Year of the Bible: Part Eight of TwelveSample

Lions, Leopards, and Bears Plus...

Today's reading shifts from the historical account of Daniel's life in Babylon to an introduction of his prophetic ministry.

Lions, Eagles, Bears, and Leopards: the creatures of Daniel's dream are aggressive, terrifying, and dreadful. Many Bible scholars have interpreted this dream and assigned geopolitical and historical events to these images, but let us focus on Daniel's vision of the throne room where the "Ancient of Days" takes His seat.

Awesome and powerful is the description of this Ancient of Days. Awesome and powerful is the one who sits on the throne, living forever. His description is like none that we have encountered in the scriptures. However, we read that this Ancient of Days sits before a crowd of millions, opening the book of judgment. Reading further confirms that this Ancient of Days gives to the Son of Man the Kingdom that will last forever.

God reveals something significant through Daniel's dream and grants us a glimpse of the heavenly scene when God's final judgment will occur: a judgment that concludes with the Son of Man being given glory and dominion forever.

Question: Do these images confuse, frighten, or inspire you? Do you find yourself wanting or needing to define what the creatures in this dream represent? Do you find yourself fearing or hoping for this day of judgment?

Prayer: Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you about your response to these words of God. Wait on the Lord to hear some words of life from Him. God is pleased when we come to Him with these types of questions.