WEBVTT 00:00:01.000 --> 00:00:06.060 We're going to talk about how God is in control and the king has appointed all things. 00:00:06.179 --> 00:00:10.000 And so what is he trying to teach? What is he trying to teach me in all of this? 00:00:11.439 --> 00:00:13.400 To trust him, obviously. 00:00:15.359 --> 00:00:21.199 Yes, I'm glad you're here with me here at the end of all things. 00:00:22.480 --> 00:00:23.600 In the book of Daniel. 00:00:26.600 --> 00:00:29.960 Since September, we have lived in this book. 00:00:30.260 --> 00:00:35.480 And now we find ourselves at the last vision that Daniel records. 00:00:35.640 --> 00:00:37.159 There's three other visions he records. 00:00:37.340 --> 00:00:38.640 They're in chapters 2, 7, and 8. 00:00:38.719 --> 00:00:41.240 This vision lasts for three whole chapters. 00:00:41.880 --> 00:00:43.799 And I'll make reference to all three chapters. 00:00:43.899 --> 00:00:49.280 But we'll be looking most closely at the first four verses of chapter 12. 00:00:51.159 --> 00:00:58.079 As Tommy and I have mentioned a couple times over these last couple weeks, there are many different genres in the Bible. 00:00:58.079 --> 00:01:02.979 This genre is called apocalyptic, which means to reveal. 00:01:04.039 --> 00:01:07.420 But we're not going to see anything here unless the Lord helps us. 00:01:08.500 --> 00:01:11.519 And so we start in prayer and ask him for help. 00:01:11.679 --> 00:01:12.640 So let's do that now. 00:01:12.640 --> 00:01:19.960 All right, Father. 00:01:20.079 --> 00:01:21.060 We need your help. 00:01:21.819 --> 00:01:23.140 There's been plenty of distractions. 00:01:24.500 --> 00:01:26.239 But you've been here this whole time. 00:01:26.739 --> 00:01:28.659 More present than we have been. 00:01:28.740 --> 00:01:30.920 More focused than we have been. 00:01:31.280 --> 00:01:32.939 Focused on us. 00:01:32.939 --> 00:01:35.899 Because you love us so dearly. 00:01:36.859 --> 00:01:38.140 How could we have missed it? 00:01:38.640 --> 00:01:39.840 How could we have missed you? 00:01:39.920 --> 00:01:40.519 Here you are. 00:01:44.340 --> 00:01:46.420 And now we're about to hear your voice. 00:01:46.420 --> 00:01:51.659 We need you to speak to us. 00:01:52.480 --> 00:01:54.540 We need you to speak to us to help us understand. 00:01:56.099 --> 00:02:00.439 Now we can't tackle anything in the Bible, much less the book of Daniel without your help. 00:02:03.040 --> 00:02:04.439 So intervene and help us. 00:02:04.500 --> 00:02:05.260 Help us understand. 00:02:05.260 --> 00:02:10.500 We ask you humbly in the name of Jesus, our King. 00:02:10.740 --> 00:02:11.020 Amen. 00:02:13.659 --> 00:02:14.060 All right. 00:02:14.080 --> 00:02:16.140 By the time we get to chapter 10. 00:02:16.340 --> 00:02:17.900 Now we ended last week on chapter 9. 00:02:18.560 --> 00:02:29.960 By the time we get to chapter 10, Daniel, the prophet, has witnessed more political upheaval in one lifetime than most people have the misfortune of witnessing. 00:02:30.540 --> 00:02:32.680 And he's been at the very center of it all. 00:02:32.719 --> 00:02:34.099 He's been in the city of Babylon. 00:02:34.099 --> 00:02:36.919 Babylon, the capital of the Babylonian Empire. 00:02:37.739 --> 00:02:41.740 Babylon was responsible for wiping out his homeland, Israel. 00:02:43.319 --> 00:02:47.699 Babylon would become the capital of the Persian Empire once Persia overthrew Babylon. 00:02:48.459 --> 00:02:53.120 Not only was Daniel in this great city, but he was often near the very center of power. 00:02:54.039 --> 00:02:54.840 He was near the throne. 00:02:54.939 --> 00:02:56.560 He was an advisor to Nebuchadnezzar. 00:02:56.819 --> 00:03:00.539 He spoke to Belshazzar, predicting his overthrow. 00:03:00.539 --> 00:03:04.419 The night that Belshazzar was murdered. 00:03:06.199 --> 00:03:09.759 And then Daniel eventually became one of the highest ranking officials in the Persian Empire. 00:03:11.039 --> 00:03:17.599 For much of his life, Daniel would have wondered what the future held in store for him and for his people. 00:03:17.599 --> 00:03:20.780 And now he's 90 years old. 00:03:20.819 --> 00:03:21.699 90 years old. 00:03:23.560 --> 00:03:35.620 Just two years before this, when Daniel was 88, the first wave of Israelites was finally allowed to leave Babylon and go back to their homeland in Israel to start rebuilding. 