God Wins (Daniel 12:1-13)

The book of Daniel is a book that has many ups and downs in terms of the prophet's mission. He advances almost to the top while exiled in Babylon. However, he also has some setbacks. At the end of the book we might wonder what to make of all this? What is the purpose to press forward I Christ? We learn in this final chapter that God's providence and care for this creation are not haphazard. The Lord is moving this creation to his goal while working within the confines of a fallen world. The ultimately spoiler of history is that God wins so it is better to bow one's knee before Christ rather than at the end of the age.

Can Man Change God’s Book of Truth? (Daniel 11:2-45)

Sometimes we can read the news or we can survey our current life and wonder if there is a point to this age. We might wonder if God is still in control or if God has abandoned his rule. We might think that Satan has won and the powers or darkness have defeated our God.

This is our perspective, but Daniel assures us that our perspective is wrong. We must remember that God has written history in his book of truth. How does God's book of truth assure our that our victory is sure in Christ? Why is it so comforting that man cannot change God's book of truth? If we understand this Daniel's prophecy we can proceed throughout our life confident that we will prevail because Christ has prevailed.

Joining the Angelic Army (Daniel 10:1-11:2)

We can have sympathy for Daniel's desire to return to the promised land. Daniel wants to worship his God without persecution. He believes the words of Jeremiah, but yet Daniel does not return to the land. Daniel's desire intensifies because when his people do return to the promised land they face intense persecution while rebuilding the temple. How can Daniel cope with the Lord allowing his people to be persecuted when they rebuild the temple? Does God know? Does God care? How does the Lord show the bigger picture of history? Can we take comfort that history's goal is set?

Beyond the Land Promise: 70th Week (Daniel 9:20-27)

We can relate with a desire to return to normalcy, the things that bring us close to God, and our religious traditions that we cherish. The Lord has ripped these things from the Israelites, Daniel has confessed that Israel deserved this consequence, and now he waits upon the Lord. It is in the content of Daniel's confession that Gabriel comes to assure Daniel that the Lord is still working. Gabriel reveals that there is going to be strife and struggle throughout this age for God's people. If there is strife and struggle then why continue in the Christian life? What is so significant about the "strong covenant" in the 70th week?

Praying for Mercy (Daniel 9:1-19)

Daniel has reported to us his visions that he received by the grace of God. It would seem that the vision would be the source of Daniel's comfort and contemplation. This is not the case, but we witness Daniel contemplating Jeremiah's promise. Daniel submits to the word of God rather than appealing to his vision. How does his submission to the word of God and his prayer teach us about confession?

Seeing Under History’s Hood (Daniel 8:1-27)

Our perspective on the world is very limited and one sided. We cannot see the bigger picture of history and the ultimate guidance of the Lord. I am sure that there are times that we can see the Lord's providence at work, but we don't have a handle on the full picture. The Lord pulls back the curtain for Daniel so that he can see what makes history tick. Daniel is troubled and sick as a result of what he sees. How does Daniel's vision ultimately comfort us? How do we see the Lord's continual care for this creation? How do we know that our victory is secured in Christ?

Four Beasts One Lord (Daniel 7:1-28)

Daniel is terrorized by his vision of four ugly beasts. These are strange looking creatures, hybrids of mighty animals, and what man can defeat them? This question is especially relevant for the fourth beast. The last beast is essentially unstoppable leaving Daniel in a state of panic. How can man prevail against such a devious creature? What is our hope today? What do we take away from his vision that gives us hope to continue through today?

Different King, Revised Story, Same Result: Lion's Den (Daniel 6)

This is a new king, but certainly an inferior man of action compared to Nebuchadnezzar. Nebuchadnezzar wanted to witness the men going against his decree, but Darius throws Daniel into the lions den based on hearsay. He ends up being tormented during the night while Nebuchadnezzar can watch the burning furnace with curiosity. Is the Lord able to deliver his people from such a tormentor? How can we in our current circumstances take comfort in this old familiar story?

The Writing on the Wall (Daniel 5:1-31)

Nebuchadnezzar is dead and now there is a new king. This king Belshazzar rides the coat tails of Nebuchadnezzar. Will this man take to heart the reality that pride goes before the fall? Will the Lord be able to show that his will is the will and this empire will not rival heaven? Will Belshazzar understand the writing on the wall?

Humbling Babel (Daniel 4:1-37)

King Nebuchadnezzar was not humbled by his first dream. Instead, he builds a great statue decreeing that the empire bows down to the statue. It is a commemoration and celebration that the Babelites had achieved their goal. Now, there is another dream that torments the king. This is a dream that communicates the king will lose his mind and be like the beasts of the field. Will this dream humble the king?

The True God Saves (Daniel 3:1-30)

The Lord revealed to Nebuchadnezzar in a dream and through the Lord's prophet Daniel that Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom will not endure forever. Nebuchadnezzar might think that he is on top of the world and the ruler over the empire that is truly the gateway of the gods. The Lord will show Nebuchadnezzar that Nebuchadnezzar does not lead God around on a leash, but the Lord shows his ability to save the utmost unlike any dumb idol.

The King Nightmare (Daniel 2:1-23)

Nebuchadnezzar is used to getting his way and setting the terms of his reign. He has conquered nations, gods, and has plundered their temples. However, there is one thing that haunts the king. There is one tormentor that needs to silenced. He needs to know how to silence this one who is greater than the world ruler. Will he find this tormentor? Who can reveal the great mysteries that plague this king?

Which Lord Prevails? (Daniel 1:1-21)

Jerusalem's fall is a tragic event. It is an event where a tyrannical king, the king who sees himself as a lord who rivals the true Lord, and it seems that the Lord's redemptive program has fallen flat. Is the Tower of Babel destined to penetrate the heavenly fortress? How does Daniel 1 encourage us to see that God is still sovereign in the midst of Judah's turmoil? Can God overcome those who realize the ideal of fallen man?