WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.200 I have the joy and privilege of introducing our guest speaker this morning. 00:00:05.580 --> 00:00:09.240 Nick Kidwell serves in Covenant Fellowship Church. 00:00:09.320 --> 00:00:13.560 You guys know this church because we've had several speakers in from this church. 00:00:13.640 --> 00:00:15.060 It's a powerhouse of a church in Pennsylvania. 00:00:15.759 --> 00:00:19.120 Nick graduated from the Sovereign Grace Pastors College last year. 00:00:19.120 --> 00:00:24.019 So some of you who have thought about that, you could talk to him and happy. 00:00:24.019 --> 00:00:30.019 And he just passed the last of his three ordination exams. 00:00:30.980 --> 00:00:31.300 So yeah. 00:00:32.039 --> 00:00:38.019 And so he will be ordained very soon by his church as a pastor. 00:00:38.140 --> 00:00:40.379 And he's there right now as a church planting resident. 00:00:40.579 --> 00:00:43.140 He's going to be sent out with his family. 00:00:44.239 --> 00:00:48.480 He already has a place in Melbourne, Pennsylvania, where he'll be planting a church. 00:00:48.859 --> 00:00:52.120 He's been married to his wife, happy for 10 years, happy he's right here with us as well. 00:00:52.119 --> 00:00:56.719 And they brought their 8-year-old daughter, Anna, with them. 00:00:57.239 --> 00:01:03.539 And if you can guess Anna's ethnicity, you get extra credit. 00:01:05.219 --> 00:01:09.099 But Nick and Happy have been a pleasure to get to know. 00:01:09.099 --> 00:01:10.459 They're a humble couple. 00:01:11.060 --> 00:01:12.280 And Nick's a gifted preacher. 00:01:13.019 --> 00:01:21.939 And their testimony, their life story, it's real witness to God's faithfulness that we've been singing about. 00:01:22.380 --> 00:01:25.740 And God leads his people to what they've called them to. 00:01:25.880 --> 00:01:27.820 So I'm really excited for you guys to hear from Nick. 00:01:27.880 --> 00:01:29.760 Nick, please come up and preach for us. 00:01:35.020 --> 00:01:37.040 We were hanging out with the Woos last night. 00:01:38.159 --> 00:01:39.740 And we were looking at their board games. 00:01:39.740 --> 00:01:41.820 And I got a board game down for the kids. 00:01:41.960 --> 00:01:43.560 And Sean's like, you won't have to use the chair. 00:01:44.320 --> 00:01:45.880 See, and Sean's trying to put the mic up there. 00:01:46.120 --> 00:01:46.719 A little bit taller. 00:01:46.719 --> 00:01:54.780 Well, I'm so glad to be here with you guys this morning. 00:01:55.579 --> 00:01:58.060 As Sean said, I'm Nick Kidwell. 00:01:58.939 --> 00:02:00.140 My wife, Happy. 00:02:00.340 --> 00:02:05.259 Daughter, Anna, and I all came up from Covenant Fellowship in Glen Mills, PA. 00:02:05.480 --> 00:02:06.980 I've been there since 2010. 00:02:07.560 --> 00:02:11.960 We just got back from the pastor's college earlier last year. 00:02:11.960 --> 00:02:22.080 And one of the things I love so much about our experience at the pastor's college and even coming back is this. 00:02:22.260 --> 00:02:27.000 Getting to be a part of and experience other churches in Sovereign Grace. 00:02:27.000 --> 00:02:38.000 It's such a joy to get to partner together, knowing that God's people are much bigger than myself and bigger than our church in Glen Mills. 00:02:38.240 --> 00:02:40.960 And we just have so much to gain and benefit from one another. 00:02:41.039 --> 00:02:48.099 So we just had such a joy with the Woos last night and receiving their warmth and hospitality and care. 00:02:48.240 --> 00:02:50.819 Made me all the more eager to be here with you this morning. 00:02:51.139 --> 00:02:52.719 And you've not let me down. 00:02:52.719 --> 00:02:56.819 You guys have been just very welcoming and inviting for those of you I've gotten to meet. 00:02:56.960 --> 00:02:58.840 And I'm excited to meet more of you later. 00:02:58.919 --> 00:03:00.979 So thank you for having us this morning. 00:03:01.099 --> 00:03:06.419 I'm excited for us to get to spend time together in God's Word. 00:03:07.199 --> 00:03:09.860 I'm excited for the passage that we're going to be in this morning. 00:03:09.939 --> 00:03:15.659 So we're going to be in the book of Daniel, which isn't one that I think normally we spend a lot of time in. 00:03:15.960 --> 00:03:17.780 And I'm excited for us to be there this morning. 00:03:17.780 --> 00:03:25.699 And I think it's a particularly encouraging passage for us as we stand at the beginning of a new year. 00:03:26.280 --> 00:03:28.539 New years are times of reflection. 00:03:28.939 --> 00:03:31.259 Even thinking we're sitting at the beginning of a new month. 00:03:31.539 --> 00:03:33.640 And we tend to plan things by chunks of time. 00:03:33.740 --> 00:03:36.360 And so we're thinking about this year ahead, 2022. 00:03:36.719 --> 00:03:40.439 And I think this passage helps us as we look forward. 00:03:40.439 --> 00:03:47.960 And I think for all of us as we're looking forward into 2022, we're probably hoping for good news and good things to come. 00:03:48.659 --> 00:03:52.000 As we all know, the past few years have been chaotic. 00:03:52.419 --> 00:03:54.199 There's been a lot of instability. 00:03:54.419 --> 00:03:57.039 A lot of things have just felt very uncertain. 00:03:57.159 --> 00:04:03.539 And it can be easy for us, for Christians and non-Christians alike, to slip into doom and gloom mentalities. 00:04:04.039 --> 00:04:06.759 We look around and we think, we've lost. 00:04:06.759 --> 00:04:13.979 You know, the world is going down the toilet and evil and the enemy has gotten the upper hand. 00:04:14.060 --> 00:04:21.019 Well, that's why passages like ours this morning in the book of Daniel are so important for us to spend time in, 00:04:21.079 --> 00:04:24.740 to help us with those mentalities that we can slip into. 00:04:25.000 --> 00:04:29.800 So turn with me, if you would now, to the book of Daniel, chapter 7. 00:04:30.899 --> 00:04:32.800 And I love so much, I was looking at the table back there. 00:04:32.800 --> 00:04:37.000 I love this little card that you guys have as a resource on Bible study. 00:04:37.240 --> 00:04:38.379 This is fantastic. 00:04:38.680 --> 00:04:43.480 And so we're going to hit right now, you know, some of this understanding of the genre and the background of this book. 00:04:43.560 --> 00:04:48.160 It's just so helpful for us as we dive into God's Word to understand it better, to know what's coming. 00:04:48.240 --> 00:04:48.960 So this is a great resource. 00:04:49.040 --> 00:04:50.819 If you haven't used this, I'm taking one home. 00:04:51.340 --> 00:04:52.560 It's a good reminder. 00:04:52.560 --> 00:05:02.379 So the book of Daniel was written by its namesake, Daniel, during the 7th and 6th centuries BC. 00:05:02.639 --> 00:05:05.259 This was a time of upheaval for the Jewish people. 00:05:06.379 --> 00:05:10.340 Prior to Daniel's time, the kingdom of Israel had split into two. 00:05:11.420 --> 00:05:20.180 And about 100 years before Daniel's time, northern Israel had been taken captive and exiled by the Assyrians because of their sin. 00:05:20.180 --> 00:05:27.939 And now, during Daniel's day, southern Judah is also experiencing the same kind of judgment from God. 00:05:28.319 --> 00:05:35.060 First by the Babylonians, then the Persians, and Daniel is alive for all of this, much of this. 00:05:35.300 --> 00:05:39.079 And he starts early in the exile, and then he sees this all happening. 00:05:39.899 --> 00:05:43.720 And during this time, you know, he's thrown into a lion's den. 00:05:43.860 --> 00:05:45.560 His friends are thrown into a furnace. 00:05:45.759 --> 00:05:48.079 He sees many kings come and go. 00:05:48.079 --> 00:05:50.279 So he witnesses a lot of things. 00:05:51.199 --> 00:05:57.159 But during all of this time, God met Daniel in very profound ways. 00:05:57.279 --> 00:06:03.979 And fortunately for us, God had Daniel write many of these things down for our edification. 00:06:06.379 --> 00:06:10.379 Now, for all of its value, Daniel can be a challenging book to approach. 00:06:10.779 --> 00:06:14.459 And it can be unfamiliar to us in many ways. 00:06:14.459 --> 00:06:16.319 You know, there's a lot of those stories that we do know. 00:06:16.379 --> 00:06:22.719 Like I just said, you've got Daniel in the lion's den, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the furnace, the writing on the wall. 00:06:22.779 --> 00:06:28.339 And a lot of these come from the first six chapters in Daniel, which are a lot more narrative in nature. 00:06:28.819 --> 00:06:34.159 But as you move beyond chapter six and you start into chapter seven, things start to get a little weird. 00:06:34.160 --> 00:06:44.500 You get four-headed beasts and fiery thrones and dueling rams and goats, indecipherable calendars, and a man with flaming torches for eyes. 00:06:45.380 --> 00:06:48.200 And what you've stepped into is apocalyptic literature. 00:06:48.320 --> 00:06:53.160 We heard some of that this morning as we read from the book of Revelation, which is heavy in apocalyptic literature. 