00:03:35.620 --> 00:03:40.159 But for whatever reason, maybe because of his age, Daniel didn't go with them. 00:03:40.640 --> 00:03:42.240 He would die in exile. 00:03:42.240 --> 00:03:52.659 But now at age 90, after a lifetime of prayer, God has decided to give Daniel a very detailed account of what the future holds for Daniel's people. 00:03:53.320 --> 00:03:57.439 I have to imagine it was immense comfort to receive these words. 00:03:57.860 --> 00:04:00.680 And we too may be comforted by them. 00:04:01.080 --> 00:04:01.860 This is for us too. 00:04:01.980 --> 00:04:04.120 Much of it applies to us. 00:04:04.120 --> 00:04:13.200 So you could call this last vision in chapters 10 through 12, a field guide for facing the future. 00:04:13.640 --> 00:04:19.259 Now we're going to discuss five important keys to facing the future from these three chapters. 00:04:19.579 --> 00:04:20.939 Five, not three, five. 00:04:22.079 --> 00:04:23.720 I figured that there's three chapters. 00:04:23.920 --> 00:04:26.459 I should get three points per chapter. 00:04:26.540 --> 00:04:27.959 That would make nine keys. 00:04:28.540 --> 00:04:30.319 But I'm just going to do five. 00:04:30.439 --> 00:04:30.939 It's a good deal. 00:04:31.000 --> 00:04:31.800 A very good deal for you. 00:04:31.800 --> 00:04:32.959 It's tremendous. 00:04:34.120 --> 00:04:42.060 The first, the first key for facing the future is to know that all things are appointed. 00:04:42.879 --> 00:04:46.220 Chapter 12, verse 1 reads, at that time. 00:04:47.319 --> 00:04:52.399 And we find that phrase, this formula throughout chapters 11 and 12. 00:04:52.800 --> 00:05:01.060 The end is yet to be at the time appointed, at the time appointed, until the time of the end, for it still awaits the appointed time, at the time of the end, etc., etc. 00:05:01.060 --> 00:05:06.060 When we read the Bible, when we see something repeated over and over, we know that's very important. 00:05:06.480 --> 00:05:07.180 So what does it say? 00:05:07.399 --> 00:05:08.259 God is in control. 00:05:08.420 --> 00:05:09.780 It is he who orders history. 00:05:10.459 --> 00:05:20.980 To demonstrate God's knowledge and control of world history, Daniel is given a very detailed prediction of what is to befall the various kingdoms of the world for the next 500 years after his vision. 00:05:20.980 --> 00:05:27.360 Chapters 10 and 12, chapters 10 through 12 give us a lot of details. 00:05:27.360 --> 00:05:29.140 It's too much to cover now. 00:05:29.200 --> 00:05:29.960 Lots of dates. 00:05:30.800 --> 00:05:31.800 Lots of names. 00:05:32.000 --> 00:05:32.640 Lots of events. 00:05:32.639 --> 00:05:52.060 I can just summarize by saying that it predicts Xerxes of Persia, Alexander the Great, the distribution of his empire soon after his death to his generals, the struggle between the Seleucid and Ptolemaic empires, and Israel being caught in the crossfire between these northern and southern kingdoms. 00:05:52.060 --> 00:06:01.759 And then eventually Antiochus, Epiphanes, and this desecrating of the temple of Jerusalem by rededicating it to the worship of Zeus. 00:06:02.800 --> 00:06:09.360 Now, if you want to do further research on this, the commentaries actually suggest looking at the ESV study Bible. 00:06:09.439 --> 00:06:10.660 So if you have that, you're in luck. 00:06:10.660 --> 00:06:23.020 If not, you can borrow mine or find one, but it has like great charts and timelines of all the predictions that chapters 10, 11, and 12 make, and it's startling how accurate it is. 00:06:24.920 --> 00:06:35.600 What's important for us right now is that these descriptions of future events, a future from Daniel's perspective, these descriptions let us know who is in charge. 00:06:35.600 --> 00:06:47.600 It is God who orders history, not kings, not kingdoms, not random chants, not microphones accidentally muted when they shouldn't be, etc., etc. 00:06:48.460 --> 00:06:49.760 God orders history. 00:06:49.960 --> 00:06:53.460 If this is hard to wrap your head around, that makes sense. 00:06:53.540 --> 00:06:59.360 This is world history, impersonal events, and kingdoms. 00:06:59.360 --> 00:07:06.379 So the Bible helps us wrap our heads more easily around this kind of thing by showing us a person. 