WEBVTT 00:00:00.440 --> 00:00:05.060 Now again, if you have a Bible, it would be helpful for you to have it open, Daniel 7, 00:00:05.219 --> 00:00:07.620 page 893, if you're using a church Bible. 00:00:08.199 --> 00:00:13.800 As we think together about the victory of the Son of Man, I want to suggest that we 00:00:13.800 --> 00:00:19.980 have in our hands this morning in Daniel 7 the key to history. 00:00:20.660 --> 00:00:21.660 That's a big claim, isn't it? 00:00:21.660 --> 00:00:30.740 For many people today, it's a great reality that we live and experience the age of anxiety. 00:00:31.960 --> 00:00:33.359 Here's a very typical example. 00:00:33.500 --> 00:00:39.500 At Schoolgate this week, the chat moved very quickly from, well, it's unseasonably warm 00:00:39.500 --> 00:00:47.340 weather this week to talking about climate change to the reflection, well, our generation 00:00:47.340 --> 00:00:50.460 will be okay, but I don't know about our children. 00:00:50.460 --> 00:00:54.320 That's the kind of the mindset for many people. 00:00:55.280 --> 00:01:04.400 I was reminded this week, in 1938, I wasn't around, but Orson Welles had this radio broadcast 00:01:04.400 --> 00:01:06.359 of H.G. 00:01:06.540 --> 00:01:15.719 Welles' War of the Worlds, and he designed it to sound exactly as you would expect a radio 00:01:15.719 --> 00:01:16.960 broadcast to sound. 00:01:16.959 --> 00:01:21.079 So the story began, and then there was this interruption. 00:01:21.639 --> 00:01:26.759 We interrupt this broadcast to let you know that Jersey City has fallen and the Martians 00:01:26.759 --> 00:01:27.359 have come. 00:01:28.179 --> 00:01:29.459 It was fiction. 00:01:30.459 --> 00:01:33.639 But Orson Welles, in 1955, was giving an interview. 00:01:33.739 --> 00:01:37.259 He didn't realize the extent of the panic that he caused. 00:01:37.260 --> 00:01:46.020 Five, six weeks after this fictional broadcast, there were still people living in the hills, 00:01:46.120 --> 00:01:51.260 the black hills of America, so frightened were they about the alien invasion. 00:01:52.160 --> 00:02:02.100 I introduced that because now we will know this, the end of the world panic is in our real 00:02:02.099 --> 00:02:03.099 news cycle. 00:02:03.099 --> 00:02:06.979 Will it be climate change? 00:02:07.519 --> 00:02:10.439 Will it be some catastrophic virus? 00:02:10.639 --> 00:02:14.379 Will it be global war that will wipe us out? 00:02:14.500 --> 00:02:20.060 There is panic and a real sense of urgency because there is no planet B. 00:02:20.060 --> 00:02:26.759 And I want to suggest that as Christians, this time that we live in gives us a great opportunity 00:02:26.759 --> 00:02:33.960 to speak hope into fear, to present the truth that there is the promise of ultimate peace. 00:02:34.719 --> 00:02:39.120 There is the reality of a coming kingdom unlike this one. 00:02:39.120 --> 00:02:48.520 Our topic today in Daniel 7 reminds us that when the world seems full of chaos and suffering, 00:02:49.280 --> 00:02:55.860 and it often does, we can trust God who is on His throne. 00:02:56.879 --> 00:03:05.040 We can look to and trust in the Lord Jesus who is building an everlasting kingdom of peace 00:03:05.039 --> 00:03:09.000 and love, and we are invited to come to Him and to be part of that. 00:03:11.099 --> 00:03:17.659 It's also important at the outset to say that what we have in our hands is a particular type 00:03:17.659 --> 00:03:18.239 of writing. 00:03:19.259 --> 00:03:22.500 It's such a hard word to say, apocalyptic writing. 00:03:23.019 --> 00:03:26.199 This is really setting us up for this Revelation series. 00:03:27.199 --> 00:03:31.620 Apocalyptic writing is an unveiling. 00:03:31.620 --> 00:03:38.099 It's like the curtains are pulled back so that we are able to see beyond the here and now, 00:03:38.200 --> 00:03:40.300 to see future reality. 00:03:41.599 --> 00:03:49.520 We can see beyond the end of the present age when all conflict will give way to eternal peace 00:03:49.520 --> 00:03:50.520 for the people of God. 00:03:51.560 --> 00:03:58.700 We are invited to see beyond the end of present kingdoms and rulers, some good, many evil, 00:03:58.699 --> 00:04:04.979 to be replaced by the perfect kingdom of God and of Christ. 00:04:05.879 --> 00:04:13.319 And we're given this really vivid imagery that helps us to paint the story of spiritual battle 00:04:13.319 --> 00:04:17.719 and of the certain victory of Christ Jesus. 00:04:17.720 --> 00:04:26.340 So apocalyptic writing is designed to encourage and comfort. 00:04:27.020 --> 00:04:28.960 Sometimes we have to work hard to find that. 00:04:30.000 --> 00:04:34.420 But let me just say before we get into the text, because many people are anxious and because 00:04:34.420 --> 00:04:39.440 we're about to think about the book of Revelation, this is actually a great time to be inviting 00:04:39.440 --> 00:04:40.820 people to come to church. 