00:06:53.360 --> 00:06:55.879 Swords coming from mouths and fiery eyes. 00:06:55.879 --> 00:07:04.100 And actually, the book of Revelation reflects and pulls a lot from the book of Daniel, which is where you hear some of that common terminology. 00:07:04.319 --> 00:07:14.079 And it can be a challenging genre for us, especially if you're not, I don't tend to be someone who thinks flowery poetry doesn't, you know, strike a chord with me generally. 00:07:14.240 --> 00:07:18.300 So this type of language for me is a little more challenging for me to receive. 00:07:18.420 --> 00:07:20.399 And I know it can be for others as well. 00:07:20.519 --> 00:07:23.600 So that's why it's important for us to know what we're walking into. 00:07:23.600 --> 00:07:29.220 So apocalyptic literature, it's characterized by a focus on future events. 00:07:29.939 --> 00:07:33.520 And it's told through imagery and symbols and numbers. 00:07:34.480 --> 00:07:37.920 Now, people tend to go one of two ways with this. 00:07:38.540 --> 00:07:41.879 You either give up reading it because it's too hard to understand. 00:07:42.660 --> 00:07:50.600 Or people can become obsessed with it, trying to unlock and decipher exactly what all of the historical fulfillments 00:07:50.600 --> 00:07:53.840 and the meanings of each of these things are. 00:07:54.560 --> 00:07:58.000 God doesn't want either of those outcomes for us. 00:07:58.120 --> 00:08:04.020 God in his kindness has given us things such as Daniel's vision here to stir up our emotions, 00:08:04.020 --> 00:08:14.680 to give us helpful images that we can take away and to use those images to teach us deep truths about who God is and what he intends for this world. 00:08:14.680 --> 00:08:22.780 So don't be afraid of this type of imagery, but also don't walk away trying to figure out all of the exact fulfillment of all of these things. 00:08:22.819 --> 00:08:23.699 There's some fruit in that. 00:08:23.759 --> 00:08:26.139 It's encouraging to see how prophecy gets fulfilled. 00:08:26.600 --> 00:08:31.180 God wants us to marvel at that, not to be surprised as history unfurls. 00:08:31.340 --> 00:08:35.460 But knowing those exact times and places isn't his primary concern. 00:08:35.460 --> 00:08:44.700 And it won't be ours today either because there's some timeless and universal truths that God wants us to have, 00:08:44.800 --> 00:08:50.060 that he wants to impress upon our hearts through these visions and the events that they represent. 00:08:50.480 --> 00:08:55.139 And there's one truth that's very prominent through the book of Daniel 00:08:55.139 --> 00:09:02.740 and is on full display in our passage that God reigns victorious over all. 00:09:02.740 --> 00:09:06.480 Nothing that happens surprises him. 00:09:06.879 --> 00:09:12.600 He knows and he decrees all that will come to pass and he is greater than any power. 00:09:13.879 --> 00:09:22.480 What a comfort that truth would be to a people who were trampled and conquered under oppression and persecution, 00:09:22.980 --> 00:09:26.019 living in a foreign land with foreign godless rulers, 00:09:26.200 --> 00:09:29.740 a people who lacked stability, were subject to fear and confusion, 00:09:29.740 --> 00:09:35.000 confusion of people who wondered, where is God at in the midst of all of this mess? 00:09:36.539 --> 00:09:41.060 And we can often ask those same kind of questions. 00:09:41.639 --> 00:09:45.019 Where is God at in the midst of this? 00:09:46.820 --> 00:09:50.320 Well, Daniel helps us to answer that question. 00:09:50.879 --> 00:09:52.139 So let's read together. 00:09:52.539 --> 00:09:55.519 This is Daniel's first recorded vision in chapter 7. 00:09:55.519 --> 00:09:58.120 I know it says 1 to 14 up there. 00:09:58.159 --> 00:10:00.860 I'm actually going to go to verse 18 in reading this. 00:10:00.939 --> 00:10:03.460 But let me pray for us as we enter into God's word. 00:10:05.240 --> 00:10:07.399 Father, we just ask that you would meet with us this morning. 00:10:07.519 --> 00:10:16.120 We are just aware of our need for you to help us by the power of your spirit to receive what your word has for us. 00:10:16.799 --> 00:10:18.439 Impress truth upon our hearts. 00:10:18.960 --> 00:10:21.039 Help us to have a bigger vision of who you are, 00:10:21.120 --> 00:10:23.779 to understand your mercy and your grace for us. 00:10:23.779 --> 00:10:29.559 God, we thank you that you are mighty and that you can even help us in our understanding. 00:10:30.100 --> 00:10:31.000 You know our hearts. 00:10:31.120 --> 00:10:31.819 You know our minds. 00:10:32.519 --> 00:10:35.839 Be with me now as I preach your word. 00:10:36.959 --> 00:10:38.319 Father, may it bless us. 00:10:38.759 --> 00:10:41.120 May your word bless us now. 00:10:41.199 --> 00:10:42.360 We pray this in Jesus' name. 00:10:42.860 --> 00:10:43.120 Amen. 00:10:45.720 --> 00:10:46.299 All right. 00:10:46.299 --> 00:10:50.759 And one of the things as you read this, that if you want, you don't have to. 00:10:51.159 --> 00:10:52.159 You know, but try and imagine. 00:10:52.819 --> 00:10:54.500 Because it is very imagery heavy. 00:10:54.819 --> 00:10:56.679 So really try and picture it as you're reading. 00:10:56.799 --> 00:10:59.240 And maybe just listening and closing your eyes, however it helps you. 00:10:59.299 --> 00:11:01.859 But we're supposed to visualize these images. 00:11:02.399 --> 00:11:04.719 They're very vivid. 00:11:04.720 --> 00:11:10.019 So, in the first year of Belshazzar, king of Babylon, 00:11:10.700 --> 00:11:15.340 Daniel saw a dream and visions of his head as he lay in his bed. 00:11:16.340 --> 00:11:19.680 Then he wrote down the dream and he told the sum of the matter. 00:11:19.860 --> 00:11:23.519 Daniel declared, I saw in my vision by night and behold, 00:11:24.399 --> 00:11:27.680 the four winds of heaven were stirring up the great sea 00:11:27.680 --> 00:11:32.460 and four great beasts came up out of the sea, different from one another. 00:11:32.460 --> 00:11:36.259 The first was like a lion and had eagle's wings. 00:11:36.960 --> 00:11:39.080 Then I looked and its wings were plucked off 00:11:39.080 --> 00:11:43.100 and it was lifted up from the ground and made to stand on two feet like a man. 00:11:44.120 --> 00:11:46.440 And the mind of a man was given to it. 00:11:47.320 --> 00:11:50.500 And behold, another beast, a second one like a bear. 00:11:51.180 --> 00:11:52.980 It was raised up on one side. 00:11:53.100 --> 00:11:55.540 It had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth 00:11:55.540 --> 00:11:58.900 and it was told, arise, devour much flesh. 00:11:58.899 --> 00:12:03.500 After this, I looked and behold, another like a leopard 00:12:03.500 --> 00:12:05.620 with four wings of a bird on its back. 00:12:05.720 --> 00:12:08.939 And the beast had four heads and dominion was given to it. 00:12:09.959 --> 00:12:13.639 After this, I saw in the night visions and behold, a fourth beast, 00:12:14.659 --> 00:12:18.259 terrifying and dreadful and exceedingly strong. 00:12:18.360 --> 00:12:20.199 It had great iron teeth. 00:12:20.299 --> 00:12:24.279 It devoured and broke in pieces and stamped what was left with its feet. 00:12:24.279 --> 00:12:27.639 It was different from all the beasts that were before it. 00:12:27.679 --> 00:12:28.799 And it had ten horns. 00:12:29.779 --> 00:12:33.279 I considered the horns and behold, there came up among them another horn, 00:12:33.339 --> 00:12:38.279 a little one, before which the three of the first horns were plucked up by the roots. 00:12:39.199 --> 00:12:42.759 And behold, in this horn were the eyes like the eyes of a man 00:12:42.759 --> 00:12:44.779 and a mouth speaking great things. 00:12:46.019 --> 00:12:49.059 As I looked, thrones were placed. 00:12:49.059 --> 00:12:52.519 And the ancient of days took his seat. 00:12:53.279 --> 00:12:57.819 His clothing was white as snow and the hair of his head like pure wool. 00:12:58.019 --> 00:13:00.339 His throne was fiery flames. 00:13:00.459 --> 00:13:02.259 Its wheels were burning fire. 00:13:02.879 --> 00:13:05.779 A stream of fire issued and came out from before him. 00:13:05.879 --> 00:13:07.739 A thousand thousand served him. 00:13:08.039 --> 00:13:11.619 And ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. 00:13:12.459 --> 00:13:15.659 The court sat in judgment and the books were opened. 00:13:15.659 --> 00:13:20.740 I looked then because of the sound of the great words that the horn was speaking. 00:13:21.620 --> 00:13:24.120 And as I looked, the beast was killed. 00:13:24.899 --> 00:13:28.240 And its body destroyed and given over to be burned with fire. 00:13:28.439 --> 00:13:31.360 As for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was taken away, 00:13:31.480 --> 00:13:34.100 but their lives were prolonged for a season and a time. 00:13:35.399 --> 00:13:36.699 I saw in the night visions. 