The desire to know the future opens door for all kinds of deception and delusion. For example, in 1989, after the "eighty-nine reasons" book failed to deliver, I warned our kids to expect more of these prophecies in 1993-seven years before the end of the millennium. Some would undoubtedly be announcing the rapture. Similarly in July 1994, we again warned people that 2000 would be a critical year, so we could expect more predictions of the Lord's coming between then and the end of the millennium.

    In 1999, when the Y2K craze was going around, we listened to a tape being circulated by some people in our church of a panel sponsored by Focus on the Family warning people of what we should expect to happen. One member who was more cautious than the rest of the panel was belittled by the others for not adequately anticipating the many certain consequences that the first of the year would bring. One popular speaker wrote a narrative anticipating numerous disasters beginning much before the first of the year.

    The prospects of war in the Middle East, combined with the possibility that someone will likely propose a peace treaty with someone offering to guarantee security for Israel, make all those who are familiar with biblical prophecy, perk up our ears. People want to be on the inside track on what the future holds.

    In the light of such excesses, it's hard to maintain a balanced perspective. We have plenty to keep us busy being people God wants us to be today, without worrying about next year!

    Unfortunately, the excesses have produced much popular skepticism about prophecy. It seems likely that this provides a tool for Satan to make cynics concerning "those looney crackpots" who go around preaching "doom and gloom!" "They're always wrong!" Peter warned that in the last days scoffers would laugh about the Lord's return. The sequence of false warnings would seem to supply them with lots of basis to criticize.

    People overreact to the popular mania, claiming: "No one knows. Prophecy addicts are quacks! Forget about this prophecy business!" Don't let the quacks scare you off! God has spoken prophetically. We need to know what He has said! Just be careful that we don't say more than God says! But do watch for the signs God has promised. That's what we want to do during the next few weeks in Daniel.

    We want to see what light Daniel provides concerning our future, while trying to avoid the trap of those who, like newscasters, want to tell you: "You heard it here first!" What are the signs we should be watching for? Daniel's prophecies are very specific about what to expect.

    Daniel's main idea is that the faithful triumph in the end! In the first six chapters, he provides six historical examples which demonstrate God's control over history, and over our lives, even under pagan governments. In the second half of the book, Daniel presents God's program for the future. Chapters 7-12 describe the prophetic promise for the future. They describe future events among pagan nations, and the results of those events for Israel.

    These six chapters function for us much like chapters 1-6 did for people in Daniel's day. Those initial chapters present examples from past of how God protected His people in scary times, so His people would trust Him when times seem uncertain during their times.

The majority of the prophecies in chapters 7-12, have already been fulfilled. As we look back, seeing how God carried out His plan in chapters 7-8, at least until the present, gives us confidence to apply the prophecy in our times. When we look back in history, on the basis of Daniel 7, the identification of the empires introduced is obvious. However, had we lived in Daniel's day, it would've been impossible to prove that the leopard pointed to Greece.

These prophecies demonstrate that God is in control, and they help people expect the coming kingdom; but they don't tell them who the emperor is, or when he'd come. We have to handle prophecy that way. People living in the day of fulfillment will understand the specifics. In the meantime, however, we can identify the trend. We want to consider these prophecies to see what they tell us about the future.

One problem we face when we deal with prophecy is that when we don't understand the details with certainty, we're scared off! Don't let the unclear details frighten you! Major lessons lie in the parts we can understand, not in vague details. We want to focus on what you can understand. We want to look beyond the curiosity-satisfying focus of a prophecy conference, to see how they spoke to Daniel and people in his day.

What lessons did God want them to learn? What does He want us to learn about living in uncertain times?

    In Daniel 7-8 we discover God's program for the pagan nations. Chapter 7 presents the Vision of the Four Beasts, a summary of the future course of the Gentile nations, from the Babylonian Empire to the millennial kingdom.

    Before we get lost analyzing details, we need to uncover the main thought Daniel wants us to understand. As future generations live through these troubling times, they will need reminding of the main idea. Daniel states it twice (7:15-18 and 26-27). What's he trying to tell us?

    His big idea is that troubling times are coming. We can count on it! But in the midst of the worst of them, remember two things: first, they're temporary! Second, we must keep our perspective. There's a better future ahead. The best is yet to come! Peter comes to the same conclusion in 1 Peter 1:6-7 and 5:10-11.

    Daniel begins with a description of the vision itself. He observed the vision in the first year of Belshazzar, king of Babylon. The time is 553 B.C., fourteen years before the Persian victory over Babylon. Daniel is living in Babylon, but their fall is approaching.

    As Daniel watches, God stirs up the nations. The image of the four winds normally indicates movement from all four directions. The winds are "churning up" the great sea. There's an international storm brewing. As a result of the turmoil in the international political scene, four great beasts arise out of the storm. Each beast is different, but all were frightening. The beasts represent empires that were fighting each other to take control of world power. Later the Lord will inform Daniel that this vision depicts the future of the pagan nations, during the times of the Gentiles. It's apparent that the vision parallels the statue Nebuchadnezzar saw earlier (Dan. 2).