00:07:07.259 --> 00:07:07.980 It shows us Jesus. 00:07:10.960 --> 00:07:18.759 If we look at the book of Mark, chapter 4, we find Jesus and the disciples in their boat, a fishing boat. 00:07:19.139 --> 00:07:24.480 And Jesus is sleeping below decks, and there's a storm raging. 00:07:25.259 --> 00:07:27.060 And the disciples are freaking out. 00:07:27.060 --> 00:07:29.920 They think they're going to capsize and drown. 00:07:30.079 --> 00:07:35.660 And so they run down below, wake up Jesus, and say, don't you care if we drown? 00:07:37.379 --> 00:07:38.959 So Jesus calmly gets up. 00:07:39.079 --> 00:07:41.759 He goes above, and he calms the storm. 00:07:42.540 --> 00:07:44.060 Flat water, just like that. 00:07:45.300 --> 00:07:47.639 And the disciples are terrified. 00:07:47.840 --> 00:07:48.980 Why would they be terrified? 00:07:49.220 --> 00:07:54.519 Well, yeah, Jesus is displaying extraordinary supernatural power. 00:07:54.519 --> 00:08:04.139 They're terrified because the one who controls the waves, they understood as the one who created the waves. 00:08:05.219 --> 00:08:12.279 The creator of the universe was standing on the deck of their boat. 00:08:12.279 --> 00:08:21.819 If he had the power over the waves, if he created the waves, then he ordained the waves. 00:08:22.319 --> 00:08:23.219 That's what they got. 00:08:25.619 --> 00:08:34.759 So if you feel knocked about by the waves, know that there is one who created the waves, has appointed them, and has power over them. 00:08:34.759 --> 00:08:39.500 I was reminded of this truth last Sunday. 00:08:39.600 --> 00:08:43.159 I had a conversation with one of the trustees of Canaan Baptist Church. 00:08:43.240 --> 00:08:44.240 There are two of them sitting over here. 00:08:44.299 --> 00:08:46.319 I talked to one named Andrea. 00:08:48.220 --> 00:08:51.659 And I asked her, so, how are you doing this week? 00:08:52.379 --> 00:08:54.319 She said, not great. 00:08:55.580 --> 00:08:56.360 Not great. 00:08:56.360 --> 00:08:58.320 But God is in control. 00:09:00.399 --> 00:09:01.419 God is in control. 00:09:01.639 --> 00:09:07.860 There was such a depth of meaning and experience to what she said because it was said from a perspective I'll never fully comprehend. 00:09:08.519 --> 00:09:11.480 But that has kept me going through this week. 00:09:12.379 --> 00:09:16.220 Through meandering through the perpetual outrage that is now our culture. 00:09:17.500 --> 00:09:18.600 God is in control. 00:09:19.800 --> 00:09:22.920 That's the first key in our field guide to the future. 00:09:23.600 --> 00:09:25.639 Know that the times are appointed. 00:09:25.639 --> 00:09:26.899 The second is this. 00:09:27.259 --> 00:09:29.659 Know that there is more behind the veil. 00:09:29.819 --> 00:09:31.480 The second is this. 00:09:31.559 --> 00:09:33.340 Know that there's more behind the veil. 00:09:33.419 --> 00:09:35.379 In chapter 12, verse 1, it says, 00:09:35.539 --> 00:09:41.439 At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who is in charge of your people. 00:09:42.039 --> 00:09:43.860 Now we don't know much about this Michael. 00:09:44.559 --> 00:09:46.460 But we do know that he's an angel. 00:09:46.580 --> 00:09:47.419 He's a prince of angels. 00:09:47.519 --> 00:09:48.980 He's an archangel. 00:09:49.500 --> 00:09:52.120 And he makes war against other spiritual beings. 00:09:52.240 --> 00:09:54.340 Two of which are mentioned in chapter 10. 00:09:54.340 --> 00:09:57.680 The prince of Persia and the prince of Greece. 00:09:57.960 --> 00:09:59.220 Those aren't human beings. 00:10:01.759 --> 00:10:04.500 God is lifting the veil for us here. 00:10:04.960 --> 00:10:11.399 Letting us see the unseen forces that are at work in the course of history and of world events. 00:10:11.399 --> 00:10:19.120 We might not understand what it is we're seeing here behind the veil in these chapters of Daniel. 00:10:19.360 --> 00:10:21.439 But it's so very real. 00:10:21.440 --> 00:10:25.360 There is a world behind the veil. 00:10:27.360 --> 00:10:28.420 That is so real. 00:10:28.419 --> 00:10:31.299 If you're a Christian long enough. 00:10:32.039 --> 00:10:38.819 You might get to know other Christians of deep faith that either come from other parts of the world. 00:10:38.899 --> 00:10:41.159 Namely non-Western parts of the world. 