Psalm 107:1–3, 17–22; Daniel 12:5–13; Ephesians 1:7–14 (read online ⧉)
Many of Daniel’s visions are held up in the church today as applying to today. There are fundamental truths in Daniel’s visions (and the visions of other prophets), but we all must be very cautious when trying to apply them to today. Daniel, himself, didn’t know how to interpret his visions, so he had to ask for assistance, in the middle of his vision. The vision was interpreting the vision.
Daniel 12:10 reads, “Many shall be purified, cleansed, and refined, but the wicked shall continue to act wickedly. None of the wicked shall understand, but those who are wise shall understand.” This is as true today as the day Daniel had the vision, as it is today. The words (vision) of Daniel were to be, “…secret and sealed until the time of the end.” Daniel was told to, “…go your way, and rest….”
Paul provides much the same guidance, “…he has made known to us the mystery of his will…as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.”
We yearn to know all the answers and have a fixed understanding. We yearn to know what will happen today and tomorrow. We want a safe and predictable life. We also want “the right” answers. The day-to-day is always full of pieces of chaos and unpredictability. Yet the assurance that it is all in God’s hands, and that we can fully rely on him, should give us the ability to not be tossed about in our anxieties and questions.
As the time was approaching for his final walk, Jesus, too, had questions and concerns. It is not wrong to wonder and be concerned. If we allow our lack of confidence in God to ground us, the winds and waves of the world will continue to overtake us.
1) Do you ever let your concerns and/or worries overtake your confidence in God?
2) Have you ever tried to comfort someone or yourself by saying God has it all under control?
3) How did that work? Did it really bring comfort?