PROPHET DANIEL

Angel Gabriel descended gracefully towards Prophet Daniel as he knelt with his hands lifted towards Jerusalem. The prophet’s face was still moist with tears of repentance. “As soon as you began to pray, an answer was given, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed,” the heavenly visitor spoke.

It was a moment of intense grieving for many Israelites who were exiled by the Babylonians. Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed. By the river of Babylon they would sit and cry. Yet even amongst the exile, many still rebelled against God’s Word to submit to chastisement. Prophets like Jeremiah and Ezekiel were voices of God that often went unheeded. But Daniel understood Jeremiah’s 70-year exile message and he knew that God alone would have the final say. Instead of rising to complain, Daniel went down on his knees. God often revealed his plans to those who sought him earnestly and Daniel knew the secret to God’s secrets: prayer.

From day one when he became the first group to be taken to Babylon, Daniel kept his faith in Yahweh intact. The idolatrous and gluttonous cultures of the day were perpetually shunned by him and some of his Israelite friends. And as he continued to surrender to God, Daniel rose to great prominence in the palace of the king. Magicians, enchanters, sorcerers and astrologers all were not in his league when God empowered Daniel. Even King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon turned to Daniel for counsel! What a transformation, from an exile to being an advisor of the palace!

Prophet Daniel's adventurous life continued to rumble the Babylonians. Yet, he never kept any glory for himself but always lifted up the name of Yahweh! Daniel’s dream was to let the nations know that his God was in control and always would be. Nothing could stop Daniel from realising his dream, no furnace of fire, and no lions!

The solid character of Daniel made him the perfect choice to more of God’s visions and the revealing of the future. Never in a time had God revealed so much to a single prophet with such clear predictions of future happenings in the world. Daniel was privileged to view future kingdoms of Persia and Medes, Greece, Romans and also the last coordinated world kingdoms. In fact, the prophet even saw the eternal kingdom of God triumphed over the kingdoms of the world! He saw God's Messiah set forth his everlasting kingdom!

Daniel proclaimed victoriously, "In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed”.

Overwhelmed with such intensity of those prophecies, Daniel was understandably perplexed. Although God would ultimately triumph, it would not be without bloodshed and destruction of many people. An abomination of desolation, a great tribulation had been pronounced in Jerusalem before the finest hour of the Messiah! However, on that day, deliverance would come to all righteous believers!

God declared, "At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people--everyone whose name is found written in the book--will be delivered.”

Daniel could not understand everything that he prophesied because it concerned the end of time. But God left words for all who were willing to listen and obey, “Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand.”

Finally, God gave a final assurance for all righteous people, especially for his beloved prophet, "As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance."

What would Prophet Daniel say to us if he were to be alive today?

1. Prayer works! God answers prayers!
2. No matter how difficult or dangerous circumstances may be, keep your faith in God and you will be rewarded.
3. Our God controls the nations today, tomorrow and the end of time!
4. The righteous can rest secure even when the world falls into absolute turmoil.
5. The eternal inheritance in heaven is waiting for all who serve God and giving Him glory on the earth.

Next: Prophet Obadiah
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