Tag: Daniel 7

They Have One Language

On By TimIn Genesis 11, Return of JesusLeave a comment

In the previous post, we encountered a time when humans were gathered together for one purpose. They built a tower, most likely to call the gods back and continue the corruption of human DNA that occurred before the flood. I realize that might seem like a speculative assertion to some, but it is a clear idea taught within the first 6 chapters of Genesis. The language of the ancients doesn’t quite match our modern understanding. Genesis 3 is clear, it is a seed war.

The Lord said, “The people are one and they have one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do; now nothing that they propose to do will be impossible for them.

Genesis 11:6

It is difficult to not grasp the unspoken idea of technology, and how it increases the more unified humanity becomes. That is an unspoken idea that is present in this text. It also says that the creativity of humanity has no bounds. How does that fit into the idea of human sovereignty and that of God? Perhaps that will be for a future discussion.

What we see in the account is that the world then was aligned with one purpose, one common language, and one leader.

It is said history repeats itself. I prefer to think that history rhymes. What do I mean?

When considering Biblical prophecy, it can sometimes lurk just beneath the surface of the Biblical text. Remember what God says about the glory of God to conceal a matter (Proverbs 25:2.) In this case, I think God gave us a pattern. I like to think of prophecy as a pattern that is matched. Could it be the text here serves as something that may be patterned to fit something yet to come?

Looking at the myriad of the types and shadows in the Bible, one particular comes to mind in this moment. Look at the world leader introduced last time… Nimrod. To assemble the people for one purpose implies that he is charismatic. That is just one of the ways he is considered as a type of the Antichrist, the coming prince of the end times. The prophet Daniel wrote of him. Here are some additional details of what he will be like.

After this I saw in the visions at night a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and exceedingly strong. And it had great iron teeth. It devoured and broke in pieces, and stamped the rest with its feet. And it was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns.
I considered the horns, when there came up among them another little horn before whom three of the first horns were plucked up by the roots. And there, in this horn, were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.

Daniel 7:7–8

Out of one of them came a little horn, which grew exceedingly great toward the south, toward the east, and toward the Pleasant Land. It grew great, even to the host of heaven. And it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground and stamped upon them. Indeed, he magnified himself even to the Prince of the host, and from Him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of His sanctuary was cast down. Because of rebellion, an army was given to the horn to oppose the daily sacrifice; and it cast truth to the ground. It practiced this and prospered.

Daniel 8:9–12

“The king shall do according to his will. And he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak blasphemous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper until the indignation is accomplished. For that which is determined shall be done. He shall regard neither the gods of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god; for he shall magnify himself above them all. But instead he shall honor the god of forces, a god whom his fathers did not know. He shall honor him with gold and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things. Thus he shall do in the strongest of fortresses with a foreign god. He shall give great honor to those who acknowledge him, and shall cause them to rule over the many and shall divide the land for gain.

Daniel 11:36–39

Some tend to think that these passages describe history. I hold that they have their ultimate fulfillment in a yet future person. One who will seem to be wise and charismatic, moving souls toward himself. Eventually, he will be revealed to be diabolical and ruthless. Just as the text in Genesis hints at about Nimrod.

Cush was the father of Nimrod. He became a mighty one on the earth. He was a mighty hunter before the Lord. Therefore it is said, “Even like Nimrod the mighty hunter before the Lord.”

Genesis 10:8–9

The text says that Nimrod was a mighty hunter before the Lord. Before in this instance is better understood as face-to-face. Like enemies watch each other. In other words, Nimrod was against the Lord. The hunting he did was for the souls… People. This fits part of the impetus for the construction of the tower.

Then they said, “Come, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top will reach to heaven, and let us make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth.”

Genesis 11:4

It is my opinion that this is a curated view of the history. It is given to derive a particular point. One that emphasizes the fact that the people are united against God. It also seems that those people have been given a glimpse of the most likely outcome, they will be scattered. But they unite anyway in hopes of preventing that.