00:10:41.699 --> 00:10:43.419 Or those who have labored there. 00:10:43.419 --> 00:10:48.759 And they will share with you stories of spiritual encounters. 00:10:51.240 --> 00:10:52.539 Spiritual resistance. 00:10:53.539 --> 00:10:54.000 The demonic. 00:10:55.839 --> 00:10:58.579 Places where the gospel is making gains and victories. 00:10:58.819 --> 00:11:00.620 And it's facing spiritual pushback. 00:11:01.699 --> 00:11:05.000 Now I don't feel I have the deep faith of these particular individuals. 00:11:05.339 --> 00:11:08.120 I come from a western viewpoint. 00:11:08.120 --> 00:11:14.940 But if you and I are enjoying a conversation over a beer sometime. 00:11:16.080 --> 00:11:17.200 Ask me about this. 00:11:17.259 --> 00:11:18.560 And I'll tell you a story too. 00:11:19.080 --> 00:11:20.060 Because I have seen. 00:11:20.320 --> 00:11:20.759 And I know. 00:11:21.580 --> 00:11:22.320 But this is real. 00:11:22.639 --> 00:11:23.519 It's so real. 00:11:24.419 --> 00:11:25.919 And it's important to know this. 00:11:26.019 --> 00:11:26.240 Why? 00:11:26.899 --> 00:11:29.980 Why is it important to know that there is a world behind the veil that is real? 00:11:30.139 --> 00:11:30.899 For two reasons. 00:11:31.440 --> 00:11:33.139 First, it's not to frighten us. 00:11:33.159 --> 00:11:34.340 It's to encourage us. 00:11:34.879 --> 00:11:36.940 God is for us. 00:11:38.120 --> 00:11:40.600 So much for us. 00:11:40.879 --> 00:11:42.679 That there are forces at work that we can't see. 00:11:42.980 --> 00:11:45.899 That are coming to the defense of God's people and protecting us. 00:11:46.179 --> 00:11:47.120 To Daniel, he said, 00:11:47.440 --> 00:11:50.759 There is a great prince who contends for the people of Israel. 00:11:51.019 --> 00:11:51.960 To us, he says, 00:11:52.340 --> 00:11:53.240 In Psalm 91. 00:11:53.779 --> 00:11:56.039 For he will command his angels concerning you. 00:11:56.879 --> 00:11:58.419 To guard you in all your ways. 00:11:59.080 --> 00:12:01.200 On their hands they will bear you up. 00:12:01.700 --> 00:12:04.320 Lest you strike your foot against a stone. 00:12:04.320 --> 00:12:08.600 The second reason it's important to know this. 00:12:08.660 --> 00:12:10.600 Is that it affects the way we pray. 00:12:10.879 --> 00:12:13.680 Our prayers can become pretty banal. 00:12:14.920 --> 00:12:15.760 Don't get me wrong. 00:12:15.820 --> 00:12:19.040 God would rather have us pray for the perfect parking space. 00:12:19.140 --> 00:12:20.820 Than to not be praying at all. 00:12:21.140 --> 00:12:21.379 Okay. 00:12:21.379 --> 00:12:24.100 I pray for parking all the time. 00:12:26.740 --> 00:12:27.259 But. 00:12:29.500 --> 00:12:30.939 When we realize. 00:12:32.080 --> 00:12:33.279 What does that play? 00:12:34.840 --> 00:12:36.820 We should be praying in such a way that. 00:12:37.399 --> 00:12:38.600 If our prayers were answered. 00:12:39.360 --> 00:12:41.080 The world would take notice. 00:12:41.419 --> 00:12:43.019 We should pray in such a way that. 00:12:43.240 --> 00:12:44.600 If our prayers were answered. 00:12:45.580 --> 00:12:47.299 The world would take notice. 00:12:47.299 --> 00:12:50.579 So we keep praying for Syria. 00:12:52.399 --> 00:12:55.819 We pray for Christians who are being persecuted around the world for their faith. 00:12:55.939 --> 00:12:58.299 We keep praying for the children of Washington, D.C. 00:12:58.299 --> 00:12:59.679 And the renewal of their schools. 00:13:01.019 --> 00:13:03.359 We keep praying for our nation and our government. 00:13:03.479 --> 00:13:06.199 And for peace to rule instead of this perpetual outrage. 00:13:07.240 --> 00:13:08.120 Keep praying. 00:13:08.779 --> 00:13:10.099 For this coming Thursday. 00:13:10.339 --> 00:13:11.500 For your family gathering. 00:13:13.500 --> 00:13:16.319 Pray because there are those whom we cannot see. 00:13:16.320 --> 00:13:19.640 Who are in the service of our king. 00:13:20.460 --> 00:13:22.100 Who contend for us. 00:13:24.980 --> 00:13:26.980 The third key in our field guide. 00:13:27.300 --> 00:13:28.379 Does that just sound cheesy? 00:13:28.720 --> 00:13:30.520 As soon as I wrote it, I thought this is cheesy. 00:13:30.740 --> 00:13:31.460 They're not going to buy it. 00:13:31.980 --> 00:13:32.560 It's a deal with me. 00:13:33.060 --> 00:13:34.160 Field guide for facing the future. 