00:25:17.859 --> 00:25:18.660 else that's happening 00:25:18.660 --> 00:25:21.160 simultaneously somewhere 00:25:21.160 --> 00:25:21.680 else. 00:25:22.240 --> 00:25:23.480 Right in the midst of 00:25:23.480 --> 00:25:25.559 human history, of 00:25:25.559 --> 00:25:26.799 great conflict, of 00:25:26.799 --> 00:25:28.119 deep evil, another 00:25:28.119 --> 00:25:29.680 reality is true. 00:25:29.680 --> 00:25:30.920 And the camera just 00:25:30.920 --> 00:25:32.660 pans over to the 00:25:32.660 --> 00:25:34.740 ancient of days, seated 00:25:34.740 --> 00:25:37.100 on his throne, right 00:25:37.100 --> 00:25:37.840 in the midst of it. 00:25:38.720 --> 00:25:39.600 Let me read you just 00:25:39.600 --> 00:25:41.000 a sample of the 00:25:41.000 --> 00:25:41.700 setting that the 00:25:41.700 --> 00:25:42.720 vision comes in to 00:25:42.720 --> 00:25:43.880 help us see when we 00:25:43.880 --> 00:25:45.740 especially need it. 00:25:46.259 --> 00:25:47.500 Chapter 7, as I said, 00:25:47.560 --> 00:25:48.620 actually begins with a 00:25:48.620 --> 00:25:49.519 vision of kingdoms. 00:25:49.860 --> 00:25:51.240 And the vision is very 00:25:51.240 --> 00:25:52.279 similar to the one we 00:25:52.279 --> 00:25:52.960 talked about in 00:25:52.960 --> 00:25:53.779 chapter 2 when 00:25:53.779 --> 00:25:54.680 Nebuchadnezzar had a 00:25:54.680 --> 00:25:55.620 dream of a statue 00:25:55.620 --> 00:25:57.779 that was crushed, if you 00:25:57.779 --> 00:25:58.420 remember that. 00:25:58.420 --> 00:25:59.680 This vision and the 00:25:59.680 --> 00:26:00.779 one in chapter 8 that 00:26:00.779 --> 00:26:01.620 I'll reference here 00:26:01.620 --> 00:26:02.580 speak of the kingdoms 00:26:02.580 --> 00:26:04.820 of Babylon and Persia 00:26:04.820 --> 00:26:05.900 and Greece and 00:26:05.900 --> 00:26:07.140 Alexander the Great 00:26:07.140 --> 00:26:08.539 and Rome and so 00:26:08.539 --> 00:26:10.279 forth with some 00:26:10.279 --> 00:26:11.779 really amazingly 00:26:11.779 --> 00:26:13.480 accurate detail. 00:26:14.100 --> 00:26:14.900 But here's the 00:26:14.900 --> 00:26:15.600 situation. 00:26:16.560 --> 00:26:17.259 Look at some of the 00:26:17.259 --> 00:26:18.039 things going on. 00:26:18.120 --> 00:26:19.000 Daniel begins his 00:26:19.000 --> 00:26:19.300 vision. 00:26:19.420 --> 00:26:20.300 He sees a vision in 00:26:20.300 --> 00:26:20.420 there. 00:26:20.759 --> 00:26:21.600 Four winds of heaven 00:26:21.600 --> 00:26:22.640 stirring up the great 00:26:22.640 --> 00:26:23.840 sea and four great 00:26:23.840 --> 00:26:24.900 beasts come out of the 00:26:24.900 --> 00:26:26.519 great sea different 00:26:26.519 --> 00:26:27.279 from one another. 00:26:27.279 --> 00:26:28.300 The first a lion, 00:26:28.420 --> 00:26:29.500 with eagle's wings. 00:26:30.039 --> 00:26:31.740 The second a bear who's 00:26:31.740 --> 00:26:33.600 told, arise, devour 00:26:33.600 --> 00:26:34.800 much flesh. 00:26:34.900 --> 00:26:35.980 That's what that king 00:26:35.980 --> 00:26:36.720 does. 00:26:38.180 --> 00:26:38.880 And then there's another 00:26:38.880 --> 00:26:39.820 like a leopard who 00:26:39.820 --> 00:26:41.460 rises fast with four 00:26:41.460 --> 00:26:42.580 wings of a bird on its 00:26:42.580 --> 00:26:43.820 back and had four heads 00:26:43.820 --> 00:26:45.000 and dominion was given 00:26:45.000 --> 00:26:46.060 to this one, this 00:26:46.060 --> 00:26:47.420 powerful one. 00:26:49.100 --> 00:26:49.740 And then there's the 00:26:49.740 --> 00:26:50.300 fourth one. 00:26:51.180 --> 00:26:52.759 Terrifying and dreadful 00:26:52.759 --> 00:26:54.400 and exceedingly strong. 