“Hitherto is the end of the matter. As for me Daniel, my cogitations much troubled me, and my countenance changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart” (Daniel 7:28).

As we study something as profound as the prophecies of Daniel we might be very quick to pass over some of the details such as this one. We generally spend a lot of time in studying the text of the prophecy itself! And of course, that is all right and good. We ought to be diligent in studying that message from God. But, let us not be so quick to easily forget that the Holy Spirit saw fit through Daniel to reveal the feelings of Daniel in relation to this vision as well.

There was something so incredible about receiving this vision from God that Daniel was left feeling “troubled” by his thoughts on the matter. His “countenance” was changed in him. But still, he kept the matter in his heart–to ponder it over and to not just reveal it to everyone as of yet. The prophet needed some time to reflect on what was just shown to him.

Previously, Daniel had received night visions and dreams from God, such as with those found in Daniel 2 and 4. However, this particular vision was quite troubling for Daniel! Something about this vision really struck the heart of Daniel and brought some troubles and concerns to his mind. This vision, perhaps even more than the previous ones, was a life changing experience for Daniel! He was troubled by it and his countenance–the face of his heart was changed within him (though he tried to hide the matter in his heart for a while). Something about Daniel’s outlook on life was now changed forever after experiencing this particular vision. It had quite a deep and important message to be shared with all the world, and Daniel knew that it carried with it a very great significance!

There are some lessons that we can take away from this and apply to our own life. First of all, have you experienced some truly life-changing encounters with God? Daniel had known God for his whole young life–this vision however changed something about his outlook and worldview for the future. You and I can also experience some deeper encounters with God as we seek Him–ones that will change our lives forever (Jeremiah 29:12-14). Secondly, if we rightly understand these prophecies in the Bible, then they should have a really solemn effect upon our lives and should change the kind of person that we are into one who is more sincere for God, and who is living more appropriately for the times in which we find ourselves (even as with Noah, see Hebrews 11:7). May God bless and guide you as you seek Him more earnestly! May your life be changed forever by the power of Jesus Christ and may your soul’s experience in God be greatly deepened by an earnest pursuit of Him! He wants to be found…so go for it!

[originally posted Dec. 10, 2012 on our old CCM blog]

Have you ever you ever wondered how much the ancient prophets before the time of Jesus knew about end-time events? They certainly knew a lot! Sometimes more than we think! God showed many things to His prophets! He always does of course! “Surely, the Lord God will do nothing unless He reveals his secrets unto His servants, the prophets” (Amos 3:7). It’s also fitting for us to realize that prophets often saw many things from God, of which they did not write down, and which we do not have a record of today; Things which perhaps were not necessary for everyone to know at the time, but which God desired to share with His servants individually! Take the Apostle John for example and the book of Revelation! God showed him a message from the crashing sound of seven heavenly thunders. He was about to write it down, but God told him not to. He was to “seal up” what was shown, and “write it not” (Revelation 10:3,4).

So, just what is it that the prophet Isaiah knew about the final events of Revelation which God has revealed more explicitly to us through that book? Well, he may possibly have known even more than what is written in his book, but here’ the picture that is given to us! Take a look at Isaiah 24:21-23. It’s an outline, in miniature, of the events of Revelation chapters 16-22!

Here’s the text (with a few break downs and pointers), Isaiah 24:21-23:
(some of the previous verses to these ones also describe the destruction of this sinful earth at the second coming and how the wicked will cry for rocks to fall on them, etc. Compare, v.17-20 with Rev. 6:12-17).

21 It shall come to pass in that day
That the Lord will punish on high the host of exalted ones,
And on the earth the kings of the earth.

[Revelation ch.16-19. In ch.16 God sends the plagues as punishment on the evil doers. ch.17 describes Babylon the harlot and her sinful relationship to all the kings of the earth. The Bible also mentions here how they will try to make war with the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them. Revelation 18 describes the destruction of the of Babylon and how all the peoples (rich, etc.) and kings of the earth mourn over her. “Her plagues will come in one day [prophetically speaking] (Rev. 18:8). Babylon was high and proud but God brought her to nothing! (Rev. 18:7,8). She and her companions felt exalted, but God will decimate them. The Kings of the earth shall gather against Jesus Christ as He is coming, but He will decimate and destroy them with the breath of His mouth (Rev. 19)].

22 They will be gathered together,
As prisoners are gathered in the pit,
And will be shut up in the prison;
After many days they will be punished.

[Revelation ch.20. The 1000 years or Millennium. Satan and his followers are gathered into a prison situation (Rev. 20:1-3). His wicked followers will be dead from the brightness of Christ’s coming (2 Thes. 1:7-10, Rev. 19, etc.). They will not live again until the 1000 years are finished (Rev. 20:5). After these “many days” (Is. 24:22), “they will be punished” in the Lake of fire! Revelation ch.20 describes the great white throne judgment and the feeding of Satan and all his followers to the Lake of fire where they will be finally punished and destroyed for the wickedness of their lives. This destruction takes place “after many days” (after the one thousand years).]

23 Then the moon will be disgraced
And the sun ashamed;
For the Lord of hosts will reign
On Mount Zion and in Jerusalem
And before His elders, gloriously.

[Revelation 21 and 22. The light of God’s glory will now eternally shine in the new heavens and the new earth. The earth will be fully made new and the New Jerusalem will be right there in the midst as it’s new capital city. All the sin and evil, the Lake of fire, death, and every other bad thing will be gone forever! God and His glory will dwell there, and His righteous people with Him. His glory will outshine the sun and moon. There will be no need for their light there (See Rev. 21:23 and 22:5).]

Closing thoughts: Be ready friends for the final hour is soon to come upon us!! Prepare, prepare, prepare to MEET the Lord your God for He is coming so soon! Let us be fervently active to share His soul-saving message with others just now! May you be continually blessed in the Spirit and grace of God as you seek to follow Him, surrendering and consecrating your life to Him, and studying and sharing His word!