00:13:35.200 --> 00:13:36.140 There's three F's. 00:13:36.220 --> 00:13:37.200 So it's okay. 00:13:37.600 --> 00:13:38.900 I think it's nice. 00:13:39.700 --> 00:13:42.740 The third key in our field guide to facing the future. 00:13:43.680 --> 00:13:44.460 Is this. 00:13:44.460 --> 00:13:48.940 Know the unshakable hope that is the resurrection. 00:13:50.340 --> 00:13:51.740 Chapter 12 continues. 00:13:52.740 --> 00:13:55.320 And there shall be a time of trouble. 00:13:55.440 --> 00:13:58.360 Such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. 00:13:58.700 --> 00:14:00.740 But at that time, your people shall be delivered. 00:14:01.400 --> 00:14:03.660 Everyone whose name shall be found written in the book. 00:14:04.400 --> 00:14:07.360 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake. 00:14:07.540 --> 00:14:08.960 Some to everlasting life. 00:14:09.560 --> 00:14:11.480 And some to shame and everlasting contempt. 00:14:11.480 --> 00:14:15.680 One of my favorite moments in scripture. 00:14:16.360 --> 00:14:17.080 In all of scripture. 00:14:17.220 --> 00:14:18.779 Is the last verse of Daniel 12. 00:14:20.139 --> 00:14:21.500 It's a favorite moment of mine. 00:14:21.580 --> 00:14:26.240 Because of a purely speculative idea I have about Daniel. 00:14:26.920 --> 00:14:29.360 And I can't back this up with any evidence at all. 00:14:30.399 --> 00:14:30.659 But. 00:14:31.500 --> 00:14:31.940 Man. 00:14:31.940 --> 00:14:32.520 I've wondered. 00:14:32.680 --> 00:14:33.960 Like where is Daniel in chapter 3. 00:14:34.100 --> 00:14:34.840 Did you notice that? 00:14:35.840 --> 00:14:36.140 So. 00:14:37.500 --> 00:14:38.620 Nebuchadnezzar gathers like. 00:14:39.340 --> 00:14:39.740 Everybody. 00:14:39.880 --> 00:14:40.140 Who is. 00:14:40.740 --> 00:14:41.120 Anybody. 00:14:41.560 --> 00:14:42.480 From the whole kingdom. 00:14:43.780 --> 00:14:46.220 And he erects this golden statue. 00:14:46.420 --> 00:14:47.260 And tells them. 00:14:47.620 --> 00:14:48.020 Governors. 00:14:48.440 --> 00:14:48.900 Satraps. 00:14:49.400 --> 00:14:49.960 Prefects. 00:14:50.220 --> 00:14:51.660 To bow before the statue. 00:14:54.020 --> 00:14:54.520 Shadrach. 00:14:55.480 --> 00:14:55.960 Meshach. 00:14:56.720 --> 00:14:57.180 And Abednego. 00:14:58.000 --> 00:14:58.680 Are there. 00:14:58.740 --> 00:14:59.580 But Daniel is not. 00:14:59.580 --> 00:15:02.280 His three friends. 00:15:02.440 --> 00:15:02.920 They don't bow. 00:15:03.020 --> 00:15:03.840 And as they expected. 00:15:03.960 --> 00:15:04.460 They're arrested. 00:15:04.600 --> 00:15:06.240 After having not bowed. 00:15:06.280 --> 00:15:07.460 And they're sentenced to death. 00:15:07.500 --> 00:15:09.420 And they're thrown into a blazing furnace. 00:15:10.240 --> 00:15:11.320 We know that they're rescued. 00:15:11.980 --> 00:15:12.480 It's a. 00:15:13.620 --> 00:15:14.360 Happy ending. 00:15:16.000 --> 00:15:16.220 But. 00:15:16.740 --> 00:15:18.600 If Daniel had somehow. 00:15:20.259 --> 00:15:21.360 Pulled some strings. 00:15:21.900 --> 00:15:24.060 To excuse himself from this event. 00:15:24.160 --> 00:15:24.640 I don't know. 00:15:24.720 --> 00:15:25.580 If he called in stick. 00:15:25.680 --> 00:15:26.180 Or whatever. 00:15:26.179 --> 00:15:28.599 What kind of shame. 00:15:28.599 --> 00:15:29.419 Do you think he felt. 00:15:29.539 --> 00:15:30.279 Every time he. 00:15:30.959 --> 00:15:32.099 Encountered his friends. 00:15:32.839 --> 00:15:33.500 After that. 00:15:34.719 --> 00:15:35.399 What kind of guilt. 00:15:35.539 --> 00:15:36.019 Do you think. 00:15:36.279 --> 00:15:37.179 He carried around. 00:15:38.099 --> 00:15:39.879 After not having been present. 00:15:40.000 --> 00:15:40.759 By their side. 00:15:40.879 --> 00:15:42.019 In the greatest trial. 00:15:42.139 --> 00:15:42.879 Of their young lives. 00:15:46.039 --> 00:15:46.559 Again. 00:15:46.620 --> 00:15:47.899 It's all speculative. 00:15:48.559 --> 00:15:48.819 But. 00:15:49.439 --> 00:15:50.059 How much. 00:15:50.139 --> 00:15:50.740 Would Daniel. 00:15:51.399 --> 00:15:52.299 Have needed to hear. 00:15:52.839 --> 00:15:53.679 In chapter nine. 00:15:53.679 --> 00:15:54.879 As we heard last week. 00:15:55.939 --> 00:15:56.339 Daniel. 00:15:56.599 --> 00:15:57.939 You are greatly loved. 