00:04:40.819 --> 00:04:46.980 Because the message of Revelation is a message that people are actually looking for and need 00:04:46.980 --> 00:04:47.500 to hear. 00:04:47.959 --> 00:04:51.620 But we're in Daniel 7, and we've got this wonderful message. 00:04:52.439 --> 00:04:54.620 There's three separate parts to this vision. 00:04:54.740 --> 00:04:57.060 There's the four beasts, and we'll think about them. 00:04:57.420 --> 00:05:01.480 There's the Ancient of Days on his throne, and we'll think about God. 00:05:01.639 --> 00:05:06.560 And there is the Son of Man, and we'll think together about Jesus. 00:05:06.560 --> 00:05:12.399 But let's begin with the first vision, this focus on the four beasts. 00:05:13.259 --> 00:05:19.939 You know, back to H.G. Wells, the War of the Worlds, this invasion of the aliens, that terror 00:05:19.939 --> 00:05:24.319 that was caused in 1938 by those imagined visitors. 00:05:24.899 --> 00:05:31.680 I would suggest it's nothing compared to the horror and the terror that the words and the 00:05:31.680 --> 00:05:34.259 imagery of Daniel captures for us. 00:05:34.259 --> 00:05:39.199 Just think briefly with me about this description of the four beasts. 00:05:39.759 --> 00:05:44.620 In verses 2 and 3, we're reminded that these are beasts that come up out of the sea. 00:05:45.959 --> 00:05:47.980 Lots of symbolism in apocalyptic writing. 00:05:48.099 --> 00:05:55.339 The sea is always a symbol of chaos, a symbol of rebellion against God's rule and authority. 00:05:55.800 --> 00:05:58.519 And so these beasts are associated with that. 00:05:58.599 --> 00:06:01.639 They're associated with evil and with danger. 00:06:01.639 --> 00:06:05.000 In verse 4, we meet the first beast. 00:06:05.079 --> 00:06:05.899 He's like a lion. 00:06:06.000 --> 00:06:10.139 He's got the wings of an eagle and becomes like a human. 00:06:11.039 --> 00:06:17.019 The king of beasts, the king of the air, the king over the earth. 00:06:17.579 --> 00:06:24.800 Here is a beast with mighty power, but a mighty power that is not designed to be used for good. 00:06:24.800 --> 00:06:34.060 Beast 2, verse 5, is the one that looks like a bear with that horrible picture of the ribs in its mouth, 00:06:34.100 --> 00:06:36.579 and it's hungry for its fill of flesh. 00:06:36.900 --> 00:06:37.800 Here is a beast. 00:06:38.100 --> 00:06:43.400 Here is a kingdom and empire where there is an appetite for destruction. 00:06:45.100 --> 00:06:46.000 You've got beast 3. 00:06:46.100 --> 00:06:48.720 It gets more bizarre and wonderful. 00:06:48.720 --> 00:06:55.220 In verse 6, this beast looks like a leopard, but it's got four wings and it's got four heads. 00:06:56.280 --> 00:06:57.200 It's fast. 00:06:57.540 --> 00:06:58.580 It's ferocious. 00:06:59.060 --> 00:07:03.520 It's been given authority to establish an evil empire. 00:07:03.519 --> 00:07:08.599 So it seems, and it's looking around to see how it can expand its power. 00:07:10.379 --> 00:07:14.419 And then we get to beast 4, the most terrifying of them all. 00:07:14.879 --> 00:07:19.219 Verse 7, verse 8, it almost sounds part animal, part machine. 00:07:19.359 --> 00:07:22.839 It's got metal claws and iron teeth. 00:07:24.099 --> 00:07:25.579 There are these ten horns. 00:07:27.000 --> 00:07:29.180 Horns in the Bible become a symbol of power. 00:07:29.339 --> 00:07:31.339 To have ten horns, symbol of extreme power. 00:07:31.339 --> 00:07:36.459 It's also a picture of a long rule and reign of one particular empire. 00:07:36.699 --> 00:07:40.139 And then you get that one horn that uproots the other three. 00:07:40.479 --> 00:07:44.319 And this speaks to us, I think, of the chaos that comes when there's civil war. 00:07:45.259 --> 00:07:48.979 But there's one thing in particular about that last horn. 00:07:49.899 --> 00:07:57.099 It speaks boastfully, and it speaks and acts against God and the rule of God. 00:07:57.100 --> 00:08:11.020 And so these images are reminding us that there are nations, kingdoms, empires that are set up in deliberate, direct opposition and hatred towards God. 00:08:11.019 --> 00:08:15.779 So there's a question that's often asked, well, who do these beasts represent? 00:08:15.919 --> 00:08:16.740 What empires? 00:08:16.879 --> 00:08:23.399 And some scholars would suggest you can trace Babylon and Persia and Greece and Rome. 00:08:24.000 --> 00:08:25.500 And that may be true. 00:08:25.500 --> 00:08:41.940 But in another way, I think, Daniel has deliberately been led to keep the details vague so that we understand that every age and era of history is going to be marked by realities such as these. 00:08:41.940 --> 00:08:45.400 And so you flip open your history books. 00:08:46.080 --> 00:08:48.100 And you'll meet Alexander the Great. 00:08:48.220 --> 00:08:49.260 And you'll meet Nero. 00:08:49.380 --> 00:08:50.460 And you'll meet Hitler. 00:08:50.600 --> 00:08:51.680 And you'll meet Stalin. 00:08:51.800 --> 00:08:57.480 And you'll meet any number of evil emperors and empires. 