00:26:54.900 --> 00:26:56.180 Great iron teeth that 00:26:56.180 --> 00:26:57.500 devoured and broke in 00:26:57.500 --> 00:26:58.880 pieces and stamped what 00:26:58.880 --> 00:27:00.400 was left with its feet. 00:27:02.200 --> 00:27:04.160 A powerful but painful 00:27:04.160 --> 00:27:07.000 infliction on God's 00:27:07.000 --> 00:27:08.140 people and many others. 00:27:09.100 --> 00:27:10.240 Go to the next screen. 00:27:10.600 --> 00:27:11.400 Verse 21. 00:27:12.360 --> 00:27:13.600 As I looked, this horn 00:27:13.600 --> 00:27:14.660 that was on the last 00:27:14.660 --> 00:27:16.220 beast made war with the 00:27:16.220 --> 00:27:17.779 saints and prevailed over 00:27:17.779 --> 00:27:18.140 them. 00:27:18.560 --> 00:27:20.360 This fourth powerful beast 00:27:20.360 --> 00:27:21.700 that was terrifying and 00:27:21.700 --> 00:27:23.299 dreadful is prevailing over 00:27:23.299 --> 00:27:24.039 God's people. 00:27:24.460 --> 00:27:25.299 He shall speak words 00:27:25.299 --> 00:27:26.559 against God himself, the 00:27:26.559 --> 00:27:28.200 Most High, and shall wear 00:27:28.200 --> 00:27:29.339 out the saints of the 00:27:29.339 --> 00:27:29.919 Most High. 00:27:31.319 --> 00:27:32.379 Shall think to change the 00:27:32.379 --> 00:27:33.700 times and the law and 00:27:33.700 --> 00:27:35.079 they shall be given into 00:27:35.079 --> 00:27:37.559 his hand for a time, times 00:27:37.559 --> 00:27:38.460 and half a time. 00:27:39.200 --> 00:27:40.619 And Daniel sees all of 00:27:40.619 --> 00:27:41.500 this and what's happening 00:27:41.500 --> 00:27:42.960 to God's people and he 00:27:42.960 --> 00:27:44.059 says, as for me, Daniel, 00:27:44.180 --> 00:27:45.139 my thoughts greatly 00:27:45.139 --> 00:27:46.579 alarmed me and my color 00:27:46.579 --> 00:27:47.240 changed. 00:27:47.819 --> 00:27:48.940 He sees what's going to 00:27:48.940 --> 00:27:50.220 happen to God's people and 00:27:50.220 --> 00:27:51.960 it stresses him out. 00:27:51.960 --> 00:27:53.259 He's deeply anxious. 00:27:54.779 --> 00:27:56.480 We read in chapter 8 of 00:27:56.480 --> 00:27:57.700 one of these rulers, 00:27:57.860 --> 00:27:58.860 He shall make deceit 00:27:58.860 --> 00:28:00.500 prosper under his hand 00:28:00.500 --> 00:28:01.940 and in his own mind he 00:28:01.940 --> 00:28:02.819 shall become great. 00:28:02.920 --> 00:28:04.140 Without warning he shall 00:28:04.140 --> 00:28:06.799 destroy many and he 00:28:06.799 --> 00:28:07.840 shall even rise up against 00:28:07.840 --> 00:28:09.140 the prince of princes and 00:28:09.140 --> 00:28:11.120 he shall be broken but by 00:28:11.120 --> 00:28:12.539 no human hand. 00:28:13.360 --> 00:28:14.720 And Daniel's response at 00:28:14.720 --> 00:28:15.740 the end of that vision, 00:28:15.880 --> 00:28:17.720 I was overcome and lay 00:28:17.720 --> 00:28:20.460 sick for some days. 00:28:20.460 --> 00:28:22.900 What's the general 00:28:22.900 --> 00:28:24.900 impression given by these 00:28:24.900 --> 00:28:25.819 parts of the vision? 