00:13:36.819 --> 00:13:40.579 And behold, with the clouds of heaven, there came one like a son of man. 00:13:41.139 --> 00:13:44.639 And he came to the ancient of days and was presented before him. 00:13:44.639 --> 00:13:53.500 And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him. 00:13:53.639 --> 00:13:59.120 His dominion is an everlasting dominion which shall not pass away. 00:13:59.819 --> 00:14:04.039 And his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed. 00:14:05.519 --> 00:14:10.179 As for me, Daniel, my spirit within me was anxious and the visions of my head alarmed me. 00:14:10.179 --> 00:14:13.919 I approached one of those who stood there and asked him the truth concerning all this. 00:14:14.620 --> 00:14:18.019 So he told me and made known to me the interpretation of the things. 00:14:18.779 --> 00:14:22.519 These four great beasts are four kings who shall arise out of the earth. 00:14:23.459 --> 00:14:32.899 But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, forever, and ever. 00:14:32.899 --> 00:14:33.899 Amen. 00:14:38.620 --> 00:14:40.399 There's a lot going on there. 00:14:41.220 --> 00:14:45.220 And you might be thinking, what was that all about? 00:14:46.039 --> 00:14:50.519 We're going to walk now together through this vision and we're going to focus on three things. 00:14:51.559 --> 00:14:52.840 Evil will rage. 00:14:53.959 --> 00:14:55.779 God will judge. 00:14:55.779 --> 00:14:59.100 And Christ will reign. 00:14:59.879 --> 00:15:01.980 So first, evil will rage. 00:15:02.039 --> 00:15:03.579 We look at the four beasts. 00:15:04.259 --> 00:15:09.819 The passage begins and it makes known to us that the vision took place in the first year of King Belshazzar. 00:15:10.240 --> 00:15:13.679 Now this was King Nebuchadnezzar's grandson, if you know that name. 00:15:14.319 --> 00:15:16.079 He was not a humble man. 00:15:16.799 --> 00:15:23.620 He, like many before and many after him, elevated himself rather than praising God. 00:15:23.620 --> 00:15:30.120 Daniel at one point calls out Belshazzar for lifting himself up against the Lord of heaven 00:15:30.120 --> 00:15:33.060 and for praising the gods of silver and gold, 00:15:33.279 --> 00:15:38.960 even though Belshazzar had seen the power of God marvelously displayed. 00:15:40.179 --> 00:15:44.080 And it's during this time of proud defiance that God speaks to Daniel 00:15:44.080 --> 00:15:47.379 and he lays out this vision of the future for him. 00:15:47.580 --> 00:15:50.820 Now remember, Daniel saw the fall of Judah. 00:15:50.820 --> 00:15:57.260 God's land, God's people, God's house were destroyed just as God had foretold. 00:15:57.379 --> 00:16:00.740 So as Daniel receives this vision from the Lord about the future, 00:16:01.580 --> 00:16:05.300 I'm certain that if he was hoping for something, 00:16:05.560 --> 00:16:09.540 it would be that it would speak of immediate relief from their enemies, 00:16:10.480 --> 00:16:11.600 immediate restoration. 00:16:11.600 --> 00:16:17.139 But instead, he sees this, a series of four beasts. 00:16:18.139 --> 00:16:22.040 Four beasts that represent rulers and kingdoms, just like Belshazzar, 00:16:22.120 --> 00:16:27.340 proud and arrogant, setting themselves up against God and his people. 00:16:28.700 --> 00:16:32.259 In verse 2, he sees the four winds kicking up the great sea. 00:16:32.360 --> 00:16:35.680 And out of this sea, these four great beasts arise. 00:16:35.679 --> 00:16:42.579 In the ancient Near East, this would have conjured up thoughts of universal and widespread evil, 00:16:42.659 --> 00:16:45.120 the four winds being the four corners of the earth, 00:16:45.239 --> 00:16:47.000 showing that these beasts aren't just local. 00:16:47.179 --> 00:16:48.179 They're not small. 00:16:48.319 --> 00:16:49.059 They're not contained. 00:16:49.199 --> 00:16:51.479 But they're global in their scope. 00:16:52.139 --> 00:16:53.659 And they're coming from the sea. 00:16:53.779 --> 00:16:58.379 The sea and the oceans were associated with chaos that needed to be tamed. 00:16:58.379 --> 00:17:00.360 So this vision is clear. 00:17:00.439 --> 00:17:04.400 What's coming is not good, and it's not of God. 00:17:05.339 --> 00:17:08.539 Not what Daniel was hoping for, I'm sure. 00:17:09.619 --> 00:17:13.240 Well, the first beast to arise is a lion with wings. 00:17:13.460 --> 00:17:16.160 Now this beast gets lifted up, its wings removed, 00:17:16.259 --> 00:17:21.599 it stands like a man on its two feet with a mind of man given to it. 00:17:21.900 --> 00:17:24.039 This likely is representing Nebuchadnezzar, 00:17:24.440 --> 00:17:26.740 but it sets the stage for us. 00:17:26.740 --> 00:17:32.019 Because these kings, these kingdoms which oppose God, 00:17:32.440 --> 00:17:35.599 they lack the humanity that they were created for. 00:17:36.660 --> 00:17:39.059 This is true for all of us. 00:17:40.099 --> 00:17:44.539 Though God made us to rule and to reign on this earth 00:17:44.539 --> 00:17:48.559 in line with his heart and his ways, glorifying his name, 00:17:48.599 --> 00:17:50.000 we've all turned away. 00:17:51.079 --> 00:17:53.720 And in doing so, we follow our own paths. 00:17:53.720 --> 00:17:58.000 We elevate our own names and become fools in the process. 00:17:59.019 --> 00:18:02.100 Fools who tear one another apart like animals. 00:18:02.940 --> 00:18:06.900 Fools who behave no better than the beasts of the field around us. 00:18:08.779 --> 00:18:11.860 Don't have to think very hard to imagine images 00:18:11.860 --> 00:18:14.539 that we've all seen of humans beating one another, 00:18:14.700 --> 00:18:17.140 berating one another, assaulting one another 00:18:17.140 --> 00:18:19.960 with just complete disregard for each other. 00:18:20.060 --> 00:18:21.960 It's beastly behavior. 00:18:22.960 --> 00:18:25.640 And we do it in small ways towards one another as well. 00:18:26.140 --> 00:18:28.040 Like little birds just picking at each other. 00:18:28.120 --> 00:18:28.680 We do that. 00:18:28.880 --> 00:18:30.060 You know, we go at each other. 00:18:31.980 --> 00:18:34.380 Nebuchadnezzar, when he was alive, 00:18:34.759 --> 00:18:36.700 he was vividly reminded of this. 00:18:36.700 --> 00:18:40.140 We see in the book of Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar stands on his rooftop 00:18:40.140 --> 00:18:40.980 and he declares, 00:18:41.200 --> 00:18:45.880 Is not this great Babylon which I have built by my might and power 00:18:45.880 --> 00:18:49.620 as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty? 00:18:51.120 --> 00:18:53.240 Well, God immediately took the kingdom from him, 00:18:54.180 --> 00:18:56.380 gave him a crazed mind like an animal, 00:18:56.500 --> 00:19:00.019 and caused him to wander around out in the fields for seven years. 00:19:00.019 --> 00:19:03.379 Then we're told in chapter four of Daniel 00:19:03.379 --> 00:19:05.599 that when he finally lifts his eyes to heaven 00:19:05.599 --> 00:19:07.579 and humbles himself, 00:19:08.279 --> 00:19:10.420 the mind of a man is restored to him. 00:19:10.460 --> 00:19:11.799 That's what we're seeing in this vision. 00:19:12.920 --> 00:19:17.359 He blessed God and God declared that it's God's, 00:19:17.400 --> 00:19:19.240 and he declared that it's God's kingdom 00:19:19.240 --> 00:19:22.279 that's an everlasting kingdom and not his own. 00:19:22.579 --> 00:19:24.639 Being given the sound mind of a man 00:19:24.639 --> 00:19:27.619 means honoring God for who he is. 00:19:27.619 --> 00:19:32.539 It means acting in line with his good intentions for humanity. 00:19:34.579 --> 00:19:36.659 Unfortunately, this first beast, though, 00:19:36.699 --> 00:19:39.479 is the closest thing that we get to humanity. 00:19:40.419 --> 00:19:43.119 Things begin a steady descent after that. 00:19:43.699 --> 00:19:45.719 We see the second and the third beast, 00:19:45.819 --> 00:19:46.839 a bear and a leopard, 00:19:47.259 --> 00:19:49.539 likely representing Persia and Greece. 00:19:49.859 --> 00:19:51.779 These beasts reflect the brutal nature 00:19:51.779 --> 00:19:53.779 of the kingdoms that they're showing. 00:19:53.899 --> 00:19:55.919 We see three ribs in the bear's mouth. 00:19:55.920 --> 00:19:58.920 It seems to be showing the victim of a previous hunt 00:19:58.920 --> 00:20:00.800 still fresh on the lips 00:20:00.800 --> 00:20:04.000 as it arises to devour more flesh 00:20:04.000 --> 00:20:06.860 and a leopard with four wings and four heads 00:20:06.860 --> 00:20:09.720 which allow it to swoop and dash this way 00:20:09.720 --> 00:20:13.120 and that attacking any and all that it desires. 00:20:14.240 --> 00:20:15.740 These kingdoms are on the hunt. 00:20:16.880 --> 00:20:19.360 They take pleasure in their conquest, 00:20:19.740 --> 00:20:23.920 and their brutality would only increase as time went on. 00:20:23.920 --> 00:20:27.320 Their hands are wet with blood. 00:20:28.779 --> 00:20:33.080 And again, it's not hard for us to imagine forces such as this. 00:20:34.039 --> 00:20:35.700 In the 20th century alone, 00:20:35.800 --> 00:20:40.600 it's estimated that 108 million people were killed by war, 00:20:40.740 --> 00:20:44.740 possibly as many as 11 million Jews were slaughtered in the Holocaust. 00:20:45.000 --> 00:20:46.360 This list could go on. 00:20:46.600 --> 00:20:50.519 It's the kind of things that Daniel's being made aware of here in this passage, 00:20:50.840 --> 00:20:52.140 this kind of brutality. 