Daniel’s Vision of Future Events

Read: Daniel 10-11

Daniel is given an incredible vision that covers many events that will unfold, kings that rise and fall, powerful people that come and go. The conclusion is stated a number of times, “but only for a time…for it will still come at the appointed time.” In the end, after it’s all said and done, God’s plan will prevail. That doesn’t give us a reason to gloat for many who seem wise today will look foolish in the end. My advice is to listen for the Lord’s voice in these words and follow the prompting of the Spirit as you hear them in your heart.

From the NIV Study Bible notes, “Many feel that these verses speak of conflicts to be waged between the antichrist and his political enemies. He will meet his end ‘at the beautiful holy mountain” (Daniel 11:45), Jerusalem’s temple mount, perhaps in connection with the battle of Armageddon’.”

I looked up and there before me was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. His body was like topaz, his face like lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude. Daniel 10:5-6

Daniel falls to the ground, as I’m sure I would if such a vision were to enter my mind, but the man encourages him to get up and listen.

Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. Daniel 10:12

Daniel’s fasting and prayers gave Michael strength in his battle against the enemy. This reminds me of Frank Peretti’s, books, This Present Darkness and Piercing the Darkness, fiction writing that tries to capture such visions in a contemporary setting. Prayer matters.

The vision continues to be explained:

Then the king of the North will come and build up siege ramps and will capture a fortified city. The forces of the South will be powerless to resist; even their best troops will not have the strength to stand. The invader will do as he pleases; no one will be able to stand against him. He will establish himself in the Beautiful Land and will have the power to destroy it. Daniel 11:15-16

“He will be succeeded by a contemptible person who has not been given the honor of royalty. He will invade the kingdom when its people feel secure, and he will seize it through intrigue. Then an overwhelming army will be swept away before him; both it and a prince of the covenant will be destroyed. Daniel 11:21-22

With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him. Daniel 11:32

Satan will not pleased with any progress in this direction. We read words that point to that day when the Antichrist will attempt to rule all.

He will pitch his royal tents between the seas at the beautiful holy mountain. Yet he will come to his end, and no one will help him. Daniel 11:45

How well do we know the voice of God? We are given a most valuable gift in a book that gathers dust in most homes: the Bible. Within its covers the voice of God is heard in each passing page, story, allegory, psalm and historical context. The Bible isn’t to be worshiped, it is not an idol. Rather, it is a tool to be used to support our mission to the world, the dying world, that needs the light of Jesus. The more I read and allow the Spirit to speak within me, the more I gain his perspective. I’m far from getting this right, but I’m confident this is the right path.

His end will come. Rest assured, Christ wins in the end.