00:28:26.480 --> 00:28:27.940 What are our emotions when 00:28:27.940 --> 00:28:29.779 we especially need this 00:28:29.779 --> 00:28:30.940 vision of God? 00:28:31.059 --> 00:28:32.140 Daniel feels it well, 00:28:32.220 --> 00:28:32.680 doesn't he? 00:28:33.980 --> 00:28:36.019 When we feel like him, 00:28:36.200 --> 00:28:37.539 greatly alarmed, 00:28:38.740 --> 00:28:40.120 overcome to the point of 00:28:40.120 --> 00:28:42.640 being sick for days as he 00:28:42.640 --> 00:28:44.039 sees the things that will 00:28:44.039 --> 00:28:46.340 happen to God's people or 00:28:46.340 --> 00:28:47.840 for us things that are 00:28:47.839 --> 00:28:50.059 happening to God's people? 00:28:52.279 --> 00:28:53.899 When we are overwhelmed, 00:28:54.699 --> 00:28:56.319 when the world around us 00:28:56.319 --> 00:28:57.779 seems to be spinning out 00:28:57.779 --> 00:29:00.179 of control and we become 00:29:00.179 --> 00:29:02.799 scared and when we feel 00:29:02.799 --> 00:29:05.359 helpless and when we grow 00:29:05.359 --> 00:29:06.959 increasingly anxious, 00:29:07.959 --> 00:29:10.339 that's the general feel of 00:29:10.339 --> 00:29:11.779 what's going on when you 00:29:11.779 --> 00:29:13.279 read about wild beasts and 00:29:13.279 --> 00:29:14.799 their terrifying power. 00:29:15.220 --> 00:29:16.379 It's how we ought to feel, 00:29:16.380 --> 00:29:16.820 isn't it? 00:29:17.280 --> 00:29:19.880 And that's when God gives 00:29:19.880 --> 00:29:22.020 the vision of himself. 00:29:22.240 --> 00:29:23.360 That's when we need this 00:29:23.360 --> 00:29:25.060 clear vision of God and of 00:29:25.060 --> 00:29:26.700 our eternal home. 00:29:27.700 --> 00:29:28.840 Have you felt like that 00:29:28.840 --> 00:29:29.540 lately? 00:29:31.440 --> 00:29:33.220 Overwhelmed or out of 00:29:33.220 --> 00:29:35.320 control, scared, helpless, 00:29:35.640 --> 00:29:36.000 anxious? 00:29:37.140 --> 00:29:37.880 And this vision is 00:29:37.880 --> 00:29:39.840 especially for you. 00:29:39.839 --> 00:29:43.939 But now close up, 00:29:44.079 --> 00:29:45.839 specifically what situations 00:29:45.839 --> 00:29:47.519 does God give this vision 00:29:47.519 --> 00:29:47.899 for? 00:29:48.319 --> 00:29:49.699 Here's a few particulars from 00:29:49.699 --> 00:29:51.539 these verses here in 00:29:51.539 --> 00:29:51.879 Daniel. 00:29:52.639 --> 00:29:54.619 First, when injustice 00:29:54.619 --> 00:29:57.799 rages, when human 00:29:57.799 --> 00:29:59.759 rulers war and fight, 00:30:00.839 --> 00:30:03.220 when human power is used to 00:30:03.220 --> 00:30:04.980 harm, not help, 00:30:05.679 --> 00:30:07.199 when God's enemies have 00:30:07.199 --> 00:30:09.039 exhausted God's people, 00:30:09.039 --> 00:30:10.619 when God's people have 00:30:10.619 --> 00:30:12.180 wandered after idols. 00:30:13.119 --> 00:30:14.639 Those are the things going 00:30:14.639 --> 00:30:16.899 on on the news when the 00:30:16.899 --> 00:30:18.759 camera pans over to the 00:30:18.759 --> 00:30:20.399 breaking news that the 00:30:20.399 --> 00:30:22.579 ancient of days is on his 00:30:22.579 --> 00:30:23.159 throne. 