00:08:57.480 --> 00:09:04.060 So, so far, I think this vision is realistic. 00:09:05.740 --> 00:09:06.879 Switch on our news. 00:09:06.980 --> 00:09:07.899 We see it's realistic. 00:09:08.779 --> 00:09:12.639 But so far, not so comforting or encouraging. 00:09:12.759 --> 00:09:13.620 But we'll get there. 00:09:14.320 --> 00:09:21.620 But I think it's important for us to recognize the Bible doesn't hide away from the reality of a broken world. 00:09:21.620 --> 00:09:31.799 It has an ability to explain the 20th century known as the murder century. 00:09:34.360 --> 00:09:46.580 We have a God who is big enough, who is on His throne even when there are terrible things, awful things happening because of extremists. 00:09:46.580 --> 00:09:57.139 When innocent civilians are caught up in the brutalities of war, when we see devastating disaster after disaster. 00:09:59.139 --> 00:10:03.960 It's part of life ever since sin came and breakdown came. 00:10:05.379 --> 00:10:14.879 But again, if this is all we had, if all we had was this reality, I think it would be absolutely right to live in the age of anxiety, to have panic and to have despair. 00:10:16.580 --> 00:10:18.040 But there's so much more in here. 00:10:18.120 --> 00:10:25.740 So, we need to move from the description of the beasts to the promise of the destruction of the beasts. 00:10:26.180 --> 00:10:28.180 So, we find that in a few different verses. 00:10:29.400 --> 00:10:35.000 But first, in the October holidays, maybe some of you have read Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. 00:10:35.820 --> 00:10:37.139 It's a really interesting book. 00:10:37.580 --> 00:10:40.420 Dr. Victor Frankenstein is the main character. 00:10:40.419 --> 00:10:47.000 He's living in an age when science is all about possibility and no limits, and he finds the secret to life. 00:10:47.059 --> 00:10:54.259 And so, he creates this eight-foot monster, which he then cannot control or appropriately care for. 00:10:54.500 --> 00:11:00.279 And this beast, it goes on a rampage, getting his revenge on Frankenstein. 00:11:00.459 --> 00:11:03.059 And that story ends without a happy ending. 00:11:03.059 --> 00:11:08.000 And Frankenstein lives with that sense of ongoing terror and despair. 00:11:10.299 --> 00:11:18.279 And so, we may look around at the world and ask, is this cycle of evil and suffering just on constant repeat? 00:11:18.919 --> 00:11:20.759 Is there a way out? 00:11:21.799 --> 00:11:27.500 And the Bible's answer is, yes, there is, because history is moving towards God's intended climax. 00:11:27.500 --> 00:11:32.679 And that's why Daniel includes the destruction of the beasts. 00:11:32.860 --> 00:11:36.279 So, for example, we can read in verse 11, 00:11:36.700 --> 00:11:40.700 I continued to watch because of the boastful words the horn was speaking. 00:11:41.179 --> 00:11:51.240 I kept looking until the beast was slain and its body destroyed and thrown into the blazing fire. 00:11:51.840 --> 00:11:55.740 Or verse 17, the four great beasts are four kings that will rise from the earth, 00:11:55.740 --> 00:12:00.860 but the holy people of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess it forever. 00:12:01.180 --> 00:12:03.180 Yes, forever and ever. 00:12:03.539 --> 00:12:05.340 So, here is the hope. 00:12:05.720 --> 00:12:09.879 These beasts will all in the end be destroyed. 00:12:10.159 --> 00:12:12.200 Their power will be broken. 00:12:12.639 --> 00:12:14.120 God's judgment will come. 00:12:14.259 --> 00:12:16.240 It will be final and complete. 00:12:16.519 --> 00:12:23.940 There will be no contest when God sets the day for judgment that God, who is on His throne, rules. 00:12:25.740 --> 00:12:39.060 And God is so powerful and so sovereign that evil is limited and evil in the end will be finally judged and defeated. 00:12:40.120 --> 00:12:46.299 And so, the hope for a world in our anxiety is genuinely to pray, 00:12:47.500 --> 00:12:51.659 Your kingdom come and Your will be done. 00:12:51.659 --> 00:13:00.179 Daniel 7 reminds us that we need to adjust our vision. 00:13:00.939 --> 00:13:08.379 To look beyond present realities to a certain future reality. 00:13:08.379 --> 00:13:23.019 And I think it reminds us with a sense of urgency that we need to act today to ensure peace and hope on that day when judgment comes, 00:13:23.639 --> 00:13:25.939 when the kingdom of God is finally established. 00:13:27.700 --> 00:13:34.139 You know, nowadays, we hear on so many issues how important it is to be on the right side of history. 00:13:34.139 --> 00:13:40.399 Any number of debates about what's happening in society or politics. 00:13:40.480 --> 00:13:42.080 We want to be on the right side of history. 00:13:42.360 --> 00:13:49.980 Well, it is never more important than when it comes to our own eternal future. 00:13:51.120 --> 00:13:53.980 There is certainty that God will come. 00:13:54.299 --> 00:13:55.179 Judgment will come. 00:13:55.500 --> 00:13:58.360 He will establish a never-ending kingdom. 