Bible Pathway - Sept. 17, 2012

Highlights:

Daniel's vision of the beasts; vision of Christ's Kingdom; ram and rough goat vision; vision of seventy weeks.

Daniel spake and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea. And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another. . . . behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven (Dan. 7:2-3,13).

The great sea, driven by opposing winds, represents the confusion and contention that exists in the world. And out of this tempestuous situation four savage beasts arise, depicting the history of the world from the time of Daniel to the Kingdom of Christ. For any who doubt that the prophecies are of God, Daniel is given a great vision of coming world powers. These world powers are remembered still today. If one really needs confirmation for the prophecies in the Word of God, they are either already recorded, or soon will be, in a history book. That is how certain they are. Never doubt the Word of God. It is Truth from cover to cover. For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the Word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in Truth, the Word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe (I Thess. 2:13).

Fifty years before Daniel's vision, these same four great kingdoms were revealed to the proud, worldly-minded Nebuchadnezzar, but from a far different point of view. The king was told: There is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and . . . maketh known to thee what shall come to pass (Dan. 2:28-29).

Nebuchadnezzar had viewed a great and glorious giant figure, representing succeeding world empires that would exist until the end of time. Later, Daniel also had a similar vision (7:23). But to the spiritually-minded prophet, the kingdoms of this world did not appear as a dazzling giant, but as savage beasts that were controlled by the impulses of selfish ambition, cruelty, and strife. Daniel saw humanity as it is when it rejects Christ — degraded and enslaved by its sinful nature. There is no doubt the true believer will have a much different world view than those still in the bondage of sin. The difference is so opposite that we are commanded to not be tied closely to the unbeliever. Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? (II Cor. 6:14).

The god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not (II Cor. 4:4).

Thought for Today:

To some, worldly popularity and power appear as a dazzling giant prize to be gained at any price.

Christ Revealed:

As the Son of Man (Dan. 7:13-14). The Truth of this vision was confirmed by our Lord as He spoke of His promised return. They shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory (Matt. 24:30).

Word Studies:

7:25 wear out, to persecute with purpose of entire annihilation; 7:28 cogitations much troubled, thoughts much bewildered; 8:7 choler, brutal rage; 8:24 wonderfully, with astonishing success; 9:7 confusion of faces, look of shame; 9:25 wall, moat; 9:26 cut off, put to death.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Julia Rhodes • Staff: Ben Wallace • Government Official: Sen. Chuck E. Grassley (IA) • Country: Tibet (province of China) (4.6 million, from 1990 census) in eastern Asia • Major language: Tibetan • The Chinese government is still committed to promoting atheism, while at the same time, officially permitting Lamaism (a form of Buddhism) • 97% Tibetan Buddhist; 1% Muslim; 1% Bon; 1% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Do not be fearful or live in dread of what might happen; trust the Lord to take care of you (Ps. 112:7).

Optional Reading: Revelation 22

Memory Verse for the Week: James 1:5