We have come to the end of our series in the book of Daniel - boy, there was a lot.

What did we learn? What did we not learn? During this series,“Christians, Culture and the Beast”, the parallels between that time and our modern culture and socio-political environment are clear; it’s about power - who wants it and who ultimately grants it. In the end, like Daniel and his friends, we can gratefully say that “we do not need to defend ourselves before [you]” to those who deny the sovereignty, power and greatness of God.

Nothing makes any sense…but yet it does. God continues to give Daniel all sort of visions - strange and glorious all at once. The visions portray the great peril that will be visited upon those who are wicked, but those who possess wisdom and continue in faithfulness… well, that’s a different ending altogether.

"But watch out! Be very careful never to forget what you have seen the LORD do for you. Do not let these things escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them onto your children and grandchildren.” Deuteronomy 4:9

We want to celebrate and encourage the grandparents in our church family who serve as important and often stabilizing forces inside the family unit, providing a consistent example of a godly life.

"I will lie down in peace and sleep, for you alone, O LORD, will keep me safe." Psalm 4:8

Because this world is a scary place, we can rest assured knowing we are in the hands of our Heavenly Father who is says, "go to sleep."

Daniel is given even more interesting insight through an unexpected messenger. The information is very specific - eerily specific - but what does it all mean? What does God have in store for the people still in exile in Babylon?

“For the LORD watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.” Psalm 1:6

Do you know which path you’re on?

Daniel has seen some incredible things - some at the hands of men and some by the hand of God. He knows the people are wretched and lost in their sin and wickedness. Even so, what does Daniel do? He pleads to the LORD on their behalf even though he knows they don’t deserve help because Daniel knows the LORD is merciful. What happens next is God’s emphatic, “I got this.”

The book of Daniel has traveled an interesting and mysterious path, and we have been along for the ride. Beasts and blessings, idols and images and things that prove even stranger than the ones before. What’s it all mean?

The Bible is full of weird and wonderful things… strange visions, miraculous occurrences and all manner of creatures that defy human imagination. Really, the book of Daniel could be AKA ”Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them.” It all makes for a good story, but what do these things have to do with our present, day-to-day faith journey?

“O God, I praise your word. I put my trust in you. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me? “ v. 3-4

“For you have rescued me from death; you have kept my feet from slipping. So now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light.” v. 13

What can man do to me? Turns out, man can do quite a lot. Even so, what a comforting set of book ends for us as we live during this time and place in history.