Among LionsSample

CONTEXT: Daniel describes his dream by introducing us to The Ancient of Days.

Have you ever been completely distracted by something, just to find out later that it wasn’t the most important piece of the puzzle or story? Maybe it was a character in a book or movie that you were fixated on just to discover they weren’t as important as you thought. With the bizarre descriptions of the beasts, it might be easy to miss the most important part of what God is trying to tell Daniel and us.

Daniel’s focus shifts from the four ferocious beasts to a new character he calls The Ancient of Days, which is God Himself. This is the only time in the Bible that this name refers to God. Daniel specifically uses it to describe the eternal nature of God, who has no beginning or end.

Eternal and infinite are difficult concepts for us to understand. Not only is God eternal, but so is everything about Him - His wisdom, love, power, and authority. Nothing has ever happened outside God’s will or knowledge, nor will it in the future.

Daniel also described the Son of Man, who comes into the presence of the Ancient of Days and is given all authority, glory, and power. He goes on to learn that everyone on earth will worship the Son of Man. The Son of Man is Jesus. In fact, Jesus refers to himself this way in the New Testament.

There were centuries between when Daniel had his dream, and God sent Jesus to earth to bring salvation. Even during the gap, we see that God was always in control. There was no need for man to worry then, just like there’s no need for us to be worried by the world today. We don’t need to be distracted by the things happening around us. Instead, we can focus on the One who holds tomorrow in His hands and trust that He is in control.

CONSIDER THIS:

1. What is going on in your life that causes you to get easily distracted?

2. Do you find comfort and peace knowing God is eternal? Why or why not?

3. Write an honest prayer expressing your feelings about God’s everlasting love for you.