Crumbs 72

 

This contains some thoughts on Daniel 8

Crumbs from the Master ‘s Table 72

The Ram and the Goat

Scripture Daniel 8:23-27 New International Version

23 “In the latter part of their reign, when rebels have become completely wicked, a fierce-looking king, a master of intrigue, will arise. 24 He will become very strong, but not by his own power. He will cause astounding devastation and will succeed in whatever he does. He will destroy those who are mighty, the holy people. 25 He will cause deceit to prosper, and he will consider himself superior. When they feel secure, he will destroy many and take his stand against the Prince of princes. Yet he will be destroyed, but not by human power. 26 “The vision of the evenings and mornings that has been given you is true, but seal up the vision, for it concerns the distant future.” 27 I, Daniel, was worn out. I lay exhausted for several days. Then I got up and went about the king’s business. I was appalled by the vision; it was beyond understanding.

Crumbs I be fair flummoxed .If a man like Daniel is prostrated by this vision what chance have we? We do not always remember the high price some of the prophets paid for bearing the Word of God. Today there is often a high price for those who answer the call to minister the Word. Such a call should not be answered glibly and those who respond treated with love and respect. It seems to me that this vision points to the emergence of Greece as a world power and hence the hegemony of the western world. This vision was for the remote future. It was sealed but our Lord’s use of Daniel indicates that it has been divinely unsealed. (Matthew 24:15 ) Understanding the detail eludes me but we may appreciate the vision in terms ‘s of the general teaching about the end times. There is a lesson from both testaments. We ought to live lives appropriate for the coming of the Lord and the end. 1 John 3:3 Approaching these prophecies I have looked for the hand of God and the Messiah. Here we see however great the enormity of man’s sin however opposed to Christ our Father is sovereign and He conquers

Questions1. How should we treat ministers of the Word ? 2. How should we use Scripture to understand our present world ? 3. What do we learn of the Lord Jesus from this passage ?