00:16:00.839 --> 00:16:01.759 And then again. 00:16:01.759 --> 00:16:03.159 When he's 90 years old. 00:16:03.159 --> 00:16:03.919 In chapter 10. 00:16:04.000 --> 00:16:04.899 Verse 11. 00:16:05.039 --> 00:16:05.159 Oh. 00:16:05.359 --> 00:16:05.879 Daniel. 00:16:06.799 --> 00:16:07.319 Meh. 00:16:08.299 --> 00:16:09.179 Greatly loved. 00:16:11.559 --> 00:16:12.699 Two years before this. 00:16:12.739 --> 00:16:13.120 Israelites. 00:16:13.699 --> 00:16:14.099 Begin. 00:16:14.359 --> 00:16:15.379 Returning to their homeland. 00:16:15.979 --> 00:16:16.759 But Daniel. 00:16:16.759 --> 00:16:17.419 Must remain. 00:16:17.620 --> 00:16:18.120 In exile. 00:16:18.240 --> 00:16:18.639 In Babylon. 00:16:18.839 --> 00:16:19.219 And perhaps. 00:16:19.319 --> 00:16:19.699 He thought. 00:16:20.479 --> 00:16:21.679 I might be loved. 00:16:21.839 --> 00:16:23.339 But I cannot get home. 00:16:23.679 --> 00:16:24.419 I suppose. 00:16:24.500 --> 00:16:25.120 I'm unworthy. 00:16:27.339 --> 00:16:28.279 And then he's given. 00:16:28.459 --> 00:16:28.839 This vision. 00:16:30.839 --> 00:16:31.779 And he's promised. 00:16:31.859 --> 00:16:33.000 A greater inheritance. 00:16:34.039 --> 00:16:35.620 A greater rest. 00:16:36.399 --> 00:16:37.500 In verse 13. 00:16:38.859 --> 00:16:39.199 Daniel. 00:16:39.379 --> 00:16:40.459 You shall rest. 00:16:41.319 --> 00:16:42.039 And shall stand. 00:16:42.120 --> 00:16:43.279 In your allotted place. 00:16:44.179 --> 00:16:45.120 At the end of days. 00:16:48.120 --> 00:16:49.699 Do you carry around shame? 00:16:50.279 --> 00:16:51.539 Are you haunted by guilt? 00:16:51.539 --> 00:16:53.579 Then this book. 00:16:53.579 --> 00:16:54.059 Is for you. 00:16:54.120 --> 00:16:54.539 This chapter. 00:16:54.659 --> 00:16:55.099 This verse. 00:16:55.199 --> 00:16:55.719 Is for you. 00:16:57.079 --> 00:16:58.319 Maybe it's loneliness. 00:16:58.319 --> 00:16:59.299 You carry around. 00:16:59.779 --> 00:17:00.699 Or anxiety. 00:17:01.199 --> 00:17:02.000 Or fear. 00:17:02.679 --> 00:17:03.439 Or insecurity. 00:17:04.039 --> 00:17:05.000 Or regret. 00:17:05.819 --> 00:17:06.619 Or weariness. 00:17:07.759 --> 00:17:08.460 Oh man. 00:17:09.119 --> 00:17:10.460 You are greatly loved. 00:17:11.460 --> 00:17:12.319 A woman. 00:17:13.379 --> 00:17:14.720 You are greatly loved. 00:17:14.720 --> 00:17:17.640 You have a glorious inheritance. 00:17:17.640 --> 00:17:18.360 Awaiting you. 00:17:20.120 --> 00:17:21.140 At the end of days. 00:17:21.400 --> 00:17:21.839 You. 00:17:22.240 --> 00:17:23.140 Will rest. 00:17:23.799 --> 00:17:25.500 And stand in your allotted place. 00:17:26.279 --> 00:17:29.180 Where you will shine like the brightness of the sky above. 00:17:29.279 --> 00:17:30.160 And like the stars. 00:17:30.319 --> 00:17:31.299 Forever and ever. 00:17:31.299 --> 00:17:36.619 Because of the death. 00:17:36.700 --> 00:17:37.659 And resurrection of Jesus. 00:17:37.779 --> 00:17:38.440 This life. 00:17:38.680 --> 00:17:40.419 And the misery it can bring. 00:17:40.680 --> 00:17:42.180 It's not your final chapter. 00:17:43.079 --> 00:17:44.579 Now I hold on to this promise. 00:17:45.539 --> 00:17:47.700 Every time I think of my dad. 00:17:47.899 --> 00:17:49.879 It's been two years since he's passed away. 00:17:50.279 --> 00:17:51.119 And I still miss him. 00:17:51.139 --> 00:17:52.460 And I will especially miss him. 00:17:52.519 --> 00:17:53.240 This coming Thursday. 00:17:54.539 --> 00:17:54.759 And. 00:17:55.960 --> 00:17:57.619 The particular words I cling to. 00:17:57.960 --> 00:17:58.759 Concerning this promise. 00:17:58.759 --> 00:17:59.859 Actually come from my son. 00:18:00.240 --> 00:18:00.619 Calvin. 00:18:02.299 --> 00:18:04.799 We were reading the Jesus storybook Bible. 00:18:05.460 --> 00:18:06.099 At bedtime. 00:18:06.480 --> 00:18:09.059 We were reading the story of how Jesus raised. 00:18:10.700 --> 00:18:11.779 Jairus' child. 00:18:12.519 --> 00:18:13.200 From the dead. 00:18:14.859 --> 00:18:15.299 His daughter. 00:18:16.240 --> 00:18:16.960 And Calvin said. 00:18:17.180 --> 00:18:17.700 Not Calvin. 00:18:17.859 --> 00:18:18.440 Not John Calvin. 00:18:18.740 --> 00:18:19.139 My Calvin. 00:18:21.059 --> 00:18:23.379 Who's not named after John Calvin for what it's worth. 