00:13:58.360 --> 00:14:00.639 But to be in that kingdom. 00:14:02.960 --> 00:14:07.480 We need to trust the one who rules above and beyond the chaos that we see. 00:14:08.180 --> 00:14:13.340 We need to trust the one who will bring an end to all evil. 00:14:13.340 --> 00:14:18.580 To trust the one who will establish that world that we all want. 00:14:19.419 --> 00:14:23.080 That He promises will come and will last forever. 00:14:23.080 --> 00:14:32.340 So, we need to turn our attention from the vision of the four beasts to consider the Ancient of Days. 00:14:32.520 --> 00:14:34.700 This wonderful description of God. 00:14:35.320 --> 00:14:36.820 So, remember that idea with the apocalyptic. 00:14:37.060 --> 00:14:39.120 We've got the curtains being pulled back. 00:14:40.620 --> 00:14:48.520 And Daniel allows us to see another reality beyond what we see with our physical eyes. 00:14:48.620 --> 00:14:49.780 Beyond the here and now. 00:14:49.779 --> 00:14:52.899 We see the Ancient of Days. 00:14:53.120 --> 00:14:54.939 We see God Himself. 00:14:55.139 --> 00:14:59.059 And we're given a description of God's throne room. 00:14:59.339 --> 00:15:01.240 Verse 9 and 10. 00:15:01.939 --> 00:15:05.919 As I looked, thrones were set in place. 00:15:06.659 --> 00:15:08.579 And the Ancient of Days took His seat. 00:15:09.879 --> 00:15:13.699 So, God's court is in session. 00:15:14.220 --> 00:15:15.980 And here is how He is described. 00:15:15.980 --> 00:15:20.620 His clothing was as white as snow. 00:15:21.320 --> 00:15:24.639 White is associated with purity and holiness. 00:15:24.879 --> 00:15:27.980 Here is the perfectly pure God who is on the throne. 00:15:28.519 --> 00:15:32.399 The hair of His head was white like wool. 00:15:33.159 --> 00:15:36.560 In the Bible, white hair is associated with wisdom. 00:15:38.039 --> 00:15:41.399 True wisdom in our God. 00:15:41.399 --> 00:15:45.379 His throne was flaming with fire. 00:15:46.240 --> 00:15:48.299 And its wheels were all ablaze. 00:15:48.799 --> 00:15:53.000 A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before Him. 00:15:53.000 --> 00:15:55.939 So, we've got this throne and it's moving. 00:15:56.159 --> 00:15:57.279 And it's on fire. 00:15:57.459 --> 00:16:00.679 And it reminds us of the reality of the presence of God. 00:16:01.740 --> 00:16:05.319 That His judgment will cover all the earth. 00:16:05.320 --> 00:16:11.140 That He comes bringing His presence and bringing His judgment. 00:16:11.580 --> 00:16:19.400 And in this court, He has attended by thousands upon thousand and 10,000 times 10,000. 00:16:19.600 --> 00:16:26.140 Here is a glory that we have never seen before. 00:16:26.139 --> 00:16:33.659 And then, the court was seated and the books were opened. 00:16:34.500 --> 00:16:39.740 So, the idea that the books being opened, that's imagery that, again, we find throughout the Bible. 00:16:40.080 --> 00:16:42.240 Here is this record. 00:16:42.379 --> 00:16:49.679 It's as if God has a book containing all of the acts of all the people who have ever lived. 00:16:49.679 --> 00:16:56.239 And it's a solemn reminder, I think, that all of our lives lie open to God. 00:16:57.359 --> 00:17:05.679 Our actions, our thoughts, our words, our emotions, nothing is hidden from His sight. 00:17:06.279 --> 00:17:08.659 It's all here in the book. 00:17:08.660 --> 00:17:17.019 Now, I don't know everyone's view on politics and on government. 00:17:17.820 --> 00:17:22.240 It may be some of us here have great faith in our political leaders. 00:17:22.300 --> 00:17:25.779 Whereas, on the other spectrum, there may be some who are utterly cynical. 00:17:26.720 --> 00:17:29.519 And maybe many of us find ourselves somewhere in between. 00:17:30.960 --> 00:17:35.000 But I would suggest when we come to a chapter like Daniel 7, 00:17:35.000 --> 00:17:38.440 and when we're invited to consider the throne room of God, 00:17:38.980 --> 00:17:41.420 that we take it as good news. 00:17:42.599 --> 00:17:49.640 That there is an authority that is perfect, that is just, that is wise. 00:17:49.720 --> 00:17:52.819 That there is a God who does rule over all. 00:17:53.740 --> 00:17:58.619 That actually, it's a basis for solid hope that His power and wisdom is unlimited. 00:17:58.960 --> 00:18:02.119 That He is utterly unique in His glory. 00:18:02.119 --> 00:18:09.019 The world, of course, has lots of spectacular places, grand places, 00:18:09.239 --> 00:18:11.000 centers of government and rule. 00:18:11.539 --> 00:18:14.099 You know, you go to Buckingham Palace, you go to the White House. 00:18:14.679 --> 00:18:21.339 But all of those are nothing compared to the glory and grandeur of God's throne room 00:18:21.339 --> 00:18:24.699 and the God who sits on the throne. 00:18:24.700 --> 00:18:29.000 It is good news that God rules. 00:18:29.240 --> 00:18:32.819 Especially when we take that into the wider story of the Bible. 