00:20:52.140 --> 00:20:56.920 Well, Scripture tells us Daniel was disturbed by these visions, 00:20:57.160 --> 00:21:00.440 and we can certainly understand why he was. 00:21:01.720 --> 00:21:03.759 I can't help but picture someone 00:21:03.759 --> 00:21:07.500 in the sea being pummeled by waves. 00:21:07.860 --> 00:21:09.020 You know, wave after wave, 00:21:09.060 --> 00:21:11.180 and you're trying to catch your breath just as you think you do. 00:21:11.220 --> 00:21:12.060 Another wave gets you, 00:21:12.100 --> 00:21:15.100 and you go down over and over again 00:21:15.100 --> 00:21:17.900 until a giant swell comes and just pushes you. 00:21:17.900 --> 00:21:21.920 The future ahead of Daniel and God's people 00:21:21.920 --> 00:21:23.759 seemed to be evil power 00:21:23.759 --> 00:21:25.640 overtaking evil power 00:21:25.640 --> 00:21:27.720 overtaking evil power. 00:21:29.280 --> 00:21:30.500 And the worst 00:21:30.500 --> 00:21:32.420 was yet to come. 00:21:33.320 --> 00:21:34.620 The fourth beast, 00:21:35.120 --> 00:21:37.000 the most fearsome, 00:21:37.280 --> 00:21:39.240 the final swell of this wave, 00:21:39.320 --> 00:21:41.660 not only has this kingdom lost its humanity, 00:21:41.660 --> 00:21:44.960 but this beast no longer even resembles a man. 00:21:45.880 --> 00:21:47.320 It can't even be described, 00:21:47.580 --> 00:21:48.540 Scripture says. 00:21:48.880 --> 00:21:51.500 This beast was terrifying and dreadful 00:21:51.500 --> 00:21:53.000 and exceedingly strong. 00:21:53.259 --> 00:21:56.480 It's got iron teeth that breaks nations into pieces 00:21:56.480 --> 00:21:58.360 and tramples them underfoot. 00:21:58.440 --> 00:21:59.960 It's adorned with ten horns, 00:22:00.400 --> 00:22:01.860 symbols of power. 00:22:02.000 --> 00:22:04.860 And out of the horns comes this little horn. 00:22:04.859 --> 00:22:06.979 It has eyes like a man, 00:22:07.219 --> 00:22:08.619 with a mouth that speaks, 00:22:09.319 --> 00:22:10.659 and it seems to be talking about 00:22:10.659 --> 00:22:12.879 a particularly arrogant ruler 00:22:12.879 --> 00:22:15.819 who would set himself up boastfully 00:22:15.819 --> 00:22:17.819 in opposition against God. 00:22:17.979 --> 00:22:19.719 This fourth beast is dreadful. 00:22:20.959 --> 00:22:23.319 And one of the most dread aspects of this beast 00:22:23.319 --> 00:22:24.899 is easy to miss. 00:22:25.539 --> 00:22:27.299 If you've noticed with the other beasts, 00:22:27.939 --> 00:22:30.079 there's an unnamed player regulating them. 00:22:30.139 --> 00:22:31.939 The first beast is made to stand, 00:22:32.779 --> 00:22:34.199 and the mind of man was given to it. 00:22:34.200 --> 00:22:35.539 The second beast is told, 00:22:35.740 --> 00:22:37.059 arise and devour. 00:22:37.299 --> 00:22:38.539 The third beast, it says, 00:22:38.640 --> 00:22:40.259 dominion was given to it. 00:22:40.660 --> 00:22:42.440 It's clear God's setting limits, 00:22:42.779 --> 00:22:44.740 setting boundaries for these kingdoms, 00:22:45.019 --> 00:22:45.860 for these rulers. 00:22:46.120 --> 00:22:47.279 But of this fourth beast, 00:22:47.340 --> 00:22:49.019 we don't hear the same language of 00:22:49.019 --> 00:22:51.460 it was given or it was told. 00:22:52.519 --> 00:22:54.500 Where was God in this? 00:22:55.720 --> 00:22:57.799 Is all hope lost? 00:22:58.799 --> 00:23:02.140 I believe Scripture wants us to ask this question 00:23:02.140 --> 00:23:02.940 in this moment. 00:23:02.940 --> 00:23:05.740 Was God's divine hand now out of the picture? 00:23:05.860 --> 00:23:07.160 Is it ever out of the picture? 00:23:08.279 --> 00:23:10.620 Where is God when it feels like 00:23:10.620 --> 00:23:12.340 he's nowhere to be found? 00:23:14.360 --> 00:23:16.460 I wonder if some of you here today 00:23:16.460 --> 00:23:19.299 might be asking those same kinds of questions. 00:23:20.759 --> 00:23:23.240 You feel like that person caught 00:23:23.240 --> 00:23:24.779 in the waves of the sea. 00:23:26.220 --> 00:23:28.900 Situation after situation in your life 00:23:28.900 --> 00:23:31.120 just seems to keep pummeling you. 00:23:32.560 --> 00:23:33.920 As you think about it, 00:23:33.920 --> 00:23:35.400 you just can't catch your breath, 00:23:35.480 --> 00:23:36.820 whether it's a health issue 00:23:36.820 --> 00:23:38.019 or financial burdens 00:23:38.019 --> 00:23:39.380 or relational heartbreak 00:23:39.380 --> 00:23:40.460 or other things, 00:23:40.519 --> 00:23:42.360 they just seem to keep coming. 00:23:44.540 --> 00:23:45.840 And for all you can tell, 00:23:45.920 --> 00:23:47.720 there's no change on the horizon. 00:23:47.720 --> 00:23:49.600 You wonder, 00:23:49.740 --> 00:23:50.980 has God lost control? 00:23:51.920 --> 00:23:53.540 Does God not care? 00:23:53.539 --> 00:23:55.899 Is God not good? 00:23:57.639 --> 00:23:59.359 Well, hear God today 00:23:59.359 --> 00:24:01.319 as he speaks through Daniel. 00:24:01.440 --> 00:24:03.599 The answer to all of those questions 00:24:03.599 --> 00:24:04.859 is definitively, 00:24:05.159 --> 00:24:05.399 no, 00:24:05.539 --> 00:24:07.039 he has not lost control. 00:24:07.259 --> 00:24:08.319 He does care 00:24:08.319 --> 00:24:09.980 and he is good. 00:24:10.079 --> 00:24:12.079 And this is where our vision pivots. 00:24:12.740 --> 00:24:13.680 And what proceeds 00:24:13.680 --> 00:24:15.000 would have been a great comfort 00:24:15.000 --> 00:24:15.639 to Daniel 00:24:15.639 --> 00:24:16.759 and to Israel 00:24:16.759 --> 00:24:18.779 and should bring us great hope 00:24:18.779 --> 00:24:19.940 in our own day. 00:24:19.940 --> 00:24:22.000 the future that God offers us 00:24:22.000 --> 00:24:24.519 does not end in despair. 00:24:25.880 --> 00:24:27.340 Nothing is out 00:24:27.340 --> 00:24:29.420 of his sovereign control. 00:24:29.799 --> 00:24:30.539 In contrast 00:24:30.539 --> 00:24:32.180 to the evil kingdoms 00:24:32.180 --> 00:24:33.779 and their limited rule 00:24:33.779 --> 00:24:34.680 on the earth, 00:24:35.019 --> 00:24:37.200 we now see a vision of God. 00:24:38.600 --> 00:24:39.320 Mighty 00:24:39.320 --> 00:24:40.920 and glorious. 00:24:41.700 --> 00:24:42.360 God 00:24:42.360 --> 00:24:43.120 who stands 00:24:43.120 --> 00:24:43.880 as judge 00:24:43.880 --> 00:24:45.700 over these evil powers 00:24:45.700 --> 00:24:46.700 that rage. 00:24:46.799 --> 00:24:48.160 So evil will rage, 00:24:48.160 --> 00:24:49.380 but God 00:24:49.380 --> 00:24:50.120 will 00:24:50.120 --> 00:24:51.240 judge. 00:24:52.400 --> 00:24:53.180 Verse 9, 00:24:53.259 --> 00:24:53.740 As I looked, 00:24:53.820 --> 00:24:54.880 the thrones were placed 00:24:54.880 --> 00:24:56.500 and the ancient of days 00:24:56.500 --> 00:24:57.279 took his seat. 00:24:57.360 --> 00:24:58.640 This description of God 00:24:58.640 --> 00:25:00.140 as the ancient of days 00:25:00.140 --> 00:25:01.480 serves as a contrast. 00:25:01.720 --> 00:25:02.580 All of these rulers 00:25:02.580 --> 00:25:03.680 that have come before, 00:25:03.880 --> 00:25:05.360 they rose up for a time 00:25:05.360 --> 00:25:06.540 and they were replaced. 00:25:06.640 --> 00:25:07.340 But this one, 00:25:07.620 --> 00:25:08.000 God, 00:25:08.140 --> 00:25:09.279 he is of old. 00:25:09.420 --> 00:25:10.240 His days 00:25:10.240 --> 00:25:11.560 are eternal. 00:25:11.900 --> 00:25:12.660 His reign 00:25:12.660 --> 00:25:13.500 extends 00:25:13.500 --> 00:25:14.820 beyond all others 00:25:14.820 --> 00:25:15.560 into eternity 00:25:15.560 --> 00:25:16.160 past, 00:25:16.660 --> 00:25:17.019 present, 00:25:17.019 --> 00:25:18.080 and future. 00:25:18.160 --> 00:25:19.519 This is the God 00:25:19.519 --> 00:25:20.680 who was in the beginning 00:25:20.680 --> 00:25:21.640 and who spoke 00:25:21.640 --> 00:25:22.860 and brought all things 00:25:22.860 --> 00:25:23.320 to being. 00:25:23.600 --> 00:25:24.120 Everything 00:25:24.120 --> 00:25:25.640 stands as fleeting 00:25:25.640 --> 00:25:26.980 in his sight. 00:25:29.700 --> 00:25:31.440 We now see the one 00:25:31.440 --> 00:25:32.660 who's been providentially 00:25:32.660 --> 00:25:33.620 working throughout 00:25:33.620 --> 00:25:34.279 these beasts, 00:25:34.400 --> 00:25:35.100 plucking them up, 00:25:35.200 --> 00:25:36.060 setting their times, 00:25:36.200 --> 00:25:37.640 appointing their seasons. 00:25:38.700 --> 00:25:40.700 We're told that God's clothing 00:25:40.700 --> 00:25:41.940 is white as snow 00:25:41.940 --> 00:25:43.360 and his hair 00:25:43.360 --> 00:25:44.300 like pure wool. 00:25:45.560 --> 00:25:45.840 Now, 00:25:45.839 --> 00:25:47.399 we shouldn't walk away 00:25:47.399 --> 00:25:48.819 thinking of God 00:25:48.819 --> 00:25:50.480 as some gray-headed old man 00:25:50.480 --> 00:25:51.500 sitting up in the clouds. 00:25:51.659 --> 00:25:52.779 That's not what this is 00:25:52.779 --> 00:25:54.039 teaching us here. 00:25:54.220 --> 00:25:54.819 It's, again, 00:25:54.980 --> 00:25:55.919 figurative language. 00:25:56.059 --> 00:25:57.799 We're in apocalyptic literature. 00:25:58.939 --> 00:26:00.359 It's meant to convey 00:26:00.359 --> 00:26:01.539 majesty, 00:26:02.759 --> 00:26:03.220 purity, 00:26:04.359 --> 00:26:04.919 perfection 00:26:04.919 --> 00:26:06.419 of God's character. 