00:18:23.639 --> 00:18:24.419 My Calvin said. 00:18:25.359 --> 00:18:26.379 Though he's cool too. 00:18:26.839 --> 00:18:27.980 My Calvin said. 00:18:27.980 --> 00:18:29.299 Let's pray to Jesus. 00:18:29.299 --> 00:18:33.079 That he'll bring back grandpa from the dead. 00:18:36.419 --> 00:18:40.639 The fabulous truth about the resurrection is that God has already answered Calvin's prayer. 00:18:40.640 --> 00:18:48.540 The Bible refers to the resurrection as one event. 00:18:48.759 --> 00:18:49.420 Just one. 00:18:50.500 --> 00:18:54.160 And it refers to Jesus' resurrection as the first fruits. 00:18:55.440 --> 00:18:56.960 Well our resurrection is yet to happen. 00:18:56.960 --> 00:19:00.200 So what does this mean? 00:19:00.600 --> 00:19:04.319 That our resurrection is just as certain as Jesus' resurrection. 00:19:04.960 --> 00:19:06.000 It's all one event. 00:19:06.180 --> 00:19:07.200 And that's what we're waiting for. 00:19:07.200 --> 00:19:13.100 And so I will stand along with my father. 00:19:14.160 --> 00:19:17.660 And we will stand along with the saints and all we've ever loved who have been in Christ. 00:19:19.420 --> 00:19:21.340 We will shine like stars in the universe. 00:19:21.580 --> 00:19:22.420 Until that day. 00:19:22.779 --> 00:19:25.080 God says to Daniel and he says to us. 00:19:25.200 --> 00:19:25.759 Go your way. 00:19:25.759 --> 00:19:29.940 Go your way knowing that I have the end all wrapped up. 00:19:30.379 --> 00:19:31.240 It's decided. 00:19:33.319 --> 00:19:36.099 So what are we to be until then? 00:19:37.000 --> 00:19:38.059 Well we're to be wise. 00:19:38.200 --> 00:19:39.160 That's the next key. 00:19:39.519 --> 00:19:39.940 The fourth. 00:19:40.220 --> 00:19:40.700 Be wise. 00:19:40.839 --> 00:19:42.759 Chapter 12 verse 4 says. 00:19:43.879 --> 00:19:47.839 Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above. 00:19:48.819 --> 00:19:50.599 This is in contrast to those in verse 5. 00:19:50.720 --> 00:19:54.339 Who it says run to and fro looking for knowledge. 00:19:55.339 --> 00:19:58.919 I think Daniel in saying this running to and fro looking for knowledge. 00:19:58.980 --> 00:20:02.359 I think he's referring to something else that a previous prophet had said. 00:20:02.579 --> 00:20:03.359 Prophet Amos. 00:20:03.919 --> 00:20:06.240 In chapter 8 verses 11 to 12 of Amos. 00:20:06.759 --> 00:20:09.579 Prophet Amos records the words of the Lord. 00:20:10.119 --> 00:20:12.859 Behold the days are coming declares the Lord. 00:20:13.359 --> 00:20:15.139 When I will send a famine on the land. 00:20:15.259 --> 00:20:16.319 Not a famine of bread. 00:20:16.319 --> 00:20:18.019 Nor a thirst for water. 00:20:18.339 --> 00:20:20.299 But of hearing the words of the Lord. 00:20:21.079 --> 00:20:22.799 They shall wander from sea to sea. 00:20:22.899 --> 00:20:24.019 And from north to east. 00:20:24.419 --> 00:20:25.759 They shall run to and fro. 00:20:25.960 --> 00:20:27.399 To seek the word of the Lord. 00:20:27.460 --> 00:20:28.599 But they shall not find it. 00:20:30.179 --> 00:20:31.139 The wise. 00:20:31.960 --> 00:20:33.279 Find their wisdom. 00:20:34.000 --> 00:20:34.740 In scripture. 00:20:35.220 --> 00:20:36.220 They don't run to and fro. 00:20:36.439 --> 00:20:36.939 It's there. 00:20:38.099 --> 00:20:39.960 They see the Bible as the word of God. 00:20:40.279 --> 00:20:43.240 As the prime authority for all matters of life and faith. 00:20:44.359 --> 00:20:46.159 Our lives are to be organized. 00:20:46.319 --> 00:20:47.679 Around this book. 00:20:48.059 --> 00:20:51.359 And this book ultimately points to what? 00:20:51.879 --> 00:20:52.039 No. 00:20:52.619 --> 00:20:53.159 Points to who? 00:20:53.939 --> 00:20:54.819 Points to Jesus. 00:20:55.460 --> 00:20:56.740 Jesus the son of God. 00:20:57.539 --> 00:20:59.879 Points to the person of Jesus the king. 00:21:00.319 --> 00:21:01.480 That's the final point. 00:21:02.220 --> 00:21:05.980 We're to keep our eyes fixed on King Jesus. 00:21:05.980 --> 00:21:09.400 Daniel sees in verse 6. 00:21:10.339 --> 00:21:11.779 A man clothed in linen. 00:21:12.539 --> 00:21:14.360 Who was above the waters of the stream. 00:21:15.720 --> 00:21:16.700 The waters of the river. 00:21:16.779 --> 00:21:17.539 Who is this? 00:21:18.180 --> 00:21:20.680 Well had we read chapters 10 through 12. 