Category: Daniel

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

This is the second section of Daniel, dealing with his visions and dreams. Notice a similar vision of God as Ezekiel. Notice too that the Apostle John uses verses 9, 10 in Revelation 4. You will see other verses as well. Whose kingdom will last?

SJA Notes

* Mighty God, thank You for Your word to us. Please write it on our hearts today.

“… And behold, with the clouds of heaven, there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him.”

What a vision this is, Daniel sees Jesus! Hundreds of years before our Saviour was born on earth, here He is!

The Son being presented to the Father.

In the new testament book, the last book, Revelation chapter 1 we read of John’s vision,

“Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the lampstands one like the son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest.”

Jesus called Himself the Son of Man. _THE_ Son of Man. He knew Daniel’s vision, and He spoke with John in a similar vision. He made and staked His claim as THE SON OF MAN.

We read on in Revelation,

“In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.”

Our King shines like the sun – HE IS LIGHT!

And our King, His weapon is the same as what is given to us. God’s word. The two-edged sword, our one offensive weapon.

Let us be people of His Word!

* Father God,

We come before You Lord, please humble us today and onwards.

Please put within us and grow a desire for Your word.

That we might be a people of obedience to You, for You have saved us.

What else have we to do Lord? Who else have we to go to, for You have the words of eternal life!

Amen.

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

This is more than just a good story. God is revealed to Darius in such a way that he fears and reveres Him. What special knowledge about God can you glean?

SJA Notes

* Father God, please show us Your truth today.

“When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.”

See the mark of faithfully walking before the Lord!

Daniel lived in a society that could turn on a dime in terms of safety and security, a law manufactured to appeal to the pride of the king but with revealed murderous intent – A law like this could be passed and upheld.

What did Daniel do when he heard about this new law, so obviously put into place to entrap him?

Did he go into hiding?

Did he try and find a way to appear like a chameleon, tricking his enemies?

Did he go before the king and plead his case?

No.

Daniel behaved in the same way he had previously, faithful and true.

This is a word for us today.

God will provide. His sovereign will prevails. Our King is reigning above all powers and principalities, whether on earth on in heaven – God reigns them all.

What have we to do then but to follow the example of Daniel, and continue to walk in our daily spiritual disciplines of prayer and the word, even while the society around us might be raising its laws against God’s people.

We can be encouraged today in what we are about here – Prayer with our God and writing His Word upon our hearts.

* Faithful God,

Thank You that You prevail over any machination raised. There is no power or plan that can trump You.

Thank You that we can rest in Your steadfast love and faithfulness without end.

Please mark us as a faithful people Lord God, of prayer and Your word.

Amen.

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

Belshazzar treats the LORD with contempt as the idol of a conquered nation, though he knows his grandfather’s history and his declaration. He and his guests eat from the Jerusalem Temple’s plates and dishes. Daniel is the only one who can interpret God’s revelation. What was Belshazzar’s sin? (v.22,23)

SJA Notes

* Dear God, thank You for Your word. Please show us truth today.

“And you his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, though you knew all this, but you have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven.”

Belshazzar, the son of Nebuchadnezzar, failed to learn from his father’s journey.

He chose to reject the wisdom his father learned.

God is not to be mocked. God is not slow to bring about His will as we might consider slowness (see 2 Peter 3).

Belshazzar knew how God had worked in his father’s life and chose to turn away.

Our sin is our own.

Salvation is not won through biological bloodlines or dint of power or wealth or fame.

Our sin is our own.

We cannot blame another for our sin or for the consequences that come.

But our salvation, it was won for us through the work of Jesus on a wooden cross two thousand years ago.

Belshazzar knew the truth of God and decided to walk another path.

Do not be like Belshazzar!

The final day will come. And you are either found in Jesus or found wanting.

Jesus is the key. Be found in Him.

* Father God Above,

Thank You that You save us from our sin and from the just punishment for our sin.

Thank You for giving us escape and refuge, rescue and redemption.

Thank You for Jesus.

Amen.