It took me two weeks after I finished reading the book of Daniel to put up this post. Let’s just say that procrastination is not nice! That said, I’m glad to be sharing part 3 of my lessons from the book of Daniel with you. I also thank God for helping me to start and finish this. It was a lovely time.
As mentioned in part 1 and part 2 (click on them to read the post), I used the 3 weeks reading plan by She Reads Truth as my guide through the book of Daniel. So, here’s what I learnt in week 3. You can click the sub-headings to read the She Reads Truth’s study note on that section.
The Vision of a Ram and a Goat
Reading texts: Daniel 8:1-27, Isaiah 6:1-7, Romans 8:31-39
Daniel had a number of visions and dreams which had a recurring theme. Though it’s easy to get overwhelmed that we may not fully understand what they mean, one truth remains. Evil doesn’t win in the end. Instead, Christ wins. So, no matter the fate that awaits this world, we can remain confident that our victory in Christ is sure.
Also, seeing all the evil that sin brings, we must preach the Gospel with urgency because the end won’t be good for those who don’t believe in Christ.
Daniel’s Prayer
Reading texts: Daniel 9:1-27, 1 Kings 9:6-9, Ephesians 2:1-5
God is just and righteous. He is abundantly compassionate but He also won’t condone unrepentance from sin. The good news is that once we turn to Him and place our faith in Him for righteousness, He saves us from the destruction of sin.
I also like Daniel’s prayer to God to restore Israel for His name’s sake. It reminds me that God answers us when we pray in line with His will.
Angelic Conflict
Reading texts: Daniel 10:1-21, Daniel 11:1-4, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, Ephesians 6:12
I don’t yet fully understand the interpretation of all the visions and dreams that Daniel had but I still learnt from them and you can, too.
In these chapters, we see that there is a spiritual realm that we can’t ignore because it has an impact on the physical realm that we live in. We also see that God hears and answers us when we pray. So, we should pray about everything because He intervenes when we ask Him to.
Kings of the South and the North
Reading texts: Daniel 11:5-45, Ezekiel 20:4-9, Matthew 23:37-39
While in exile, Daniel prophesied about the restoration of Jerusalem. Although the prophecy wouldn’t be fulfilled until many years after, it was certain and came to pass at the appointed time that God said.
Likewise, we have a hope that Jesus is coming back again and His Kingdom will be fully restored forever, with us as a part of that kingdom. However long or short a time it takes, we rejoice and remain confident that it will come to pass because God’s Word is certain.
The End of Days
Reading texts: Daniel 12:1-13, 2 Peter 3:8-13, Revelation 1:4-8
We have an eternal, unfailing and unchanging hope. Jesus is coming back for us. There will be new heavens and a new earth filled with God’s righteousness. This would be our new reality. We hold on to God’s promise because it will be fulfilled.
Again, we must share the Good News of Christ (read more on this here). There would be a final judgment for everyone either to eternal life or eternal condemnation. God doesn’t want anyone to perish so neither should we want that. If so, then we must preach the Gospel with the urgency and commitment it deserves.
On a final note
I trust you’ve been blessed reading my lesson notes. In addition to this, you should read the book of Daniel. You’ll have a lovely time when you do. If you decide to read study notes alongside your Bible, make sure to test the content against the Word of God which is the Truth.
→ Have you read the book of Daniel? If yes, what did you learn?
Let me know in the comment section. If you haven’t read it yet, I hope you do so soon.
Cheers.
P.S. The 3-weeks Daniel reading plan is also available for men on He Reads Truth.
1 comment
Daniel 3:18 The 3 men did not doubt God’s ability but neither did they presume to know His will. They agreed with Job on Job 13:15 that God’s plan might be different than their desires.