00:30:23.980 --> 00:30:25.399 And God says that's not all 00:30:25.399 --> 00:30:25.779 that's true. 00:30:25.879 --> 00:30:26.899 That may be what's in the 00:30:26.899 --> 00:30:27.859 news, but there's something 00:30:27.859 --> 00:30:28.440 else. 00:30:30.139 --> 00:30:33.039 A righteous, wise, powerful, 00:30:34.019 --> 00:30:36.200 just judge on the throne 00:30:36.200 --> 00:30:37.119 over it all. 00:30:37.119 --> 00:30:38.500 And he gives you that picture 00:30:38.500 --> 00:30:39.979 in order to bring true 00:30:39.979 --> 00:30:42.399 comfort to you. 00:30:43.599 --> 00:30:45.139 When injustice rages, 00:30:45.299 --> 00:30:47.019 things that drive us crazy 00:30:47.019 --> 00:30:48.519 and we can't seem to fix 00:30:48.519 --> 00:30:49.939 them for ourselves or for 00:30:49.939 --> 00:30:51.199 others that are being taken 00:30:51.199 --> 00:30:54.379 advantage of, we need to see 00:30:54.379 --> 00:30:56.639 the eternally just judge and 00:30:56.639 --> 00:30:59.059 know that he will do right in 00:30:59.059 --> 00:31:01.899 his time in a way we can trust 00:31:01.899 --> 00:31:03.719 even to death. 00:31:03.720 --> 00:31:06.680 When human rulers war and 00:31:06.680 --> 00:31:08.640 fight and seek power and 00:31:08.640 --> 00:31:10.319 everything seems to hang in the 00:31:10.319 --> 00:31:11.700 balance of how this plays 00:31:11.700 --> 00:31:14.440 out, we need to see the 00:31:14.440 --> 00:31:17.059 ancient of days who is on his 00:31:17.059 --> 00:31:18.620 throne long before the beast 00:31:18.620 --> 00:31:20.839 took theirs and remains on his 00:31:20.839 --> 00:31:22.880 throne well after the last one 00:31:22.880 --> 00:31:23.860 is declawed. 00:31:24.559 --> 00:31:25.700 And we need to know that our 00:31:25.700 --> 00:31:28.019 ultimate home is there with our 00:31:28.019 --> 00:31:28.759 father. 00:31:28.759 --> 00:31:31.240 There where we will find true 00:31:31.240 --> 00:31:34.640 safety and true rest. 00:31:36.379 --> 00:31:38.740 When human power is used to harm 00:31:38.740 --> 00:31:41.879 not help, we need to see the one 00:31:41.879 --> 00:31:44.420 who is gracious with his power and 00:31:44.420 --> 00:31:47.299 righteously protects the oppressed. 00:31:48.980 --> 00:31:51.279 When God's enemies have exhausted 00:31:51.279 --> 00:31:54.119 God's people so that we feel that the 00:31:54.119 --> 00:31:55.720 wicked prosper and the righteous 00:31:55.720 --> 00:31:58.519 perish and we can't stand before it any 00:31:58.519 --> 00:32:01.420 longer, we need to see the eternal 00:32:01.420 --> 00:32:04.180 victor who destroys those great 00:32:04.180 --> 00:32:06.279 beasts with a flick of his wrist. 00:32:07.460 --> 00:32:10.579 Who breaks their power, Daniel 8.25 00:32:10.579 --> 00:32:12.900 with no human hand. 00:32:13.019 --> 00:32:14.400 Second time we've seen that one in 00:32:14.400 --> 00:32:15.160 Daniel, isn't it? 00:32:15.460 --> 00:32:18.039 That rock from chapter 2 that was 00:32:18.039 --> 00:32:20.200 hewn with no human hand. 00:32:20.299 --> 00:32:22.980 The divine Savior who crushes the 00:32:22.980 --> 00:32:24.900 kingdoms and becomes a rock that 00:32:24.900 --> 00:32:26.920 fills the whole earth. 00:32:28.519 --> 00:32:31.319 We need to see that Savior so that his 00:32:31.319 --> 00:32:34.000 people finally see justice. 