00:18:32.940 --> 00:18:36.100 That this God who rules and reigns, our Creator and our Judge, 00:18:36.440 --> 00:18:42.519 is the same one who has sent the Lord Jesus to come to be one of us. 00:18:43.400 --> 00:18:45.080 To live a life of perfect obedience. 00:18:45.079 --> 00:18:47.960 To die a sacrificial death. 00:18:48.379 --> 00:18:50.359 To rise in victory. 00:18:51.139 --> 00:18:54.779 To be our Savior and to show the love of God. 00:18:56.199 --> 00:19:00.879 So we see the glory of God in His throne room. 00:19:01.079 --> 00:19:04.879 But we also see it in the description of God's judgment. 00:19:05.059 --> 00:19:07.419 Just to hear some more of that. 00:19:07.420 --> 00:19:08.580 Verse 21. 00:19:10.039 --> 00:19:17.400 As I watched, this last horn that came up was waging war against the holy people 00:19:17.400 --> 00:19:22.779 and defeating them until the Ancient of Days came and pronounced judgment 00:19:22.779 --> 00:19:25.759 in favor of the holy people of the Most High. 00:19:26.380 --> 00:19:28.400 And the time came when they possessed the kingdom. 00:19:28.820 --> 00:19:30.340 So again, the imagery is clear. 00:19:30.900 --> 00:19:32.039 There is battle. 00:19:32.039 --> 00:19:36.519 But when God sets the day for judgment, when He comes in decisive judgment, 00:19:36.700 --> 00:19:40.099 that victory, that judgment is dramatic, it's complete, it's final. 00:19:41.440 --> 00:19:45.519 When the Ancient of Days delivers his sentence, when the hammer comes down, 00:19:45.839 --> 00:19:51.200 it is the end of history and the setting up of the kingdom of God that will last forever. 00:19:52.220 --> 00:19:55.460 And so our challenge today, and it is a challenge, 00:19:55.460 --> 00:20:03.559 is to see and to believe and to find hope in the reality that the rule of God, 00:20:04.579 --> 00:20:07.519 the coming judgment of the Lord Jesus, 00:20:07.519 --> 00:20:12.500 is more real than the world that we see. 00:20:13.579 --> 00:20:17.299 This world that we see will pass away, will be renewed. 00:20:18.340 --> 00:20:21.900 But God on His throne, the kingdom of Christ, 00:20:22.420 --> 00:20:24.940 that endures forever. 00:20:26.180 --> 00:20:30.079 But the challenge that we have is that the world has a power over us. 00:20:30.259 --> 00:20:36.100 The world has an ability to either kind of dazzle us and to captivate us, 00:20:36.120 --> 00:20:38.620 and so we find ourselves seeking our best life now, 00:20:38.660 --> 00:20:42.140 and we lose sight of the eternal, what's of infinite worth and glory, 00:20:42.559 --> 00:20:46.420 or the world disgusts us. 00:20:46.519 --> 00:20:50.600 And we find ourselves horrified and haunted by the beastly, 00:20:50.940 --> 00:20:52.420 and we can just give up in despair. 00:20:52.420 --> 00:21:01.759 And so we need to remind ourselves of the greater power of our God, 00:21:02.140 --> 00:21:04.180 to recognize how, in the end, 00:21:04.580 --> 00:21:06.960 the stuff of this life is weak and temporary, 00:21:07.960 --> 00:21:10.539 compared to the reality of God and His kingdom. 00:21:10.539 --> 00:21:14.980 And so this vision that we have in Daniel actually gives us hope 00:21:14.980 --> 00:21:20.639 when and if we are living under the rule of the right king, who is Jesus. 00:21:20.640 --> 00:21:25.000 And that takes us to the third aspect of this vision, 00:21:25.460 --> 00:21:28.160 where we encounter the Son of Man. 00:21:28.460 --> 00:21:32.280 Now, some of us, on a Monday, we've been having an international Bible study, 00:21:32.360 --> 00:21:36.580 and I said, there's a spoiler alert, because we were in John chapter 9. 00:21:36.720 --> 00:21:38.980 And John chapter 9 is a wonderful chapter of the Bible. 00:21:38.980 --> 00:21:43.099 So, Jesus meets a blind man, and He heals this blind man, 00:21:43.299 --> 00:21:48.039 and there's a growing understanding in this man's life as to who Jesus is. 00:21:48.200 --> 00:21:50.220 First, he seems to really not know much about Him, 00:21:50.539 --> 00:21:53.960 but then he begins to understand, well, Jesus certainly can't be sinful, 00:21:54.460 --> 00:21:56.460 and He must be sent from God. 00:21:56.460 --> 00:22:00.960 And by the end, he's worshiping Jesus, 00:22:01.920 --> 00:22:04.980 because he understands when Jesus says, 00:22:05.480 --> 00:22:07.519 I am the Son of Man, 00:22:08.180 --> 00:22:11.799 that means He is someone worthy of worship. 00:22:12.819 --> 00:22:15.759 So, when we come to this vision of the Son of Man, 00:22:15.840 --> 00:22:19.759 we need to understand that this is the favorite title Jesus took for Himself, 00:22:20.480 --> 00:22:22.480 and He took it for a very important reason. 00:22:22.539 --> 00:22:23.500 And I hope we'll see it, 00:22:23.500 --> 00:22:27.160 and I hope we'll understand why it's good news and real hope for all of us. 00:22:27.200 --> 00:22:32.480 So, again, let's look at the description that we have in verse 13 and 14. 