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:07.119 His garments 00:26:07.119 --> 00:26:08.259 are white as snow. 00:26:08.359 --> 00:26:09.279 They're unstained. 00:26:09.619 --> 00:26:10.179 Those beasts, 00:26:10.279 --> 00:26:11.419 their hands are wet with blood, 00:26:11.480 --> 00:26:12.619 but this one is pure. 00:26:12.619 --> 00:26:13.739 He's holy. 00:26:13.979 --> 00:26:15.139 He's righteous. 00:26:16.599 --> 00:26:17.959 His woolen hair 00:26:17.959 --> 00:26:18.939 connotes wisdom 00:26:18.939 --> 00:26:20.719 that only age 00:26:20.719 --> 00:26:21.519 can bring. 00:26:23.039 --> 00:26:24.059 His throne 00:26:24.059 --> 00:26:25.319 is fiery flames 00:26:25.319 --> 00:26:26.039 and it appears 00:26:26.039 --> 00:26:26.959 to be set atop 00:26:26.959 --> 00:26:27.679 a chariot 00:26:27.679 --> 00:26:28.899 who has flaming wheels. 00:26:29.119 --> 00:26:30.059 Fire not only evokes 00:26:30.059 --> 00:26:30.579 power, 00:26:30.759 --> 00:26:31.659 but judgment. 00:26:32.419 --> 00:26:33.699 Fire can't be touched 00:26:33.699 --> 00:26:34.819 without destruction. 00:26:35.039 --> 00:26:35.459 The fire 00:26:35.459 --> 00:26:36.939 proceeding from the throne 00:26:36.939 --> 00:26:38.099 and the stream of fire 00:26:38.099 --> 00:26:38.759 that issues out 00:26:38.759 --> 00:26:39.259 before him 00:26:39.259 --> 00:26:40.119 should cause 00:26:40.119 --> 00:26:40.819 his enemies 00:26:40.819 --> 00:26:41.559 to quake? 00:26:41.559 --> 00:26:43.319 and his people 00:26:43.319 --> 00:26:44.119 to rejoice, 00:26:44.960 --> 00:26:46.179 which is why we see 00:26:46.179 --> 00:26:47.279 that before this pure 00:26:47.279 --> 00:26:47.839 and righteous 00:26:47.839 --> 00:26:48.679 fiery throne 00:26:48.679 --> 00:26:50.399 there's 10,000 times 00:26:50.399 --> 00:26:52.240 10,000 of his servants 00:26:52.240 --> 00:26:53.200 and worshipers. 00:26:53.440 --> 00:26:54.619 He's worthy of praise. 00:26:56.299 --> 00:26:57.460 The contrast 00:26:57.460 --> 00:26:58.879 between this one, 00:26:58.980 --> 00:26:59.879 the Ancient of Days, 00:27:00.480 --> 00:27:01.720 and the beasts 00:27:01.720 --> 00:27:03.559 couldn't be more stark. 00:27:05.299 --> 00:27:06.799 The image of God 00:27:06.799 --> 00:27:08.000 is now complete. 00:27:08.139 --> 00:27:08.779 The powerful, 00:27:09.039 --> 00:27:09.440 wise, 00:27:09.579 --> 00:27:10.579 and righteous judge 00:27:10.579 --> 00:27:11.799 who brought the heavenly 00:27:11.799 --> 00:27:12.879 court into session 00:27:12.879 --> 00:27:13.720 takes his seat 00:27:13.720 --> 00:27:15.019 and the books of judgment 00:27:15.019 --> 00:27:15.779 are opened. 00:27:17.019 --> 00:27:17.839 So we ask, 00:27:17.939 --> 00:27:18.639 what will God do 00:27:18.639 --> 00:27:19.439 with these beasts? 00:27:21.079 --> 00:27:21.559 Specifically, 00:27:21.839 --> 00:27:22.679 what will he do 00:27:22.679 --> 00:27:23.639 with this last 00:27:23.639 --> 00:27:25.139 and this greatest beast 00:27:25.139 --> 00:27:26.659 who seems unparalleled 00:27:26.659 --> 00:27:28.119 and utterly opposed 00:27:28.119 --> 00:27:29.299 to all things 00:27:29.299 --> 00:27:30.480 pertaining to God? 00:27:31.359 --> 00:27:32.439 And that's the question 00:27:32.439 --> 00:27:33.559 that Daniel's asking. 00:27:33.740 --> 00:27:34.240 Verse 11, 00:27:34.339 --> 00:27:35.359 he turns to look 00:27:35.359 --> 00:27:36.339 because of 00:27:36.339 --> 00:27:37.599 the great words 00:27:37.599 --> 00:27:38.839 that this little horn 00:27:38.839 --> 00:27:39.399 is speaking. 00:27:40.399 --> 00:27:40.639 Now, 00:27:41.259 --> 00:27:42.379 these aren't great 00:27:42.379 --> 00:27:43.159 as in good. 00:27:43.859 --> 00:27:44.619 Other translations 00:27:44.619 --> 00:27:45.959 actually use boastful. 00:27:46.740 --> 00:27:47.000 You know, 00:27:47.019 --> 00:27:48.399 I read from the ESV here. 00:27:48.819 --> 00:27:49.659 These words 00:27:49.659 --> 00:27:51.000 are boastful words, 00:27:51.279 --> 00:27:52.099 arrogant words, 00:27:52.500 --> 00:27:54.459 big and lofty words. 00:27:55.939 --> 00:27:57.139 So you picture this. 00:27:57.659 --> 00:27:58.719 This eternal, 00:27:59.419 --> 00:28:00.039 righteous, 00:28:00.419 --> 00:28:01.639 flaming being 00:28:01.639 --> 00:28:04.179 has come onto the scene, 00:28:04.180 --> 00:28:05.680 and yet this little horn 00:28:05.680 --> 00:28:08.519 stands arrogantly boasting 00:28:08.519 --> 00:28:09.539 of his strength 00:28:09.539 --> 00:28:10.779 and his power 00:28:10.779 --> 00:28:12.080 and his might. 00:28:12.160 --> 00:28:13.279 That's the absurdity 00:28:13.279 --> 00:28:14.720 of man's rebellion 00:28:14.720 --> 00:28:15.539 against God. 00:28:15.620 --> 00:28:16.519 There's nothing little 00:28:16.519 --> 00:28:17.840 about the Ancient of Days. 00:28:19.220 --> 00:28:20.920 We boast of our strength 00:28:20.920 --> 00:28:22.200 and we don't even take notice 00:28:22.200 --> 00:28:23.220 of God's presence. 00:28:25.320 --> 00:28:26.820 Then we get what I like to call 00:28:26.820 --> 00:28:27.680 the uh-oh moment 00:28:27.680 --> 00:28:29.060 in the story. 00:28:29.880 --> 00:28:30.039 You know, 00:28:30.039 --> 00:28:30.700 you can picture it, 00:28:30.820 --> 00:28:32.279 this beast standing there 00:28:32.279 --> 00:28:33.720 talking all his arrogant things 00:28:33.720 --> 00:28:34.380 and this big, 00:28:34.380 --> 00:28:35.640 towering presence 00:28:35.640 --> 00:28:36.779 comes up behind him, 00:28:36.960 --> 00:28:37.640 seems unaware 00:28:37.640 --> 00:28:38.420 that it's there, 00:28:38.519 --> 00:28:38.660 you know, 00:28:38.700 --> 00:28:39.640 maybe even gives his shoulder 00:28:39.640 --> 00:28:40.200 a little tap. 00:28:40.279 --> 00:28:41.019 He turns around 00:28:41.019 --> 00:28:42.259 and sees him. 00:28:44.019 --> 00:28:45.380 And then it happens. 00:28:45.920 --> 00:28:46.819 Verse 11, 00:28:47.380 --> 00:28:48.059 And I looked, 00:28:48.860 --> 00:28:49.980 the beast was killed 00:28:49.980 --> 00:28:52.160 and its body destroyed 00:28:52.160 --> 00:28:53.299 and given over 00:28:53.299 --> 00:28:54.819 to be burned with fire. 00:28:54.960 --> 00:28:55.299 Poof! 00:28:55.819 --> 00:28:56.500 Like that, 00:28:56.579 --> 00:28:57.380 this little horn, 00:28:57.500 --> 00:28:58.360 this fourth beast 00:28:58.360 --> 00:28:59.039 is destroyed. 00:28:59.900 --> 00:29:01.200 This beast is given 00:29:01.200 --> 00:29:02.980 twelve lines of text 00:29:02.980 --> 00:29:03.980 to describe it, 00:29:04.360 --> 00:29:05.200 to set up 00:29:05.200 --> 00:29:07.200 how terrifying it seemed. 00:29:08.180 --> 00:29:09.259 And then in less than 00:29:09.259 --> 00:29:09.860 two lines, 00:29:09.960 --> 00:29:10.400 it's gone. 00:29:11.279 --> 00:29:12.579 There's no battle here. 00:29:13.200 --> 00:29:14.200 There's no struggle. 00:29:15.319 --> 00:29:16.700 Daniel wanted to convey 00:29:16.700 --> 00:29:19.680 that God was mighty 00:29:19.680 --> 00:29:20.720 over this beast. 00:29:20.819 --> 00:29:21.720 The book was open, 00:29:22.120 --> 00:29:23.120 judgment was decided, 00:29:23.279 --> 00:29:24.200 and the beast was done. 00:29:25.279 --> 00:29:26.460 And the three other beasts, 00:29:26.579 --> 00:29:27.680 they lose their dominion 00:29:27.680 --> 00:29:29.480 and experience God's judgment 00:29:29.480 --> 00:29:30.319 as well. 00:29:30.319 --> 00:29:31.779 What a comfort. 00:29:33.480 --> 00:29:35.379 As followers of Jesus Christ, 00:29:35.519 --> 00:29:36.539 what a comfort. 00:29:36.740 --> 00:29:37.960 This will be the outcome 00:29:37.960 --> 00:29:40.659 for every evil power 00:29:40.659 --> 00:29:42.919 that stands in opposition to God. 00:29:43.339 --> 00:29:44.399 This will be the outcome 00:29:44.399 --> 00:29:45.899 for all of sin. 00:29:46.279 --> 00:29:47.339 This will be the outcome 00:29:47.339 --> 00:29:49.299 for Satan himself 00:29:49.299 --> 00:29:50.379 who will be thrown 00:29:50.379 --> 00:29:51.859 into the lake of fire. 00:29:51.960 --> 00:29:52.939 For all his raging, 00:29:53.399 --> 00:29:54.559 he will meet a quick 00:29:54.559 --> 00:29:56.379 and timely end. 00:29:56.460 --> 00:29:57.019 With a blink, 00:29:57.159 --> 00:29:57.740 with a thought, 00:29:57.740 --> 00:30:00.200 God can defeat any enemy. 00:30:00.819 --> 00:30:01.940 And he will defeat 00:30:01.940 --> 00:30:03.920 all his enemies. 00:30:06.019 --> 00:30:07.960 While God is telling Daniel 00:30:07.960 --> 00:30:09.859 about some specific kingdoms 00:30:09.859 --> 00:30:10.640 to come, 00:30:11.720 --> 00:30:14.059 he's giving him an image 00:30:14.059 --> 00:30:15.140 that can apply 00:30:15.140 --> 00:30:16.220 to all of history. 00:30:17.339 --> 00:30:18.880 When you look around 00:30:18.880 --> 00:30:20.740 and you see evil raging, 00:30:21.700 --> 00:30:24.019 don't be dismayed. 00:30:24.579 --> 00:30:26.259 Don't be surprised. 