Even If
One Year Bible: November 30
Daniel 7:1-28
EVEN IF
Are you a “What If-fer?”
You know what I mean. “What if this” and “What if that”? And on and on and on.
“What if” is a cousin to “Why me”?.
Both are dreary questions that lead us to an emotional “fiery furnace” and “lion’s den”. We fear the worst! Yet, Daniel actually faced THE WORST!! Daniel had already been in the lion’s den and his three buddies had been in the fiery furnace while he could do nothing to stop it.
However, there was a fourth man in the fire, and then a hand that closed the lion’s mouth.
Can you imagine spending the entire night in the lion’s den? We think a restless night of tossing and turning while laying on our Tempurpedic mattress is a tough way to go! Daniel, stood strong confident that his God was greater!
But, in the seventh chapter of Daniel, we find this very same man who was rescued from the lion's den is now TERRIFIED! In Daniel 7:15-28 we learn that Daniel’s nighttime visions are so overwhelming and troubling that Daniel was unable to interpret them like he could all the others and that he was distressed by “the fourth beast, which was different than all the others and extremely terrifying”. (7:19)
His first vision in this chapter aligns very closely with the vision that he interpreted for King Nebuchadnezzar about the world powers and how God could reduce even a king like that to madness when needed. The bottom line was and is… God is over all nations!
Daniel knew this fact and personally understood it. In fact, he demonstrated his understanding of this fact when he spoke to the king after his night in the lion’s den.
So, what has this rock of a man trembling now with this second vision?
He saw a fourth beast that was terrifying. Then he saw someone “like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence. He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world so that people of every race and nation, and language would obey him. His rule is eternal--it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed.” (7:13Ff)
Nonetheless, Daniel was terrified and verse 16 tells us that he “approached one of those standing beside the throne and asked him what it all meant.” (An angel?)
What troubled Daniel so much was that this “fourth beast” was waging war against God’s holy people and was DEFEATING THEM.
UNTIL… the Ancient One, the Most High, came and judged in favor of his holy people.
THEN… the time arrived for the holy people to take over the kingdom. (7:22)
How will this “fourth beast” (referred to by most theologians as the antichrist) “devour the whole world, trampling and crushing everything in its path”? (7:23)
“He will defy the Most High and oppress the holy people of the Most High. He will try to change their sacred festivals and laws, and they will be placed under his control FOR A TIME, TIMES, and HALF TIME”. (7: 25)
This disturbing war on the saints refers to the people of God living on earth during this time of tribulation, and some will die for their faith. (14:9-13)
How long will this desperate time last? “Time, Times, and Half A Time” according to Dan. 7:25, and Revelation 13:5, his dictatorship will last for three and a half years. (42 months, 1,260 days). Too long, yet, within God’s Lordship to overthrow the kingdom of Satan for all eternity!
What is Daniel’s reaction to this last vision? We are told that his face grows pale and he is greatly troubled. In upcoming chapters, we will learn that Daniel becomes ill and unable to work after this last vision. Does he not know of the outcome of this situation? Yes, indeed he does, as it was explained to him. Nonetheless, like Jesus weeping at the grave of Lazarus he is greatly affected, and so should we be as well.
To watch evil harm the people of God and not weep for the things that break God’s heart would be unfathomable!
This chapter ends with these words, “I, Daniel, was terrified by my thoughts and my face was pale with fear, but I kept these things to myself.” (7:28)
Why do you think that Daniel kept these terrifying images to himself?
It is interesting that Daniel had visions but he wrote no series of novels and directed no movies. He took this information and did nothing to make it “sensational”. Instead, he was terrified, pale, and sick over what the enemy was planning to do.
What if? Why me”... any of these would have been excellent titles for his novel or movie series.
Yet, just like his friends who were thrown into the fiery furnace, I am pretty sure that the phrase that he continued to live by was, “EVEN IF”.
“If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” (Daniel 3)
Here is my take on the last days, my dear sisters. Terrifying Times indeed! I grow pale and my heart hurts to see the schemes unfolding. Do you remember Daniel 7:25 where it reveals the plan of the evil one to overtake us? “He will try to change their sacred festivals and laws, and they will be placed under his control.” For a season…
“What if” and “Why me?” Fears need an “EVEN IF” Faith!
Will we bow to the one who seeks to overtake God’s laws, celebrations, and seeks God’s worship? Or will we respond like Daniel and his three friends?
When all is said and done, THE ANCIENT OF DAYS will be TRIUMPHANT! The greater question is will we be TRIUMPHANT standing with HIM and for HIM.
“EVEN IF”!