00:22:33.660 --> 00:22:38.099 And one thing to see is in this vision of one like a Son of Man, 00:22:38.160 --> 00:22:41.960 we're going to see that He's got traits and qualities both of a man, 00:22:42.380 --> 00:22:45.099 but also of God. 00:22:45.660 --> 00:22:47.299 In my vision at night, I looked, 00:22:47.380 --> 00:22:49.640 and there before me was one like a Son of Man, 00:22:50.779 --> 00:22:52.559 coming with the clouds of heaven. 00:22:52.559 --> 00:22:54.139 Who comes on the clouds of heaven? 00:22:54.220 --> 00:22:54.859 It's God Himself. 00:22:57.480 --> 00:22:58.200 And it continues, 00:22:58.299 --> 00:23:01.700 He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. 00:23:01.879 --> 00:23:03.679 So, here is Jesus, 00:23:04.079 --> 00:23:08.200 and He is standing in the presence of God, His Father. 00:23:09.519 --> 00:23:10.220 Verse 14, 00:23:10.539 --> 00:23:15.619 He was given authority, glory, and sovereign power. 00:23:15.619 --> 00:23:22.019 The Jesus we meet in the Gospels is the Jesus who has been appointed and sent to operate, 00:23:22.759 --> 00:23:25.099 to rule with the power and glory of God. 00:23:26.219 --> 00:23:33.699 And all nations and peoples of every language worshipped Him. 00:23:33.700 --> 00:23:38.620 He receives worship. 00:23:38.620 --> 00:23:41.259 Worship, of course, is only due to God, 00:23:41.340 --> 00:23:43.700 but this worship is given to Jesus, the Son of Man, 00:23:43.759 --> 00:23:46.600 because He is the Son of God. 00:23:47.200 --> 00:23:49.200 Not just one nation or some nations, 00:23:49.299 --> 00:23:55.160 but all nations are to acknowledge that Jesus is God and worthy of worship. 00:23:55.160 --> 00:23:58.500 And His kingdom, His dominion, 00:23:59.160 --> 00:24:02.160 is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, 00:24:02.480 --> 00:24:06.580 and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed. 00:24:07.320 --> 00:24:12.880 Jesus has come to establish His eternal, unbreakable kingdom of God, 00:24:12.960 --> 00:24:14.800 the kingdom of righteousness. 00:24:14.799 --> 00:24:18.259 So, when Jesus talks about Himself as the Son of Man, 00:24:19.319 --> 00:24:21.539 it's not a tame title. 00:24:22.259 --> 00:24:23.839 You know, I'm really one of you. 00:24:24.639 --> 00:24:26.940 That's not what Jesus is saying at all. 00:24:27.440 --> 00:24:28.659 Jesus is claiming, 00:24:29.319 --> 00:24:31.440 I am true God, 00:24:32.379 --> 00:24:33.919 and I am the true King. 00:24:34.180 --> 00:24:37.159 I am the one that your hopes must rest on. 00:24:37.559 --> 00:24:39.919 My kingdom will be established, 00:24:40.480 --> 00:24:42.099 that Jesus has come, 00:24:42.099 --> 00:24:43.639 and in His coming, 00:24:44.059 --> 00:24:45.959 and in His work on the cross, 00:24:46.240 --> 00:24:48.859 there is the defeat of sin, 00:24:49.159 --> 00:24:50.119 and death, 00:24:50.259 --> 00:24:51.139 and evil, 00:24:51.339 --> 00:24:52.039 and the devil, 00:24:52.299 --> 00:24:55.980 and there is the promise in the resurrection 00:24:55.980 --> 00:24:57.740 of perfect life, 00:24:58.059 --> 00:24:58.759 and joy, 00:24:58.879 --> 00:24:59.719 and peace 00:24:59.719 --> 00:25:01.699 for all who come to Him. 00:25:03.879 --> 00:25:05.480 One who's like a son of man, 00:25:05.559 --> 00:25:07.000 but has the glory of God. 00:25:07.259 --> 00:25:09.119 And we see that in the Gospels. 00:25:09.959 --> 00:25:10.659 You know, Jesus, 00:25:10.660 --> 00:25:14.140 he was conceived in a supernatural way 00:25:14.140 --> 00:25:14.960 by the power of the Spirit, 00:25:15.019 --> 00:25:16.000 but he had a normal birth, 00:25:16.519 --> 00:25:17.680 and a normal childhood. 00:25:18.759 --> 00:25:21.019 We read about his human life. 00:25:21.100 --> 00:25:22.259 He got hungry and thirsty. 00:25:22.420 --> 00:25:24.279 He had a full range of human emotions. 00:25:24.720 --> 00:25:26.460 He had family and friends. 00:25:27.279 --> 00:25:29.420 He experienced hardship and suffering, 00:25:29.620 --> 00:25:30.060 betrayal, 00:25:30.620 --> 00:25:31.120 rejection. 00:25:31.440 --> 00:25:34.279 He lived with the presence of the beastly, 00:25:34.779 --> 00:25:36.240 the Roman Empire, 00:25:37.160 --> 00:25:38.300 and even religious leaders 00:25:38.299 --> 00:25:40.220 who were turning people away from Jesus. 00:25:41.779 --> 00:25:42.659 And ultimately, 00:25:42.819 --> 00:25:43.839 this son of man 00:25:43.839 --> 00:25:45.440 would die 00:25:45.440 --> 00:25:47.659 on a Roman cross, 00:25:48.659 --> 00:25:50.599 dying for the sake of his people 00:25:50.599 --> 00:25:51.839 to forgive sins. 00:25:52.319 --> 00:25:54.519 But we also see Jesus' life 00:25:54.519 --> 00:25:56.379 with the glory of God. 00:25:56.720 --> 00:25:57.779 Every miracle 00:25:57.779 --> 00:25:59.019 that he performed 00:25:59.019 --> 00:26:00.619 stands as a signpost. 