Daniel 7:15, 8:15-16, 9:22-23, 10:12 (NKJV) — 7:15 “I, Daniel, was grieved in my spirit within my body, and the visions of my head troubled me. 7:16 I came near to one of those who stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me and made known to me the interpretation of these things: 8:15 Then it happened, when I, Daniel, had seen the vision and was seeking the meaning, that suddenly there stood before me one having the appearance of a man. 8:16 And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of the Ulai, who called, and said, “Gabriel, make this man understand the vision.” 9:22 “O Daniel, I have now come forth to give you skill to understand. 9:23 At the beginning of your supplications the command went out, and I have come to tell you, for you are greatly beloved; therefore consider the matter, and understand the vision: 10:12 Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words.

These scriptures show us that whenever Daniel had visions, or even in earlier chapters when he interpreted dreams, God made known to Daniel the meanings every time Daniel asked. God does not want to leave us uninformed about what is to come. He graciously shares His future plan with us and helps us with understanding when we seek Him. 

With Daniel as your example how can you receive clarity of God’s revelations to you and what assurances do you gain by knowing God’s future plans?

How can the knowledge of God’s future plans for the end times help you live today and how should you live today looking ahead to eternity?

Daniel 10:2, 9:3, 9:5, 7:15, 7:28  (NKJV) — 10:2 In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. 9:3 Then I set my face toward the Lord God to make request by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes… 9:5 we have sinned and committed iniquity, we have done wickedly and rebelled, even by departing from Your precepts and Your judgments. 7:15 “I, Daniel, was grieved in my spirit within my body, and the visions of my head troubled me. 7:28 “This is the end of the account. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts greatly troubled me, and my countenance changed; but I kept the matter in my heart.”

Daniel’s people had a pattern of sinning against God, ignoring God when He called them to repentance, and being judged by God. Daniel showed concern for his people and took the burden of confession and supplication to the Lord upon himself. Daniel didn’t take the sins of the people on himself but felt a responsibility to call out to the Lord on behalf of his people. As Christians we should feel concern for others, especially those who are lost. Praying for others and asking the Lord to show you how to have concern for others will honor and bring joy to the Lord. You also will receive blessings when you take others burdens upon yourself.

Who can you take responsibility for by calling out to the Lord and whose burdens can you take upon yourself today?

Daniel 12:1-3, 13  (NKJV) — 1 “At that time Michael shall stand up, The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; And there shall be a time of trouble, Such as never was since there was a nation, Even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, Every one who is found written in the book. 2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever. 13 “But you, go your way till the end; for you shall rest, and will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days.” 

Daniel has revealed to us through his book many fulfilled prophecies: the dreams of Nebuchadnezzar (ch. 1-5), the writing on the wall with Belshazzar (ch. 6), the vision of the 4 beasts (ch.7), the vision of the ram and the goat (ch. 8), the 70 weeks prophecy (ch. 9), the vision of the glorious man and prophecies of Persia & Greece (ch. 10), prophecies of warring between the north and south kingdoms (ch. 11), and finally the prophecy of the end times (ch. 12). The 100% accuracy of Daniel’s prophecies that have been fulfilled gives us assurance that the prophecies to come will absolutely happen. The 100% accuracy of the prophecies in Daniel proves the Bible to be credible, accurate, and the living Word of God. Pastor Weston gave us 3 main takeaways from the Book of Daniel:

1) God’s Kingdom is greater than any other Kingdom (fear of the Lord, reverence)

2) God knows and has control over history and the future (increased trust and faith)

3) God will establish His Kingdom and it will last forever (our future Hope)

How can the knowledge that the Bible, God’s Word, is 100% accurate and true help you today?

Besides God’s Word, when you are confused, don’t understand, or want clarity, what other resources do you have to help you?