00:32:35.839 --> 00:32:37.639 And when God's people have wandered 00:32:37.639 --> 00:32:40.619 after idols and allowed other things 00:32:40.619 --> 00:32:44.379 that won't last or fulfill us to 00:32:44.379 --> 00:32:46.839 distract us from what's truly valuable, 00:32:47.960 --> 00:32:50.460 we need to see the all-glorious, 00:32:51.240 --> 00:32:54.759 ultimately worthy God who fights for us 00:32:54.759 --> 00:32:57.920 and knows what's best for us and is worthy of 00:32:57.920 --> 00:33:02.460 all of our praise and all of our attention 00:33:02.460 --> 00:33:04.519 and time and zeal. 00:33:06.079 --> 00:33:09.079 Do you see him there this morning? 00:33:09.519 --> 00:33:12.700 Do you know that reality is true alongside 00:33:12.700 --> 00:33:15.440 and above the reality that you are facing? 00:33:15.839 --> 00:33:18.819 Do you know that the ancient of days has never 00:33:18.819 --> 00:33:21.019 left the throne Daniel saw him on? 00:33:21.019 --> 00:33:24.359 Do you know that he's there right now 00:33:24.359 --> 00:33:27.799 just the way he was described in Daniel 7? 00:33:28.859 --> 00:33:31.119 One more look because he is there now 00:33:31.119 --> 00:33:33.099 and this is true for you today. 00:33:33.200 --> 00:33:35.299 As I looked, thrones were placed 00:33:35.299 --> 00:33:37.559 and the ancient of days took his seat. 00:33:37.819 --> 00:33:39.599 His clothing was white as snow 00:33:39.599 --> 00:33:42.059 and the hair of his head like pure wool. 00:33:42.400 --> 00:33:44.200 His throne was fiery flames. 00:33:44.299 --> 00:33:45.839 Its wheels were burning fire. 00:33:46.259 --> 00:33:49.139 A stream of fire issued and came out from before him. 00:33:49.140 --> 00:33:51.420 A thousand thousand served him 00:33:51.420 --> 00:33:54.560 and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. 00:33:54.860 --> 00:33:56.200 The court sat in judgment 00:33:56.200 --> 00:33:58.100 and the books were opened. 00:33:59.200 --> 00:34:00.259 Pray with me. 00:34:04.200 --> 00:34:07.740 Our great God, King of all kings, 00:34:08.240 --> 00:34:11.619 supreme judge over all judges, 00:34:12.619 --> 00:34:15.980 we this morning join the multitude 00:34:15.980 --> 00:34:17.599 surrounding that throne 00:34:17.599 --> 00:34:19.719 and bowing before you 00:34:19.719 --> 00:34:22.179 because we are not worthy. 00:34:23.300 --> 00:34:26.659 And in proclaiming that you are worthy 00:34:26.659 --> 00:34:30.920 and the honor and the glory and the power is yours, 00:34:31.880 --> 00:34:34.320 Father, would you comfort us 00:34:34.320 --> 00:34:38.320 with the reminder of your presence on the throne 00:34:38.320 --> 00:34:41.559 that the just judge is on the throne 00:34:41.559 --> 00:34:45.239 and he is also our good Father. 00:34:47.519 --> 00:34:49.400 Father, we need that reminder today 00:34:49.400 --> 00:34:50.599 when we would be so prone 00:34:50.599 --> 00:34:52.079 to put ourselves on the throne 00:34:52.079 --> 00:34:55.219 or to feel the throne is unoccupied. 00:34:56.360 --> 00:34:57.239 It's not. 00:34:58.079 --> 00:34:59.719 Give us that clear vision 00:34:59.719 --> 00:35:01.699 that we may know where we're headed 00:35:01.699 --> 00:35:04.480 and know where we already are 00:35:04.480 --> 00:35:06.779 in heaven with you. 00:35:08.019 --> 00:35:09.460 We ask it in Jesus' name. 00:35:10.139 --> 00:35:10.420 Amen. 00:35:10.420 --> 00:35:10.519 Amen. 00:35:10.519 --> 00:35:10.539 Amen. 00:35:11.559 --> 00:35:15.539 For more information, 00:35:15.920 --> 00:35:18.139 visit us online at southwood.org.