    The first beast was like a lion with eagles wings. From the parallels with Nebuchadnezzar's vision, as well as the characteristics introduced, this beast must represent the Babylonian Empire. The primary characteristic observed is its fierceness. The fierce lion, fiercest among all the beasts, with the wings of eagles, which adds speed and efficiency to its strengths, has its wings clipped and becomes like a man.

    Is this a good change or a bad one? We are tempted to answer on the basis of our man-centered view. What could be better than for a beast to become manlike-like a superior creature! But considering the question from an objective point of view, if you were alone in a jungle, which would you rather be? A lion or a man? The fierce beast lost the characteristics of the lion and the eagle. Now that he received the characteristics of a man, he's weaker than he was before.

    A lion with wings: was frequently used as a symbol of Babylonian empire. Thus the description is not new; the new part is its transformation into a man. No one expected Babylon to share a common fate with other human empires! Everyone assumed its greatness would last forever. Sound familiar?

    The second beast Daniel observed was like a lop-sided bear (7:5). On the basis of the parallels with Daniel 8, we can determine that this beast represents the Medo-Persian Empire. The bear is frequently introduced as a symbol of brute strength. Babylonia was overthrown by the Medes and Persians.

    The Medo-Persian Empire was always a two-sided, lopsided union. One side was always stronger than the other. Originally it was MEDIA-persia. Later it became media-PERSIA.

    The strong, lop-sided bear devours three other nations. After devouring much meat, the beast was carrying three ribs between its teeth. These ribs most likely represent the three nations which were united by Nabonidus to oppose Cyrus:

    In 546, Cyrus attacked Lydia and took control of Asia Minor (Turkey).

    In 539, Cyrus conquered Babylonia, on the night of Belshazzar's feast.

    In 525, Cambyses II, son of Cyrus, conquered Egypt

    The third beast is like a leopard-one of the fastest animals in the jungle (7:6). This beast is also identified in chapter 8 to be the Greek Empire. Greece would be depicted as a swift beast because of the successful campaigns of Alexander the Great, who moved in to conquer the entire empire in an incredibly brief time.

    Daniel describes the empire as a swift leopard, ruled by four heads. This beast was not as strong as the first two; but the leopard deserves respect nevertheless because of its speed. If normal leopard speed is not enough, this leopard comes equipped with four wings! No one was able to escape the attack of this adversary!

    The four heads represent the four generals who took over control of the empire after Alexander's death. They divided the empire into four mini-empires. The most significant empire affecting Israel after Alexander's death was that of the Ptolemies, who ruled Egypt and Palestine from 301 until 198 B.C. They were continually at war with the descendants of Seleucus who ruled the northern region, including Syria, Mesopotamia, and much of the eastern part of Asia Minor. In 198 B.C. his descendants defeated the Ptolemies and became the authority over Israel and Palestine. The other two generals were less significant in relation to Israel.

    The fourth beast isn't like anything Daniel has ever seen before (7:7-8)! It's incomparable! And it's terrifying! It crushes and devours and tramples everything left by all the other beasts. It has ten horns, which represent ten kings that later form an alliance and create a new empire (Rev. 17).

    Out of those ten horns comes yet another, which pulls up three of the others as it comes to power. Two notable characteristics are described. It has human eyes that observe everything going on. It also has a mouth that speaks boastfully. He is arrogant and self-centered, revealing an exaggerated idea of his own importance. Other passages tell us that this one thinks he's as important as God Himself (Rev. 17), and attempts to take control of the very throne of GOd (2 Thess. 2:4).

    After this fourth beast is revealed, suddenly events on earth are interrupted. It's as if from the loudspeakers of heaven a voice is heard: "Now for a word from our Sponsor!"

    As Daniel continues to watch, he observes that thrones were set up in the heavenlies. It is apparent that more than one person is going to be seated in the heavenlies to reign from these thrones. The Ancient of Days, a title attributed to the Lord, sits on His throne to judge the empires (7:9-12). This isn't just an earthly conflict; the consequences are controlled from God's throne. He's about to reveal Himself, intervening in conflict, destroying scary beast with big mouth!

    God sits down to judge. Great multitudes stand before Him, some serve; others just enjoy His presence. The Judge is seated on His throne and the books are opened. Judgment is coming; God Himself is the Judge.

    The beast that boasted such great things against God comes face to face with the Judge of the universe. This little horn continues to talk big, until God intervenes. The whole beast is destroyed; the horn, its final manifestation, and the entire system it represents. This is in contrast to the other beasts, which lose their authority, but continue to exist. Only the fourth beast is eliminated completely.

    Next Daniel observes the appearance of another significant Person, one who looked human. He is given authority over all people. He is given an eternal kingdom. All the peoples of the world serve Him-all races and nations! Whatever his opponents may attempt, He wins the battle. Their opposition to His authority is futile. Let the heathen rage; God will set His King on His holy hill. His authority is eternal; no one takes it away from Him.

