Sunday we wrapped up Daniel by looking at the visions and dreams section of the book. Admittedly, it’s one of the more bizarre sections of scripture. There’s no way around that. Apocalyptic literature is difficult to deal with.

I’m not prone to dive head first into figuring out every symbol and number, but I also think it’s not wise to just throw up your hands and say, ‘It will all just pan out in end!” either. Sunday, I outlined 4 general truths about the visions and dreams in Daniel.

There will be constant turmoil in the world.
Earthly powers and kingdoms will struggle and fight about earthly power and prestige. One will follow the other, and the idea of world peace or a place on earth for real peace with humanity at the center of it is never going to happen.

The godly will be persecuted.
The faithful should expect things to get worse in terms of how the culture lives and how they treat Christ-followers. Jesus says the same in the Sermon on the Mount. It’s just further proof that there is no earthly system or philosophy of government that fully represents God. No political party or governing body has God’s heart and interest at its core. It has self-preservation at its core. All of them.

It’s not all bad news though…

God is still working.
God is still sovereign.
In every vision in Scripture, God reminds us that even though it looks like things are spinning out of control, He has a plan. He is working. He has not given up on humanity.

God sent the Israelites into the desert. God sent Judah to exile. Jesus sent his followers into hard places. What God has consistently shown in the Scriptures is that He is singularly focused on bringing the Kingdom to a reality by transforming individual hearts, not with grand displays of power and might.

He is more concerned about forming character, not our comfort or happiness. He’s focused on a grander story. And make no mistake, He is the one writing the story.

I wish I had added a 5th truth to my message about apocalyptic literature in Scripture. There’s another truth that is echoed again and again. We find this in Daniel and in Revelation.

It’s the Son who takes center stage.
With all the craziness that is described in both Daniel and Revelation, with all the power plays and beasts, with all the mayhem – it’s pretty easy to get overwhelmed and insecure. It’s understandable why some people have become doomsday preppers. I get it.

But the one thing that God doesn’t waver on in the telling of His story is that one way or another, Jesus will get the last word. He will. He will get it not by power or intimidation. He will get it, because he is the only holy and righteous being whose motives can’t be questioned. His power comes from His righteousness.

So humanity will have one of two options on that day of the Lord. Either bow at Jesus’ feet in adoration OR bow at His feet due to the inability to stand. The former is worship. And for many, it will be the full meal of what a lifetime of tastes have hinted at. The latter will be a statement of defeat. They will see the utter futility of their life apart from Jesus.

What Daniel shows us is that a life following God is a life well lived. Regardless of the exile we may find ourselves in.