00:26:00.980 --> 00:26:02.379 This is an ordinary man. 00:26:02.380 --> 00:26:04.740 This is the son of God. 00:26:05.340 --> 00:26:07.020 And we see the glory of God, too, 00:26:07.100 --> 00:26:08.560 in Jesus' perfect life, 00:26:08.620 --> 00:26:10.280 the only one who ever lived, 00:26:10.880 --> 00:26:11.720 fully loving God, 00:26:11.860 --> 00:26:12.880 fully loving his neighbor, 00:26:13.040 --> 00:26:13.780 always obeying, 00:26:13.960 --> 00:26:15.240 always keeping the law. 00:26:15.240 --> 00:26:19.480 And we see the glory of God, 00:26:20.140 --> 00:26:22.299 in God's grace, 00:26:23.400 --> 00:26:24.799 in that his own son, 00:26:25.000 --> 00:26:26.620 the son whom he loves, 00:26:26.759 --> 00:26:29.440 was given and came gladly 00:26:29.440 --> 00:26:33.900 to fulfill God's plan of salvation, 00:26:34.579 --> 00:26:36.500 to suffer and die 00:26:36.500 --> 00:26:38.140 in the place of sinners, 00:26:38.880 --> 00:26:40.420 to deal with our sin 00:26:40.420 --> 00:26:41.819 and our guilt and our shame, 00:26:42.120 --> 00:26:44.079 to pay the price in full. 00:26:44.079 --> 00:26:46.779 And then we see his glory 00:26:46.779 --> 00:26:48.379 as he rises again the third day 00:26:48.379 --> 00:26:49.500 and then returns 00:26:49.500 --> 00:26:50.519 to the throne of heaven. 00:26:50.819 --> 00:26:52.319 And we have this promise here 00:26:52.319 --> 00:26:54.119 that there will be a day 00:26:54.119 --> 00:26:55.539 when he returns 00:26:55.539 --> 00:26:57.619 and his kingdom is established 00:26:57.619 --> 00:26:58.599 and it will never end. 00:26:58.960 --> 00:26:59.599 And that takes us 00:26:59.599 --> 00:27:01.659 to the second aspect of the vision 00:27:01.659 --> 00:27:03.399 as it refers to the Son of Man. 00:27:03.639 --> 00:27:04.839 We've thought about the description, 00:27:05.019 --> 00:27:06.179 but we also need to think 00:27:06.179 --> 00:27:07.399 about the destiny 00:27:07.399 --> 00:27:09.539 of the Son of Man 00:27:09.539 --> 00:27:11.699 and of the saints. 00:27:12.679 --> 00:27:13.859 So one of the things 00:27:13.859 --> 00:27:15.179 part of the reality 00:27:15.179 --> 00:27:16.479 of the apocalyptic writing, 00:27:16.619 --> 00:27:17.979 it pulls the curtains back 00:27:17.979 --> 00:27:19.719 so we see more of the glory of God, 00:27:20.159 --> 00:27:21.959 but we also see the reality 00:27:21.959 --> 00:27:24.159 of suffering for Christians 00:27:24.159 --> 00:27:25.240 and for the church. 00:27:25.619 --> 00:27:27.959 Verse 25 is a verse 00:27:27.959 --> 00:27:29.759 that can help us to hear this. 00:27:29.839 --> 00:27:31.199 Here is that horn again. 00:27:31.199 --> 00:27:33.719 He will speak against the Most High 00:27:33.719 --> 00:27:35.899 and oppress His holy people 00:27:35.899 --> 00:27:38.199 and try to change the set times 00:27:38.199 --> 00:27:39.079 and the laws. 00:27:39.779 --> 00:27:41.179 The holy people will be delivered 00:27:41.180 --> 00:27:42.700 into His hands for a time, 00:27:42.840 --> 00:27:44.360 times and half a time. 00:27:44.820 --> 00:27:47.380 So here is some empire. 00:27:47.700 --> 00:27:49.799 Here is some human authority 00:27:49.799 --> 00:27:52.900 that speaks and acts against God, 00:27:53.779 --> 00:27:55.460 blasphemy against God, 00:27:56.240 --> 00:27:57.620 persecution of the church 00:27:57.620 --> 00:27:58.860 for a prolonged period, 00:27:59.440 --> 00:28:00.680 setting up an alternative 00:28:00.680 --> 00:28:01.920 religious system, 00:28:02.299 --> 00:28:04.420 an alternative place of worship, 00:28:05.180 --> 00:28:06.940 a rejection of God's law 00:28:06.940 --> 00:28:08.720 in place of a new morality, 00:28:08.920 --> 00:28:10.660 a new kind of law. 00:28:10.960 --> 00:28:12.960 And all of this brings hardship 00:28:12.960 --> 00:28:14.740 for the church. 00:28:16.740 --> 00:28:18.180 Now we here in the West, 00:28:18.259 --> 00:28:20.039 we are largely spared that 00:28:20.039 --> 00:28:21.640 by God's mercy. 00:28:21.640 --> 00:28:25.059 But if we could go to North Korea 00:28:25.059 --> 00:28:26.980 or Eritrea, 00:28:28.080 --> 00:28:29.320 Iran, Afghanistan, 00:28:29.680 --> 00:28:30.539 parts of India, 00:28:31.160 --> 00:28:32.519 we would understand this 00:28:32.519 --> 00:28:34.759 to be an ongoing daily reality 00:28:34.759 --> 00:28:36.379 for hundreds of millions 00:28:36.379 --> 00:28:37.660 of Christians today. 00:28:39.940 --> 00:28:41.359 But there is hope for us 00:28:41.359 --> 00:28:42.660 and there is hope for them too. 00:28:43.119 --> 00:28:44.119 Verse 26, 00:28:44.379 --> 00:28:47.680 but the court will sit 00:28:47.680 --> 00:28:50.500 and the beast's power 00:28:50.500 --> 00:28:51.220 will be taken away 00:28:51.220 --> 00:28:52.799 and completely destroyed forever. 00:28:54.139 --> 00:28:55.180 Here is real hope 00:28:55.180 --> 00:28:56.379 for suffering believers, 00:28:57.160 --> 00:28:59.039 that the return of King Jesus 00:28:59.039 --> 00:28:59.960 will bring about 00:28:59.960 --> 00:29:01.559 the final judgment, 00:29:02.200 --> 00:29:03.460 the final destruction 00:29:03.460 --> 00:29:06.500 of evil, oppression, injustice. 