The Family Bible Journey Podcast

Oh the dismay of St. John, when there was no one found worthy to open the scroll of God's judgement. But as he wept, the Lamb of God stepped forth to do what no one else could do. John's tears were turned to triumph as this vision unfolds. So too God will turn out tears into triumph when He brings an end to the wickedness of this world.

This chapter describes much of the royal intrigue and fighting between royal families in the inter-testamental period. These rulers were so bad that they even tried to stop God's people from worshiping the Lord. By the end of this chapter we see antichrist fighting against God's people. But by God's power and grace, we are victorious in Christ!

We see a rare window into the spiritual warfare that is raging around us. Daniel was permitted to hear and see a sliver of the eternal battle between good and evil that very few are aware of and even fewer perceive. In this battle, we are protected by the forces of good which will prevail over the forces of evil at work in the world.

The heavenly throne room is filled with God and representatives of His people from the Old and New Testament times. It encourages us, in good times and bad, to know that no matter what happens on earth, God is still on His throne!

As Daniel's visions continue, we don't waste time on vain speculation into hidden meanings. We focus on the hope that comes from knowing we are greatly loved as Daniel was. This hope will not disappoint us in the end, because God will redeem us from all that assails us.

In this vision, powerful enemies of God arise, only to be overthrown by the Lord. These visions are frightening, but they are not meant to terrify us. Instead, they are meant to encourage us because when God's enemies fail, we are delivered from their ruthless power.

Each Church had her own problems, yet the encouragement of the apostle was clear- keep on keeping on! All will see God face to face in the end. Those who persevere to the end will see God smile upon them and their life's work.

We see another vision of the future, with the Kingdom of God supplanting all earthly kingdoms. These visions teach us that God will carry the day for his people, despite the rise and fall of mighty nations. This give us courage and hope, even in trying times, because we know that we will be victorious with God in the end.

Jealous of his great success, Daniel's enemies entrapped the king by getting him to sign an edict that no one in the kingdom could pray to anyone or any god besides the king for thirty days. Faithful Daniel continues to pray in the public eye towards Jerusalem and to his God. For this, he was sentenced to die in the lion's den. But when God miraculously intervened to save Daniel, his enemies wound up dead instead.

John begins Revelation by writing to seven living churches. We do well to heed the warnings given to each of these churches, and find strength of faith for the work we have yet to do.