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September 17th

The bible reading today is in Daniel chapters 10-12.

The 10th chapter of Daniel includes a close-up picture of Daniel before the Lord in prayer and fasting. An appearance of Christ to Daniel, and the effects it had upon him...including spiritual and physical strength and encouragement along with an anticipation of what the future held for Israel.

“On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river ( that is, the Tigris)

Daniel was with friends down by the riverside. The banks of the fast-flowing Tigris. I can imagine food and drink and conversation about the Savior God who saved their ancestors from Egyptian bondage. It was the time of year when the Judeans used to observe the Passover feast.

Then...“I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, a man clothed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist.”

‭‭Daniel‬ ‭10:4-5‬ ‭

Jesus shows himself to Daniel in human form, dressed in linen, the garment of a priest. A precursor to his ministry of offering up “the” sacrifice for sins...Himself. This was not Gabriel or Michael the ArchAngels. This was the Messiah promised to Israel and to all who would believe.

“His face” the appearance of lightning. In one sense, terrorizing, yet in another sense glorious and generous with light in darkness. Illuminating the grace and mercy and comfort that comes from Him to his people of faith. Not perfect faith...childlike dependence.

“Jesus’ voice” in words of his promises of pardon, peace, righteousness, life, and salvation, gracious and precious promises to his people. And though Daniel was the only one to see and hear the vision, his friends experienced a great quaking beneath their feet, and the fled in terror.

Sounds like Acts and the first days of the church on mission.

“Then he (Gabriel) said to me, “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words. The prince of the kingdom of Persia (Satan) withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia, and came to make you understand what is to happen to your people in the latter days. For the vision is for days yet to come.”

‭‭Daniel‬ ‭10:12-14‬ ‭ESV‬‬

And those days yet to come?....“At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book.”

‭‭Daniel‬ ‭12:1‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Daniel wanted more specifics on the future for his country. But Daniel, called beloved, was told to shut up and seal the book until a time when it shall be better understood.

Daniel was told that Israel was in for a time of great trouble in the end times. Jesus would call it Jacob’s trouble or the great tribulation.

The good news, from Daniel to Israel?...“And I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream; he raised his right hand and his left hand toward heaven and swore by him who lives forever that it this great trouble for Israel would be for a time, times, and half a time/3 1/2 years, and that when the breaking of the holy people comes to an end all these things would be finished. But go your way till the end. And you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days.”

‭‭Daniel‬ ‭12:7, 13‬ ‭

Resurrection and 1000 yr reign with Christ on the earth for all who believe, especially including Jews who finally came to believe Jesus.

Oh, and we will be their friends. It's going to be awesome!

Have a great day