It Concerned a Great War

Daniel 10:1-6 In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, a revelation was given to Daniel (who was called Belteshazzar). Its message was true and it concerned a great war. The understanding of the message came to him in a vision. 2 At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. 3 I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over. 4 On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river, the Tigris, 5 I looked up and there before me was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of the finest gold around his waist. 6 His body was like chrysolite, 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.
 
WE are about to embark on the study of Daniel’s final vision in chapters 10-12. Taking appropriate steps through the images and interpretations, the Holy Spirit, as always, will help us understand what we are to know. Remember, to know is to receive knowledge that translates into action. Let’s pray we actively respond to God as we come to know what he teaches us.
    As with all visions, Daniel gives us the time God comes to him. This helps us to understand the visions’ meanings throughout, and it will do so here. We can trust Daniel’s words. God has anointed him to know and to obey.
    In the third year of Cyrus, the Jews were returning to Jerusalem. Daniel did not accompany them. We can consider the Lord God still had work for him in Persia. He would no longer be considered an exile but an honored member of Persia’s government. It is good to have God’s people in such authority.
    But then he sees a distressing view of Jerusalem’s future. At a time when Daniel surely hoped his people would live in peace, he learns otherwise. He quickly knew this new message concerned a great war. In response he fasts and mourns for three weeks.
    It is likely Gabriel has returned to him. Or it could be another angel. No matter, Daniel sees the holy splendor of heaven in God’s messenger. The LORD God continues to favor his faithful servant.
    One lesson here is that knowledge can cause distress. We look around us to see there is a great spiritual war. This continual opposition to God may cause us to grieve, to fast, to mourn and to lose hope. But we must focus on God’s glory, so we know ultimate victory comes in Jesus Christ. Regardless of worldly troubles, as we are in Christ we will one day see heaven’s splendor. Be firm and steadfast. Live in joy, knowing your God.
 
Revelation 22:5 There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.