00:29:08.039 --> 00:29:09.220 And at the same time, 00:29:09.279 --> 00:29:10.620 there will be a bringing in. 00:29:10.980 --> 00:29:11.700 Verse 27, 00:29:11.819 --> 00:29:12.740 then the sovereignty, 00:29:13.400 --> 00:29:14.299 power and greatness 00:29:14.299 --> 00:29:15.279 of all the kingdoms 00:29:15.279 --> 00:29:15.940 under heaven 00:29:15.940 --> 00:29:17.019 will be handed over 00:29:17.019 --> 00:29:18.720 to the holy people 00:29:18.720 --> 00:29:19.600 of the Most High. 00:29:20.079 --> 00:29:20.759 His kingdom, 00:29:20.940 --> 00:29:22.000 the kingdom of the Son of Man, 00:29:22.059 --> 00:29:23.779 will be an everlasting kingdom 00:29:23.779 --> 00:29:25.180 and all rulers 00:29:25.180 --> 00:29:27.220 will worship and obey Him. 00:29:27.519 --> 00:29:28.559 There is the promise 00:29:28.559 --> 00:29:29.880 of a future kingdom. 00:29:29.960 --> 00:29:32.920 A place of true justice, 00:29:33.799 --> 00:29:34.980 of perfect love, 00:29:36.120 --> 00:29:37.660 an end to sorrow and suffering 00:29:37.660 --> 00:29:38.940 and sadness and death. 00:29:40.759 --> 00:29:42.000 A place of life. 00:29:43.720 --> 00:29:44.640 And it's wonderful 00:29:44.640 --> 00:29:45.620 in Daniel's vision 00:29:45.620 --> 00:29:48.799 how the rule of the Son of Man 00:29:48.799 --> 00:29:49.559 becomes connected 00:29:49.559 --> 00:29:50.700 to the rule of the saints, 00:29:50.799 --> 00:29:51.740 the people of God. 00:29:52.620 --> 00:29:54.120 What's Daniel saying to us? 00:29:54.500 --> 00:29:55.900 What's true for Jesus 00:29:55.900 --> 00:29:58.340 will be true for His people. 00:29:58.339 --> 00:30:00.500 That's wonderful. 00:30:01.099 --> 00:30:02.740 Just as Jesus has been raised 00:30:02.740 --> 00:30:04.939 and glorified and rules, 00:30:05.759 --> 00:30:06.879 so we too, 00:30:07.339 --> 00:30:08.859 in the fullness of God's timing, 00:30:09.319 --> 00:30:10.539 if we are trusting Him, 00:30:10.579 --> 00:30:12.799 will be raised and glorified 00:30:12.799 --> 00:30:15.399 and we will rule and reign with Him. 00:30:15.400 --> 00:30:18.259 So that Christ is our hope 00:30:18.259 --> 00:30:20.420 in life and in death. 00:30:20.420 --> 00:30:24.200 So Daniel's vision in chapter 7 00:30:24.200 --> 00:30:26.540 is a vision that we all need 00:30:26.540 --> 00:30:28.200 to keep hold of. 00:30:28.240 --> 00:30:29.620 And it is designed to be 00:30:29.620 --> 00:30:30.580 an encouragement, 00:30:32.080 --> 00:30:32.860 reminding us, 00:30:32.859 --> 00:30:33.799 yes, 00:30:33.899 --> 00:30:36.299 we live in beastly days 00:30:36.299 --> 00:30:39.939 of personal pain and hardships, 00:30:40.699 --> 00:30:42.959 of evil and abuse and violence 00:30:42.959 --> 00:30:44.699 on a national and a global scale. 00:30:45.059 --> 00:30:46.299 But God's Word says 00:30:46.299 --> 00:30:47.819 this will not last forever. 00:30:48.779 --> 00:30:49.979 The King will come. 00:30:50.819 --> 00:30:53.159 He will establish that world we long for. 00:30:53.240 --> 00:30:56.139 So fix your eyes on God's throne. 00:30:56.379 --> 00:30:59.079 Fix your eyes on Jesus the Son 00:30:59.079 --> 00:31:00.599 who will return. 00:31:02.359 --> 00:31:05.720 Because we wait for a certain return. 00:31:07.000 --> 00:31:08.500 This is not wishful thinking. 00:31:09.859 --> 00:31:12.240 This is not science fiction imagination. 00:31:13.539 --> 00:31:15.980 This is God's rock solid truth. 00:31:16.079 --> 00:31:17.259 And because of that, 00:31:17.799 --> 00:31:19.099 your most urgent need, 00:31:20.119 --> 00:31:21.500 my most pressing need, 00:31:22.059 --> 00:31:23.839 is to be ready for this day. 00:31:23.839 --> 00:31:26.779 To be ready to meet with Jesus, 00:31:26.959 --> 00:31:29.599 the judge to welcome Him as King, 00:31:29.740 --> 00:31:32.439 to be welcomed into His kingdom. 00:31:32.980 --> 00:31:35.959 Now how is it that we are to be ready today 00:31:35.959 --> 00:31:36.859 for that day? 00:31:38.399 --> 00:31:41.480 We need to come to Him as Savior. 00:31:42.519 --> 00:31:45.679 To confess that we have sinned against God. 00:31:46.500 --> 00:31:48.659 That we have shame and guilt 00:31:48.659 --> 00:31:50.639 and that we have made a mess of our lives 00:31:50.640 --> 00:31:53.240 and we need His forgiveness. 00:31:54.240 --> 00:31:55.660 And we need eternal life 00:31:55.660 --> 00:31:57.660 and we want Him to be Lord and Savior. 00:31:59.020 --> 00:32:01.220 We need to come to Him with trust. 00:32:02.080 --> 00:32:03.920 Trust Him, the Son of Man 00:32:03.920 --> 00:32:06.140 who faced judgment for you. 00:32:07.400 --> 00:32:09.280 So that you and I can live with the promise 00:32:09.280 --> 00:32:11.400 of a perfect world still to come. 00:32:13.900 --> 00:32:15.220 There is an urgency. 00:32:15.220 --> 00:32:20.140 And so there is that call not to put it off, 00:32:21.299 --> 00:32:23.559 but to come to Jesus today 00:32:23.559 --> 00:32:27.019 to make sure that His return 00:32:27.019 --> 00:32:30.579 is our hope and our joy.