00:30:26.259 --> 00:30:27.420 Scripture tells us 00:30:27.420 --> 00:30:28.420 not to be surprised 00:30:28.420 --> 00:30:29.579 as the fiery trial 00:30:29.579 --> 00:30:30.460 comes upon us 00:30:30.460 --> 00:30:31.599 as though something strange 00:30:31.599 --> 00:30:32.539 were happening to us. 00:30:32.879 --> 00:30:33.660 In this broken 00:30:33.660 --> 00:30:35.759 and sin-stricken world, 00:30:36.160 --> 00:30:37.279 evil will rage. 00:30:38.539 --> 00:30:39.779 God knows 00:30:39.779 --> 00:30:41.920 and will one day 00:30:41.920 --> 00:30:43.559 bring all things 00:30:43.559 --> 00:30:44.519 to account. 00:30:44.759 --> 00:30:45.779 And if you've trusted 00:30:45.779 --> 00:30:46.799 in Jesus Christ 00:30:46.799 --> 00:30:47.940 as your Lord and Savior, 00:30:48.099 --> 00:30:49.099 you can rejoice 00:30:49.099 --> 00:30:50.079 knowing that even 00:30:50.079 --> 00:30:51.440 your sinful raging 00:30:51.440 --> 00:30:52.220 against God 00:30:52.220 --> 00:30:53.259 has been dealt with 00:30:53.259 --> 00:30:54.819 through the sacrifice 00:30:54.819 --> 00:30:56.039 of our Lord. 00:30:57.980 --> 00:30:59.359 If you're here though 00:30:59.359 --> 00:31:00.139 or you're listening 00:31:00.139 --> 00:31:01.579 and you haven't trusted 00:31:01.579 --> 00:31:03.059 in Christ 00:31:03.059 --> 00:31:03.919 as your Savior, 00:31:04.839 --> 00:31:05.819 this vision 00:31:05.819 --> 00:31:06.559 should cause you 00:31:06.559 --> 00:31:07.079 to quake. 00:31:08.359 --> 00:31:10.019 We will all stand 00:31:10.019 --> 00:31:11.059 before the judgment 00:31:11.059 --> 00:31:12.019 seat of God 00:31:12.019 --> 00:31:14.559 just like these beasts. 00:31:14.980 --> 00:31:16.439 We've all failed 00:31:16.439 --> 00:31:17.519 to live up 00:31:17.519 --> 00:31:18.259 to the humanity 00:31:18.259 --> 00:31:19.579 we were intended to be. 00:31:19.700 --> 00:31:20.279 I appreciate 00:31:20.279 --> 00:31:21.679 just the confession 00:31:21.679 --> 00:31:22.460 of sins 00:31:22.460 --> 00:31:23.339 during the service, 00:31:23.339 --> 00:31:24.119 that reminder 00:31:24.119 --> 00:31:25.279 of we haven't 00:31:25.279 --> 00:31:27.480 honored God 00:31:27.480 --> 00:31:28.199 as we ought. 00:31:29.639 --> 00:31:30.619 And we in many ways 00:31:30.619 --> 00:31:32.099 walk as half-human, 00:31:32.240 --> 00:31:33.439 half-beast hybrids 00:31:33.439 --> 00:31:36.399 raging against God 00:31:36.399 --> 00:31:37.339 and without someone 00:31:37.339 --> 00:31:38.299 to intercede 00:31:38.299 --> 00:31:39.419 on your behalf, 00:31:39.500 --> 00:31:40.339 you will be met 00:31:40.339 --> 00:31:41.599 with the same end 00:31:41.599 --> 00:31:42.599 as these beasts. 00:31:44.319 --> 00:31:45.220 Maybe you're aware 00:31:45.220 --> 00:31:45.500 of this. 00:31:45.599 --> 00:31:46.139 Maybe you feel 00:31:46.139 --> 00:31:47.159 very aware 00:31:47.159 --> 00:31:48.099 of your shortcomings. 00:31:48.259 --> 00:31:49.179 You've done things 00:31:49.179 --> 00:31:50.199 you aren't proud of. 00:31:50.439 --> 00:31:51.399 And if that's the case, 00:31:51.400 --> 00:31:52.380 let's look now 00:31:52.380 --> 00:31:53.019 at the end 00:31:53.019 --> 00:31:54.120 of this passage. 00:31:54.540 --> 00:31:55.040 As you'll see, 00:31:55.160 --> 00:31:56.300 judgment is not 00:31:56.300 --> 00:31:56.920 the end 00:31:56.920 --> 00:31:58.280 of this vision. 00:31:58.540 --> 00:31:59.560 Judgment doesn't 00:31:59.560 --> 00:32:00.519 have to be the end 00:32:00.519 --> 00:32:01.880 of your story either. 00:32:03.300 --> 00:32:04.500 God's got something 00:32:04.500 --> 00:32:05.600 on the other side. 00:32:06.019 --> 00:32:06.940 He's got a plan. 00:32:08.700 --> 00:32:09.800 Daniel would have known 00:32:09.800 --> 00:32:10.840 that despite man's 00:32:10.840 --> 00:32:11.300 sinfulness, 00:32:11.480 --> 00:32:12.400 God still planned 00:32:12.400 --> 00:32:12.960 to bring about 00:32:12.960 --> 00:32:13.600 a good king, 00:32:14.340 --> 00:32:15.480 a ruler who would be 00:32:15.480 --> 00:32:16.860 all that humanity 00:32:16.860 --> 00:32:17.980 was intended to be 00:32:17.980 --> 00:32:18.980 and more. 00:32:18.980 --> 00:32:21.059 So this takes us 00:32:21.059 --> 00:32:21.920 to the final turn 00:32:21.920 --> 00:32:22.360 in the vision, 00:32:22.440 --> 00:32:23.720 the entrance of the one 00:32:23.720 --> 00:32:25.079 like a son of man 00:32:25.079 --> 00:32:27.099 where we see 00:32:27.099 --> 00:32:29.019 that Christ will reign. 00:32:29.519 --> 00:32:30.579 So evil will rage, 00:32:31.019 --> 00:32:31.960 God will judge, 00:32:32.480 --> 00:32:35.259 and Christ will reign. 00:32:35.380 --> 00:32:36.200 Verse 13, 00:32:36.279 --> 00:32:36.839 And behold, 00:32:36.960 --> 00:32:38.120 with the clouds of heaven 00:32:38.120 --> 00:32:38.980 there came one 00:32:38.980 --> 00:32:40.059 like a son of man 00:32:40.059 --> 00:32:40.839 and he came 00:32:40.839 --> 00:32:41.960 to the ancient of days 00:32:41.960 --> 00:32:42.740 and was presented 00:32:42.740 --> 00:32:43.880 before him. 00:32:43.940 --> 00:32:45.099 Whereas the beasts 00:32:45.099 --> 00:32:46.059 were destroyed, 00:32:47.279 --> 00:32:48.559 this one who was to come, 00:32:48.559 --> 00:32:49.639 he's able to approach 00:32:49.639 --> 00:32:50.639 the throne of God 00:32:50.639 --> 00:32:51.700 and with confidence 00:32:51.700 --> 00:32:53.079 he's able to enter in. 00:32:54.519 --> 00:32:55.720 We're told two things 00:32:55.720 --> 00:32:56.440 about this one. 00:32:56.740 --> 00:32:57.859 He comes with the clouds 00:32:57.859 --> 00:32:58.339 of heaven 00:32:58.339 --> 00:33:00.119 and he's like a son of man. 00:33:00.240 --> 00:33:02.179 Whereas the previous images 00:33:02.179 --> 00:33:04.299 emphasize the beastly nature 00:33:04.299 --> 00:33:05.500 of the earthly kingdoms, 00:33:05.980 --> 00:33:06.519 this one, 00:33:06.659 --> 00:33:08.039 he's like a son of man. 00:33:09.279 --> 00:33:10.599 Son of man was a title 00:33:10.599 --> 00:33:11.879 used in the Old Testament 00:33:11.879 --> 00:33:13.379 to highlight humanity. 00:33:14.339 --> 00:33:15.899 This one who was to come 00:33:15.899 --> 00:33:16.839 was in nature 00:33:16.839 --> 00:33:17.639 and appearance 00:33:17.639 --> 00:33:18.779 like a human, 00:33:18.899 --> 00:33:19.980 reflecting the fullness 00:33:19.980 --> 00:33:21.419 of what humanity 00:33:21.419 --> 00:33:22.980 was meant to be. 00:33:23.179 --> 00:33:24.639 No hint of beastliness 00:33:24.639 --> 00:33:25.500 in this one. 00:33:26.939 --> 00:33:27.359 However, 00:33:27.459 --> 00:33:28.439 this ideal human, 00:33:28.579 --> 00:33:29.459 he's more than that. 00:33:30.559 --> 00:33:30.839 Remember, 00:33:30.919 --> 00:33:31.759 he's said to be like 00:33:31.759 --> 00:33:32.779 a son of man. 00:33:33.419 --> 00:33:34.179 Though human 00:33:34.179 --> 00:33:34.859 in appearance 00:33:34.859 --> 00:33:35.339 in nature, 00:33:35.439 --> 00:33:36.299 he's something more. 00:33:36.379 --> 00:33:37.199 This one comes 00:33:37.199 --> 00:33:38.720 with the clouds of heaven. 00:33:38.839 --> 00:33:39.980 The beast arose 00:33:39.980 --> 00:33:41.079 out of the chaos 00:33:41.079 --> 00:33:41.899 of the evil sea. 00:33:41.980 --> 00:33:42.720 This one comes 00:33:42.720 --> 00:33:43.559 out of heaven. 00:33:43.559 --> 00:33:46.039 And it's not just 00:33:46.039 --> 00:33:46.619 that he comes 00:33:46.619 --> 00:33:47.519 from the heaven. 00:33:48.359 --> 00:33:49.799 The clouds tie him 00:33:49.799 --> 00:33:51.220 directly to God himself. 00:33:51.419 --> 00:33:51.740 God, 00:33:51.980 --> 00:33:52.679 throughout scripture, 00:33:52.859 --> 00:33:53.339 is depicted 00:33:53.339 --> 00:33:55.379 as riding on the clouds. 00:33:56.200 --> 00:33:56.859 Isaiah 9, 00:33:56.940 --> 00:33:57.200 1, 00:33:57.279 --> 00:33:58.099 the Lord rides 00:33:58.099 --> 00:33:59.039 on a swift cloud. 00:33:59.440 --> 00:34:00.000 Psalm 18, 00:34:00.099 --> 00:34:00.319 9, 00:34:00.379 --> 00:34:01.240 he parted the heavens 00:34:01.240 --> 00:34:01.980 and came down. 00:34:02.079 --> 00:34:02.700 Dark clouds 00:34:02.700 --> 00:34:03.679 were under his feet. 00:34:04.039 --> 00:34:04.859 This son of man 00:34:04.859 --> 00:34:05.399 would come 00:34:05.399 --> 00:34:06.200 and would not only 00:34:06.200 --> 00:34:06.919 be allowed 00:34:06.919 --> 00:34:08.579 into the presence of God, 00:34:08.799 --> 00:34:10.219 into his very throne room, 00:34:10.400 --> 00:34:11.639 but he would be akin 00:34:11.639 --> 00:34:13.179 to God himself. 00:34:15.259 --> 00:34:16.440 And he would be given 00:34:16.440 --> 00:34:18.779 glory and dominion 00:34:18.779 --> 00:34:20.059 and a kingdom. 00:34:21.299 --> 00:34:22.339 And scripture makes 00:34:22.339 --> 00:34:23.799 abundantly clear to us 00:34:23.799 --> 00:34:24.559 that that kingdom 00:34:24.559 --> 00:34:25.859 is one of light 00:34:25.859 --> 00:34:27.460 and one of peace 00:34:27.460 --> 00:34:28.799 and joy 00:34:28.799 --> 00:34:30.019 and hope 00:34:30.019 --> 00:34:30.960 and love. 00:34:32.239 --> 00:34:33.099 In this kingdom, 00:34:33.259 --> 00:34:34.000 there's no place 00:34:34.000 --> 00:34:34.559 for beasts. 00:34:35.779 --> 00:34:37.279 And unlike the failing nature 00:34:37.279 --> 00:34:38.500 of the beastly kingdoms, 00:34:38.819 --> 00:34:40.059 the king and this kingdom 00:34:40.059 --> 00:34:41.159 would never pass away. 00:34:41.639 --> 00:34:42.839 It would never 00:34:42.839 --> 00:34:44.400 be destroyed. 