The Family Bible Journey Podcast

The seven seals contain terrifying visions of the tribulations and desolations that will rock the earth when God judges. We need not be terrified because these tribulations will bring an end to suffering and all that assials us.

Hosea was a prophet who married a prostitute, to show God's people the depth of their sin and the depth of God's love. Lots of this book doesn't make sense, but sometimes love doesn't make sense.

All will rise from the dead at the end of time. Some to life. Others to death. As God's people, we live our lives in light of everlasting life, striving to shine like stars forever by filling heaven with people we bless with God's redeeming love.

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.