THE INTERPRETATION OF THE VISION   7:15-18

    God reveals to Daniel the primary interpretation of the vision (7:15-18). However vague the details may seem, the main thought is clear! Four frightening kingdoms are going to arise, but God's people will receive an eternal kingdom. The human kingdoms will come and go but however frightful they may seem, they'll all fall! In contrast to these temporary kingdoms God's people possess an eternal kingdom that will never be overthrown. The faithful ultimately triumph!

    There will be a period in which the kingdoms of this world will seem to be controlled by pagan kings and God's people will be defeated for a time. But, God's in control. He brings an eternal kingdom which ultimately conquers them all. No one will defeat it! No matter how frightening the circumstances may seem, God's people can trust Him! If we remain faithful, we participate in His victory. We know who wins-however frightening things may look! God wins! We don't have to be afraid!

    This interpretation satisfies Daniel; but one thing still bothers him: The fourth beast is worse than all the rest. What does it represent? He's especially concerned about that little horn. What's Daniel's problem (7:21-22)? As he watches the action, this little horn wages war against the saints and overpowers them. The New International Version says that he was defeating them!

    How can God allow the dreadful beast to defeat His people? Sometimes it looks like the opposition is winning! Even though it's only temporary, it bothers Daniel. In His time, God intervenes in favor of saints and gives them kingdom. But Daniel is still troubled by what he sees!

    The fourth beast will be strongest empire that has ever existed (7:23). This empire has world-wide authority. He devours everything. He walks over everyone and smashes the whole world. The previous three ruled a limited sphere; this king rules the world!

    Out of this kingdom, 10 later nations emerge (7:24a). Hordes from the north conquered Rome in the fifth century B.C., but never formed an empire. These nations will eventually emerge out of the remnants of the old empire. In the end one king takes over from the other ten, subduing three in the process. This king opposes God, speaks against Him, and wears down His people (7:25).

    This final king takes charge. He overthrows the three kingdoms and begins to show unlimited self-confidence. He defies God and establishes his laws in place of God's laws. He defeats God's people. Literally the expression Daniel uses indicates that he "wears them out," as friction wears out clothes or sandals. He doesn't cut them off all at once; he wears them out by oppression and constant hardships. Protracted persecution is more effective than one moment of anguish; it's long-term, nagging affliction.

    The authority of the little horn will last for a "time, times and 1/2 a time." What time period does this represent? Hebrew has three categories to answer the question of number. Like us, they have singular and plural. They also had a "dual" form, similar to our word for a pair. Some things naturally come in pairs. As time went on, they quit using a distinctive form and just substituted the plural form. In this case the plural form only makes sense if it refers to a "couple" of years. Why be specific about one and a half, and then vague about how many more. Numerous parallel passages speak of the same time period as 3 ½ years, or 1260 days (12:6, 11; Rev. 12:6, 14; Dan. 9:26-27). After this period of three and a half years, which equals the second half of the tribulation, the Antichrist is judged and the eternal kingdom established (7:26-27).

    Then, "the court sits!" The dreadful beast's power is destroyed and God's people are given an everlasting kingdom. Christ establishes His kingdom and no one takes it from Him. All peoples serve and obey Him. However strong the king's words against God, he can't take dominion! God controls everything; He takes away the king's dominion. Human kingdoms will be eliminated but God's people possess an eternal kingdom

    So how does Daniel respond to this vision (7:28)? Daniel is alarmed by what he hears, but he keeps it to himself. He's emotionally drained It wasn't time to call a prophecy conference yet! He's not out to satisfy the curious by giving them all this juicy information. Daniel thought about it and trusts the Ancient of Days Who controlled it all. What clues does that give us about proper response when we discover God's plan?

    The first three empires have already lost their authority, as Daniel predicted: they refer to Babylonia, Media-Persia, and Greece, empires that have come and gone. The Roman Empire has come and gone; but hasn't yet been demolished as promised. The ten nation confederation hasn't yet developed as promised, nor have the later parts of that promise been fulfilled.

    While the Son of Man has come; he hasn't yet demolished the pagan kingdoms and established His own. Even the disciples were confused by this because they were expecting Messiah to establish His kingdom as Daniel promised. That still hasn't happened.

    So what can we deduce from all this? Jesus' coming to establish His kingdom is still future. When He comes, He'll destroy the alliances of men who try to set themselves up as God and brag about how great they are.

    Though we can see the wild beasts roar, . . . . Though the roaring frightening beasts may oppose God and persecute His people, . . . . We can rest confidently because we know that God is in control. We've already read the last chapter. We know how the story ends! God wins. God's people win with Him. Scary kings and kingdoms lie ahead, but God wins the battle; we win with Him!

    Ours is an eternal kingdom that none will overthrow! We're on the winning side! Daniel's point is that in the midst of all the roaring and all the uncertainty about tomorrow, we ought to remain faithful in following our Lord's commands!

    Sometimes the situation looks hopeless. Even when we can't figure out what God is doing, we should remain faithful and not give up. However bad things may look, we can trust Him because we're on the winning side! No matter how great the turmoil becomes, God's people WILL receive an everlasting kingdom (7:27). The faithful always triumph in the end! So hang on! Trust Him! Watch to see what God is going to do! His people WILL receive an everlasting kingdom!