00:34:44.579 --> 00:34:45.940 Verse 14 00:34:45.940 --> 00:34:47.400 reiterates that for us. 00:34:47.719 --> 00:34:48.819 God's good intentions 00:34:48.819 --> 00:34:49.719 for humanity 00:34:49.719 --> 00:34:50.679 would be completed 00:34:50.679 --> 00:34:52.259 in this son of man 00:34:52.259 --> 00:34:53.400 and he freely shares 00:34:53.400 --> 00:34:54.379 this kingdom 00:34:54.379 --> 00:34:55.279 with those 00:34:55.279 --> 00:34:56.440 that are his. 00:34:58.000 --> 00:34:59.379 When Daniel asks 00:34:59.379 --> 00:35:00.259 for the interpretation 00:35:00.259 --> 00:35:01.420 of this dream, 00:35:01.699 --> 00:35:02.319 he's told 00:35:02.319 --> 00:35:03.460 that the coming kingdom 00:35:03.460 --> 00:35:05.179 would belong 00:35:05.179 --> 00:35:06.839 to God's saints. 00:35:07.980 --> 00:35:08.839 In the vision, 00:35:08.980 --> 00:35:09.699 the kingdom's given 00:35:09.699 --> 00:35:10.699 to the son of man 00:35:10.699 --> 00:35:12.099 and in its interpretation, 00:35:12.259 --> 00:35:12.779 it's being given 00:35:12.779 --> 00:35:13.419 to the saints 00:35:13.419 --> 00:35:14.199 of the most high. 00:35:14.500 --> 00:35:15.939 The saints are so united 00:35:15.939 --> 00:35:17.239 with the coming king 00:35:17.239 --> 00:35:18.259 who is to come 00:35:18.259 --> 00:35:19.359 that what's been given 00:35:19.359 --> 00:35:20.339 to him belongs 00:35:20.339 --> 00:35:21.519 to them also. 00:35:21.879 --> 00:35:22.799 It's astonishing. 00:35:23.319 --> 00:35:23.879 And as people 00:35:23.879 --> 00:35:24.980 who live on this side 00:35:24.980 --> 00:35:25.559 of the cross, 00:35:25.639 --> 00:35:26.759 we get to experience 00:35:26.759 --> 00:35:28.039 this kingdom, 00:35:28.579 --> 00:35:29.480 this reality. 00:35:30.619 --> 00:35:31.839 We've come to know 00:35:31.839 --> 00:35:32.500 that the one 00:35:32.500 --> 00:35:33.500 like the son of man 00:35:33.500 --> 00:35:34.159 is none other 00:35:34.159 --> 00:35:36.259 than Jesus Christ himself. 00:35:37.199 --> 00:35:38.359 Son of man was in fact 00:35:38.360 --> 00:35:39.840 Jesus' preferred term 00:35:39.840 --> 00:35:41.380 in describing himself 00:35:41.380 --> 00:35:43.240 when he came. 00:35:45.240 --> 00:35:46.500 This would have brought 00:35:46.500 --> 00:35:47.680 great excitement 00:35:47.680 --> 00:35:48.980 in Jesus' day. 00:35:49.720 --> 00:35:50.559 As he proclaimed 00:35:50.559 --> 00:35:51.760 that the son of man 00:35:51.760 --> 00:35:52.539 had come 00:35:52.539 --> 00:35:53.840 by linking himself 00:35:53.840 --> 00:35:55.079 to the son of man 00:35:55.079 --> 00:35:56.340 from Daniel's vision, 00:35:56.760 --> 00:35:58.099 Jesus was also declaring 00:35:58.099 --> 00:35:59.539 that the kingdom of God 00:35:59.539 --> 00:36:00.960 promised in Daniel 00:36:00.960 --> 00:36:01.720 had come. 00:36:03.099 --> 00:36:04.680 That's why when Jesus came, 00:36:04.760 --> 00:36:05.579 the blind could see, 00:36:05.680 --> 00:36:06.440 the lame could walk, 00:36:06.440 --> 00:36:07.920 the dead rose from the grave 00:36:07.920 --> 00:36:09.519 because this glorious kingdom 00:36:09.519 --> 00:36:10.700 was bursting forth 00:36:10.700 --> 00:36:11.559 upon the earth. 00:36:11.820 --> 00:36:12.800 The gospel of Mark 00:36:12.800 --> 00:36:14.619 begins with Jesus saying, 00:36:14.720 --> 00:36:15.700 the time is fulfilled 00:36:15.700 --> 00:36:16.960 and the kingdom of God 00:36:16.960 --> 00:36:17.760 is at hand. 00:36:18.340 --> 00:36:19.940 Repent and believe 00:36:19.940 --> 00:36:20.880 in the gospel. 00:36:22.179 --> 00:36:23.159 This vision, 00:36:23.320 --> 00:36:24.639 which was only the future 00:36:24.639 --> 00:36:25.340 for Daniel, 00:36:25.460 --> 00:36:27.019 is present for us. 00:36:28.760 --> 00:36:29.280 But, 00:36:29.720 --> 00:36:31.380 we can look at Christ's 00:36:31.380 --> 00:36:32.059 first coming, 00:36:33.039 --> 00:36:34.579 and I'm sure many did, 00:36:34.579 --> 00:36:35.079 and say, 00:36:35.199 --> 00:36:35.319 well, 00:36:35.380 --> 00:36:36.179 this doesn't seem 00:36:36.179 --> 00:36:37.000 to be everything 00:36:37.000 --> 00:36:37.819 that Daniel 00:36:37.819 --> 00:36:39.039 and others spoke of. 00:36:39.500 --> 00:36:40.179 As we've said, 00:36:40.299 --> 00:36:42.039 evil is still raging. 00:36:42.219 --> 00:36:43.940 The time of final judgment 00:36:43.940 --> 00:36:44.880 hasn't come, 00:36:44.900 --> 00:36:45.440 and that's true, 00:36:45.539 --> 00:36:46.519 which is why we cling 00:36:46.519 --> 00:36:47.880 so tightly 00:36:47.880 --> 00:36:49.199 to this vision in Daniel. 00:36:49.679 --> 00:36:51.199 Because we need to hear it 00:36:51.199 --> 00:36:53.299 in our day as well. 00:36:54.219 --> 00:36:55.519 The kingdom has come, 00:36:56.099 --> 00:36:57.319 but the fullness 00:36:57.319 --> 00:36:57.960 of the kingdom 00:36:57.960 --> 00:36:58.799 has yet to be. 00:36:59.779 --> 00:37:00.900 Christ came first 00:37:00.900 --> 00:37:02.360 to die for our sins 00:37:02.360 --> 00:37:03.420 and open the way 00:37:03.420 --> 00:37:04.120 of salvation 00:37:04.120 --> 00:37:05.440 to the whole earth 00:37:05.440 --> 00:37:06.200 so that judgment 00:37:06.200 --> 00:37:07.440 does not have to be 00:37:07.440 --> 00:37:08.880 the end of our story 00:37:08.880 --> 00:37:10.300 if we trust in him. 00:37:10.559 --> 00:37:11.519 And through the gospel, 00:37:11.640 --> 00:37:12.579 the kingdom advances 00:37:12.579 --> 00:37:13.480 on this earth. 00:37:13.559 --> 00:37:14.099 You guys have been 00:37:14.099 --> 00:37:15.240 in the book of Acts. 00:37:15.860 --> 00:37:17.039 It's watching this, 00:37:17.360 --> 00:37:18.780 the gospel go forth, 00:37:19.059 --> 00:37:19.700 and the fruits 00:37:19.700 --> 00:37:20.440 of the kingdom 00:37:20.440 --> 00:37:22.420 bearing upon all peoples 00:37:22.420 --> 00:37:23.920 and all nations. 00:37:25.700 --> 00:37:26.740 But Daniel's vision 00:37:26.740 --> 00:37:27.840 also forecasts 00:37:27.840 --> 00:37:29.579 not just that first coming, 00:37:29.900 --> 00:37:31.280 but his ultimate return. 00:37:32.360 --> 00:37:33.640 As Hebrews says, 00:37:34.120 --> 00:37:34.840 at present, 00:37:35.160 --> 00:37:37.180 we do not yet see everything 00:37:37.180 --> 00:37:39.000 in subjection to him. 00:37:40.059 --> 00:37:41.760 As Daniel's vision shows, 00:37:41.880 --> 00:37:42.860 the beasts are allowed 00:37:42.860 --> 00:37:44.539 to remain for some time. 00:37:45.740 --> 00:37:46.120 In fact, 00:37:46.240 --> 00:37:47.880 revelation seems to indicate 00:37:47.880 --> 00:37:48.960 that there's still 00:37:48.960 --> 00:37:51.019 a great beast yet to come. 00:37:51.960 --> 00:37:53.099 And there will indeed 00:37:53.099 --> 00:37:53.960 be many beasts 00:37:53.960 --> 00:37:55.700 that face the people of God 00:37:55.700 --> 00:37:57.180 as they continue to live 00:37:57.180 --> 00:37:59.019 on this side of eternity. 00:37:59.019 --> 00:38:01.719 As the light of Christ 00:38:01.719 --> 00:38:03.539 shines brighter in the world, 00:38:03.639 --> 00:38:04.920 the darkness that remains 00:38:04.920 --> 00:38:06.659 will rage all the harder. 00:38:07.960 --> 00:38:09.039 Jesus made clear 00:38:09.039 --> 00:38:10.579 that in the times of the end, 00:38:10.940 --> 00:38:11.659 which encompasses 00:38:11.659 --> 00:38:12.659 all of history 00:38:12.659 --> 00:38:13.780 from his resurrection 00:38:13.780 --> 00:38:15.119 to his final return, 00:38:15.440 --> 00:38:16.860 that there would increase wars 00:38:16.860 --> 00:38:18.259 and rumors of wars. 00:38:18.639 --> 00:38:19.840 Antichrist would come. 00:38:20.280 --> 00:38:21.699 Famine and natural disasters 00:38:21.699 --> 00:38:23.980 would increase and persist. 00:38:23.980 --> 00:38:24.119 Christ, 00:38:24.480 --> 00:38:27.219 we experience the kingdom 00:38:27.219 --> 00:38:28.240 in part now, 00:38:29.019 --> 00:38:30.860 amidst a dying world. 00:38:32.119 --> 00:38:32.740 That's what makes 00:38:32.740 --> 00:38:33.679 the church of God 00:38:33.679 --> 00:38:34.300 so precious. 00:38:34.960 --> 00:38:36.280 When we meet together, 00:38:36.619 --> 00:38:37.659 we get to experience 00:38:37.659 --> 00:38:38.880 the fruits of that kingdom. 00:38:38.880 --> 00:38:45.119 And we await Christ's return together. 00:38:45.940 --> 00:38:47.820 And he will return. 00:38:48.820 --> 00:38:50.400 Just as Jesus said 00:38:50.400 --> 00:38:51.940 the Son of Man had come, 00:38:52.140 --> 00:38:53.019 he also said 00:38:53.019 --> 00:38:53.980 that the Son of Man 00:38:53.980 --> 00:38:55.059 was yet to come. 00:38:55.160 --> 00:38:55.740 Jesus said, 00:38:56.019 --> 00:38:57.300 then will appear in heaven 00:38:57.300 --> 00:38:58.880 the sign of the Son of Man 00:38:58.880 --> 00:39:00.340 and then all the tribes 00:39:00.340 --> 00:39:01.599 of the earth will mourn 00:39:01.599 --> 00:39:02.220 and they will see 00:39:02.220 --> 00:39:03.079 the Son of Man 00:39:03.079 --> 00:39:05.200 coming on the clouds of heaven 00:39:05.200 --> 00:39:07.280 with great power and glory. 