00:21:21.960 --> 00:21:24.180 We would still be reading chapters 10 through 12. 00:21:24.180 --> 00:21:28.500 But we would have met this person in chapter 10. 00:21:29.039 --> 00:21:30.140 At the beginning of this vision. 00:21:30.240 --> 00:21:31.360 This one in linen. 00:21:31.560 --> 00:21:33.860 In chapter 10 it said this. 00:21:33.860 --> 00:21:34.799 Daniel writes. 00:21:34.799 --> 00:21:58.359 Does that sound familiar? 00:21:58.359 --> 00:22:03.639 Well it sounds a lot like what Ryan read for us from the book of Revelation. 00:22:04.799 --> 00:22:10.639 About the exalted, resurrected person of Jesus that John encountered. 00:22:10.640 --> 00:22:10.960 So. 00:22:13.440 --> 00:22:15.259 I think Daniel had a vision. 00:22:16.460 --> 00:22:18.520 Of the pre-incarnate son of God. 00:22:18.580 --> 00:22:19.100 Of Jesus. 00:22:19.680 --> 00:22:22.320 Before he was incarnated in Bethlehem. 00:22:24.680 --> 00:22:26.800 And notice in chapter 12 where he's positioned. 00:22:28.660 --> 00:22:30.360 Above the waters of the stream. 00:22:30.480 --> 00:22:31.680 I missed that detail. 00:22:32.460 --> 00:22:34.340 After having read it a bunch of times. 00:22:35.180 --> 00:22:37.140 And I just recently noticed. 00:22:37.520 --> 00:22:38.740 He's above the waters of the stream. 00:22:38.980 --> 00:22:39.180 Why? 00:22:39.180 --> 00:22:41.279 Because King Jesus remains still. 00:22:41.620 --> 00:22:43.360 Above the moving waters of time. 00:22:43.779 --> 00:22:44.420 Of history. 00:22:44.660 --> 00:22:45.720 Of world events. 00:22:46.100 --> 00:22:46.779 Of wars. 00:22:46.920 --> 00:22:47.460 Of kings. 00:22:47.799 --> 00:22:48.420 Of kingdoms. 00:22:48.860 --> 00:22:49.960 So this past election. 00:22:50.400 --> 00:22:52.519 This present perpetual outrage. 00:22:52.660 --> 00:22:53.680 That we're immersed in. 00:22:53.759 --> 00:22:54.900 That will all flow downstream. 00:22:56.060 --> 00:22:58.240 But the king and his beauty and majesty. 00:22:58.400 --> 00:23:00.320 And his faithfulness to his church. 00:23:00.539 --> 00:23:01.259 Will remain. 00:23:02.220 --> 00:23:04.160 We titled this sermon series. 00:23:04.440 --> 00:23:06.039 Daniel and the Faithfulness of God. 00:23:06.039 --> 00:23:08.160 Because it's easy to think about this book. 00:23:08.160 --> 00:23:10.279 As about the faithfulness of Daniel. 00:23:10.680 --> 00:23:11.120 It's not. 00:23:11.340 --> 00:23:12.120 It's about this king. 00:23:12.519 --> 00:23:13.940 This king robed in linen. 00:23:14.300 --> 00:23:15.740 Girded with a belt of gold. 00:23:16.100 --> 00:23:17.120 With a face like lightning. 00:23:17.240 --> 00:23:18.380 With eyes like torches. 00:23:18.480 --> 00:23:19.800 With arms and legs like bronze. 00:23:20.019 --> 00:23:21.820 With a voice like the sound of a waterfall. 00:23:21.819 --> 00:23:25.200 It's this king who is the faithful one. 00:23:25.200 --> 00:23:25.919 Not Daniel. 00:23:26.559 --> 00:23:27.359 Well Daniel's faithful. 00:23:27.679 --> 00:23:28.679 But it's about the king. 00:23:29.679 --> 00:23:32.119 When the times seem uncertain and unjust. 00:23:32.500 --> 00:23:34.579 We know that he has appointed the times. 00:23:35.099 --> 00:23:35.980 And he is faithful. 00:23:36.679 --> 00:23:38.159 When things seem grim. 00:23:38.259 --> 00:23:40.019 We know that it's God's faithfulness. 00:23:40.099 --> 00:23:41.619 That is at work behind the veil. 00:23:41.919 --> 00:23:43.980 Working all things for the good of those who love him. 00:23:43.980 --> 00:23:46.720 When we doubt because of our faithlessness. 00:23:47.160 --> 00:23:50.200 He reminds us of his faithfulness to us. 00:23:50.339 --> 00:23:51.559 By pointing to his life. 00:23:51.700 --> 00:23:52.240 His death. 00:23:52.599 --> 00:23:53.339 And his resurrection. 00:23:53.860 --> 00:23:54.759 To our redemption. 00:23:55.599 --> 00:23:57.460 To our own certain resurrection. 00:23:58.440 --> 00:24:00.220 In his righteousness we will triumph. 00:24:01.680 --> 00:24:03.779 In his wisdom we will be wise. 00:24:04.700 --> 00:24:07.460 In his robes we are perfect beauty. 00:24:08.180 --> 00:24:11.140 In his power we will arise. 00:24:11.140 --> 00:24:13.520 In the name of the Father and of the Son. 00:24:14.100 --> 00:24:15.080 And of the Holy Spirit. 00:24:16.080 --> 00:24:16.720 Let's pray. 00:24:16.720 --> 00:24:16.759 Let's pray.