LESSONS DANIEL LEARNS FROM HIS HEAVENLY VISION
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“As I was standing on the bank of the great river, the Tigris, I looked up and there before me was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. His body was like topaz, his face like lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude.” – Daniel 10:4-6
† Daniel encounters Jesus, the King of Glory
The prophet Daniel is now in his later years, still an exile in Babylon. One day, he experiences a glorious vision… a Christophany… a preincarnate appearance of Christ in all His glory. Daniel’s description of this supernatural vision bears a remarkable resemblance to the apostle John’s vision of the glorified Christ in the throne room of God…
“Among the lampstands was someone like a Son of Man, dressed in a robe reaching down to His feet and with a golden sash around His chest. The hair on His head was white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and His voice was like the sound of rushing waters… His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.” – Revelation 1:13-16
In both visions, Jesus shines with the light of His glory (Matthew 17:2)… the exact image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15). His authority and omnipotence are irrefutable. He is arrayed in priestly garments, manifesting His absolute purity and holiness. Jesus is our Great High Priest who has ascended into heaven (Hebrews 4:14). He invites us to come boldly to His throne of grace.
“Daniel, you who are highly esteemed, consider carefully the words I am about to speak to you, and stand up, for I have now been sent to you.” – Daniel 10:11
† Daniel receives heavenly revelation
Daniel’s encounter with the radiant holiness of Christ has left him pale, shaken and without strength. Some suggest that a high-ranking angel, perhaps Gabriel, has accompanied Jesus on this mission. Daniel is asked to stand and listen closely to the words of great magnitude he is set to hear.
Jesus asks us to listen to Him. For He is the Word become flesh, full of grace and truth (John 1:14). He shares with us His revelatory knowledge to navigate our paths. His words are spirit and life (John 6:63). They are life-giving and transforming, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
“Do not be afraid, Daniel.” – Daniel 10:12
† Daniel needs not fear
Daniel receives comfort from these heartening words. The troubling times, the uncertainty of the fate of his fellow exiles has put him in mourning. Yet he receives assurance that God’s sovereign authority and powerful might will protect him in future trials.
Jesus comforts us with His presence. How often we read of Him telling His followers not to fear. He is absolutely sovereign over people and events (Ephesians 1:22). He upholds the universe by His powerful word (Hebrews 1:3). Our faith in Him overcomes our fear. For if we are His, we are protected.
“Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.” – Daniel 10:12
† Daniel’s prayers are heard and acted upon
Daniel seeks God’s divine guidance. A discomforting vision earlier left him grieving over the future of God’s people, the Israelites. He has humbled himself, spending three weeks in earnest prayer and fasting. His prayers have been honored with a heavenly and glorious response.
Jesus honors and responds to our prayers. When we long to draw closer to Him… when we seek His will and surrender to Him… nothing can block our prayers (John 16:24). He calls us to pray with persistence (Luke 18:1). For our petitions are being acted upon, even when we can see no change (Isaiah 65:24).
“’How can I, your servant, talk with you, my lord? My strength is gone and I can hardly breathe.’ Again the one who looked like a man touched me and gave me strength.” – Daniel 10:17-18
† Daniel is strengthened for the times ahead
Daniel receives strength to rise and hear the words of prophecy… prophecy of future times, and the trouble and conflict that awaits his nation, Israel. He will need to be strong in the Lord for the times to come.
Jesus imparts strength to help His faithful ones endure (Philippians 4:13). He fortifies our faith to carry on. For He is the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). The future may seem uncertain and unsettled. Yet we can trust in His loving, abiding presence (Romans 8:39).
“Do not be afraid, you who are highly precious… Peace be with you! Be strong now; be very strong!” – Daniel 10:19
† Daniel receives the peace of God
Daniel learns he is a cherished child of God. These words of admiration must have touched his heart deeply. He receives the peace that transcends all understanding… and the encouragement to be very strong.
Jesus gives His followers peace… peace as only He can give. This beloved verse can be invaluable in times of trial. Our hearts need not be troubled or afraid (John 14:27). For we are treasured by our Lord. As we lean on Him, we are strong (1 Peter 5:10).
“I will tell you what is written in the Book of Truth.” – Daniel 10:21
† Daniel learns God’s Truth
Daniel is valued in God’s eyes, making him worthy to hear His truth… the prophecies, the providential plans, the divine purposes that will unfold. Daniel is destined to be enlightened with the knowledge of the prophetic fate of the chosen nation of Israel.
Jesus illuminates the truth to us. He is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). The Spirit of truth abides with us (John 14:17). God has written down His divine truth for us in His Word, the Bible… His cherished gift to us. By it we are sanctified (John 17:17) For God is the source of all truth (Isaiah 45:19).