00:39:07.280 --> 00:39:09.220 This is pulled right from Daniel. 00:39:09.320 --> 00:39:11.180 The conquering Christ will return. 00:39:11.840 --> 00:39:13.140 And he will put an end 00:39:13.140 --> 00:39:14.180 to all sin. 00:39:14.280 --> 00:39:15.700 This will happen. 00:39:16.540 --> 00:39:17.800 This isn't a story. 00:39:17.960 --> 00:39:19.120 This isn't just a vision. 00:39:19.260 --> 00:39:20.140 This is truth. 00:39:21.000 --> 00:39:22.019 And just as surely 00:39:22.019 --> 00:39:23.620 as Christ came the first time, 00:39:23.700 --> 00:39:25.340 Christ is coming again. 00:39:26.960 --> 00:39:29.200 And all evil earthly powers 00:39:29.200 --> 00:39:30.300 on that day, 00:39:30.460 --> 00:39:31.440 all the beasts, 00:39:31.620 --> 00:39:32.860 all those who align 00:39:32.860 --> 00:39:33.880 against God 00:39:33.880 --> 00:39:35.280 seeking to destroy him 00:39:35.280 --> 00:39:36.220 and his work, 00:39:36.219 --> 00:39:37.500 death itself 00:39:37.500 --> 00:39:39.299 will be destroyed. 00:39:42.099 --> 00:39:44.099 Hear this familiar passage 00:39:44.099 --> 00:39:46.659 that the Apostle John writes 00:39:46.659 --> 00:39:47.539 in his vision 00:39:47.539 --> 00:39:48.579 of this coming kingdom. 00:39:49.859 --> 00:39:51.699 And I saw the holy city, 00:39:52.319 --> 00:39:53.119 New Jerusalem, 00:39:53.339 --> 00:39:54.039 coming down 00:39:54.039 --> 00:39:55.359 out of heaven from God, 00:39:55.480 --> 00:39:56.799 prepared as a bride 00:39:56.799 --> 00:39:58.179 adorned for her husband. 00:39:59.319 --> 00:40:00.819 And I heard a loud voice 00:40:00.819 --> 00:40:01.879 from the throne saying, 00:40:01.980 --> 00:40:02.439 Behold, 00:40:02.539 --> 00:40:04.000 the dwelling place of God 00:40:04.000 --> 00:40:05.059 is with man. 00:40:05.059 --> 00:40:07.739 He will dwell with them 00:40:07.739 --> 00:40:09.480 and they will be his people. 00:40:10.619 --> 00:40:11.619 And God himself 00:40:11.619 --> 00:40:12.639 will be with them 00:40:12.639 --> 00:40:13.619 as their God. 00:40:13.799 --> 00:40:14.739 He will wipe away 00:40:14.739 --> 00:40:16.279 every tear from their eyes 00:40:16.279 --> 00:40:17.900 and death shall be no more. 00:40:19.079 --> 00:40:20.559 Neither shall there be mourning 00:40:20.559 --> 00:40:21.739 nor crying 00:40:21.739 --> 00:40:23.219 nor pain anymore 00:40:23.219 --> 00:40:24.579 for the former things 00:40:24.579 --> 00:40:26.079 have passed away. 00:40:26.320 --> 00:40:28.139 This is the kingdom of God. 00:40:28.340 --> 00:40:29.440 This is the kingdom 00:40:29.440 --> 00:40:30.360 that Christ Jesus 00:40:30.360 --> 00:40:31.000 is bringing 00:40:31.000 --> 00:40:32.199 and this is our future. 00:40:33.019 --> 00:40:34.500 This is the future 00:40:34.500 --> 00:40:36.760 that's promised in Daniel. 00:40:37.559 --> 00:40:39.119 So when we look ahead 00:40:39.119 --> 00:40:41.420 to 2022, 00:40:42.840 --> 00:40:44.440 to the rest of our week, 00:40:45.000 --> 00:40:45.940 whatever it is 00:40:45.940 --> 00:40:46.579 that we're counting 00:40:46.579 --> 00:40:47.219 and we fret 00:40:47.219 --> 00:40:48.199 and we fear 00:40:48.199 --> 00:40:49.079 or we wonder, 00:40:49.599 --> 00:40:51.159 is it going to be good? 00:40:51.559 --> 00:40:52.420 We can say, 00:40:52.480 --> 00:40:53.860 come what may, 00:40:54.340 --> 00:40:55.360 because we know 00:40:55.360 --> 00:40:56.780 the ultimate future 00:40:56.780 --> 00:40:58.000 that awaits us. 00:40:58.000 --> 00:41:00.860 The book of Daniel, 00:41:01.059 --> 00:41:02.960 for all of its puzzling aspects, 00:41:03.320 --> 00:41:05.000 is abundantly clear 00:41:05.000 --> 00:41:06.079 in its message 00:41:06.079 --> 00:41:08.059 that the God, 00:41:08.500 --> 00:41:09.559 the Lord of heaven, 00:41:09.679 --> 00:41:10.760 the ancient of days, 00:41:10.880 --> 00:41:11.619 the son of man, 00:41:11.739 --> 00:41:13.000 rules and reigns 00:41:13.000 --> 00:41:14.679 over all of the affairs 00:41:14.679 --> 00:41:15.420 of mankind 00:41:15.420 --> 00:41:17.559 and cannot be stopped 00:41:17.559 --> 00:41:18.559 in his purposes 00:41:18.559 --> 00:41:20.099 and his purposes are good. 00:41:20.099 --> 00:41:24.179 The events of our times 00:41:24.179 --> 00:41:25.500 leave us unsettled 00:41:25.500 --> 00:41:27.900 and we can hope for things. 00:41:28.000 --> 00:41:29.519 We can hope for politicians 00:41:29.519 --> 00:41:30.420 or policies 00:41:30.420 --> 00:41:31.839 or cultural changes 00:41:31.839 --> 00:41:33.920 to finally bring about peace, 00:41:34.039 --> 00:41:35.619 but the peace that we seek 00:41:35.619 --> 00:41:36.400 can only come 00:41:36.400 --> 00:41:37.420 from Jesus Christ 00:41:37.420 --> 00:41:38.759 and from the kingdom 00:41:38.759 --> 00:41:39.880 that he's ushering in. 00:41:40.699 --> 00:41:42.519 If we're not with Christ, 00:41:43.360 --> 00:41:44.319 then we're serving 00:41:44.319 --> 00:41:44.940 and aligning 00:41:44.940 --> 00:41:46.400 with the earthly kingdoms, 00:41:47.199 --> 00:41:48.179 doomed and destined 00:41:48.179 --> 00:41:49.360 for a destruction 00:41:49.360 --> 00:41:50.460 that they will face. 00:41:52.300 --> 00:41:52.740 And again, 00:41:52.800 --> 00:41:53.340 if that's you, 00:41:53.440 --> 00:41:54.640 Jesus stands eager 00:41:54.640 --> 00:41:55.760 and willing to welcome you 00:41:55.760 --> 00:41:56.539 into this kingdom, 00:41:57.140 --> 00:41:57.960 into this life, 00:41:58.059 --> 00:41:58.780 into this peace 00:41:58.780 --> 00:41:59.519 that he offers. 00:42:00.660 --> 00:42:01.480 For those of us 00:42:01.480 --> 00:42:02.740 who have trusted Christ, 00:42:02.800 --> 00:42:03.820 as we go this week, 00:42:04.180 --> 00:42:05.400 when you see evil 00:42:05.400 --> 00:42:07.420 showing its head, 00:42:08.099 --> 00:42:09.420 when you experience 00:42:09.420 --> 00:42:10.019 the pain 00:42:10.019 --> 00:42:10.720 and the evils 00:42:10.720 --> 00:42:11.340 of sin 00:42:11.340 --> 00:42:12.599 and the fall, 00:42:13.120 --> 00:42:14.059 look with eyes 00:42:14.059 --> 00:42:14.739 to see. 00:42:16.000 --> 00:42:17.159 Know that there is 00:42:17.159 --> 00:42:18.699 a sovereign hand 00:42:18.699 --> 00:42:20.039 who's Lord 00:42:20.039 --> 00:42:21.559 over all of these things. 00:42:22.960 --> 00:42:23.840 And let the predictions 00:42:23.840 --> 00:42:24.619 that have already 00:42:24.619 --> 00:42:25.440 been fulfilled 00:42:25.440 --> 00:42:26.199 and the promises 00:42:26.199 --> 00:42:27.000 kept serve 00:42:27.000 --> 00:42:28.320 to strengthen your faith 00:42:28.320 --> 00:42:29.579 as you await 00:42:29.579 --> 00:42:30.579 the final return 00:42:30.579 --> 00:42:31.639 of the Son of Man 00:42:31.639 --> 00:42:32.699 who says in Revelation, 00:42:32.940 --> 00:42:34.239 surely I'm coming soon. 00:42:34.480 --> 00:42:35.360 He's coming soon. 00:42:35.460 --> 00:42:36.279 He does not tarry. 00:42:36.500 --> 00:42:37.320 He does not delay. 00:42:37.460 --> 00:42:38.659 He will not let you down. 00:42:39.619 --> 00:42:40.519 Read the book of Daniel. 00:42:40.679 --> 00:42:41.480 See how Daniel 00:42:41.480 --> 00:42:42.480 trusts in God 00:42:42.480 --> 00:42:43.740 rather than man 00:42:43.740 --> 00:42:44.559 and that trust 00:42:44.559 --> 00:42:45.579 is not misplaced. 00:42:46.900 --> 00:42:48.000 God is trustworthy 00:42:48.000 --> 00:42:48.880 and true 00:42:48.880 --> 00:42:50.559 and his glorious kingdom 00:42:50.559 --> 00:42:51.260 awaits us. 00:42:51.579 --> 00:42:52.440 Let's pray together. 00:42:53.659 --> 00:42:54.960 Father, we thank you 00:42:54.960 --> 00:42:58.559 that these things are true, 00:42:58.659 --> 00:43:00.000 that your word is true, 00:43:00.440 --> 00:43:02.559 that evil will not triumph. 00:43:04.219 --> 00:43:05.480 Evil will not have 00:43:05.480 --> 00:43:06.760 the final say, God, 00:43:06.820 --> 00:43:08.219 but you will reign 00:43:08.219 --> 00:43:09.880 and you do reign 00:43:09.880 --> 00:43:11.380 and you will one day 00:43:11.380 --> 00:43:13.099 bring all things to account. 00:43:13.420 --> 00:43:14.900 Help us to entrust ourselves 00:43:14.900 --> 00:43:15.680 to that truth. 00:43:16.320 --> 00:43:17.780 Help us to entrust ourselves 00:43:17.780 --> 00:43:18.360 to you, 00:43:19.180 --> 00:43:20.140 to look to you 00:43:20.140 --> 00:43:21.180 as our source of hope 00:43:21.180 --> 00:43:22.280 and strength. 00:43:23.079 --> 00:43:24.180 Help us in our times 00:43:24.180 --> 00:43:25.599 of difficulty and trial 00:43:25.599 --> 00:43:26.220 to remember 00:43:26.220 --> 00:43:27.480 that you are coming again, 00:43:28.400 --> 00:43:30.079 that you appoint times 00:43:30.079 --> 00:43:31.420 and seasons and purposes 00:43:31.420 --> 00:43:32.599 that we might endure 00:43:32.599 --> 00:43:33.680 and have hope. 00:43:34.340 --> 00:43:35.140 And we thank you 00:43:35.140 --> 00:43:36.480 for your Son, Jesus Christ, 00:43:37.000 --> 00:43:38.900 that he died in our place, 00:43:39.180 --> 00:43:40.460 that we can have this hope. 00:43:40.460 --> 00:43:43.340 Let us go with that today. 00:43:43.420 --> 00:43:44.880 We pray this in Jesus' name. 00:43:45.460 --> 00:43:45.720 Amen.