Now… Focus on our modern experience.

We all live in a time that is very much akin to what is described in Genesis. The world is of one language. That language is not one spoken outright by humans. Nevertheless, it unites humanity. This binary language undergirds all of the code that drives information technology. This networked technology unites the world with instantaneous communication, translation, and culture. Any event can be instantly transmitted to almost the entire world… Today. It is easy to say the world is already united in one language.

God says… Nothing will be impossible for them.

There is also this whole idea of increased technology. That goes without saying. Apps are updated regularly. Firmware and software have new features added all of the time. Hardware gets smaller and more powerful.

Then think of all of the non-governmental agencies that establish worldwide policies. What we get hints of is a one-world government whose shadow looms over us today. The prospective policies offered seem to be a panacea as the lords carry on about them. It is an ever-coalescing centralization of decision-making and policy. What happens when one person seizes control of it all?

I think there is a portent there for many. It aligns with what the Bible says about the end.

It tells us that Jesus is going to return to Earth. He is going to come down from space like an invader, in all practical aspects. The world is preparing your mind for that. The idea is that the world will be united in an attempt to stop Him.

Babel points us to Jesus.

I am going to tell you, it was Jesus Who came down at Babel. He didn’t come to destroy those aligned against Him… Yet. When His day comes, it will be to halt the work again. But this time, it won’t be a scattering of the people. It will be a sudden gathering of those plotting against Him to Har Megiddo, the mount of assembly (that’s Jerusalem.) That gathering isn’t going to be cordial.

History rhymes. It does in many ways.

The first advent of Jesus was as a suffering Servant. The next is as a conquering King.

Just as Babel teaches, time is quickly passing. There is a reckoning for all in this life. Don’t fall for the lies of the charismatic politician who promises to fix everything.

When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”

Matthew 16:13

Jesus doesn’t just ask those men that question… But the real blessing is for those who believe the truth now.

Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Matthew 16:16

Harmonizing the Tribulation of Those Days

On By TimIn Israel, Jesus, Last Days, Matthew 24, Olivet Discourse, Prophecy, Rapture, Redemption, Return of JesusLeave a comment

“Immediately after the tribulation of those days, ‘the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.’
“Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.

Matthew 24:29–31 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

“But in those days, after that distress, ‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give her light; the stars of heaven will fall, and the powers that are in heaven will be shaken.’
“Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. Then He will send His angels and gather His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of the earth to the farthest part of heaven.

Mark 13:24–27 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

“There will be signs in the sun and the moon and the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men fainting from fear and expectation of what is coming on the inhabited earth. For the powers of heaven will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, for your redemption is drawing near.”

Luke 21:25–28 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

In the harmony of these presentations of the special briefing that Jesus gave His disciples at the end of the age, there are similarities that can be harmonized. All three are describing a time of great tumult, with signs in the sun, moon, and stars, and the heavens being shaken. We also see Jesus coming in the clouds.

To understand the coming in the clouds, we must delve into the old testament. We find over the many mentions of clouds associated with God it came in the form of divine intervention for His people. During the exodus, God led the Israelites in a pillar of cloud by day. When the cloud descended on the tent of meeting, it signified the presence of God. God coming in the clouds is a powerful and symbolic way to demonstrate divine intervention, divine judgment, or divine provision for the preservation of His people.

In this ‘sign’ we see ALL three. There is also another truth in the harmony that isn’t discussed. That is, Jesus is referring to Himself as God. If one understands the trial with the high priest, Jesus was asked if He was the Messiah, the Son of God. In His reply, He affirmed the questions the priest asked and claimed He is God. This is understood when we know the identity of Who comes in the clouds. Jesus said it would be Him by the title He chose for Himself. This title is also a direct reference to all of this.

I saw in the night visions, and there was one like a Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before Him. There was given to Him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

Daniel 7:13–14 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The differences are also important. Let’s poke at some of these.

The first is the introductory phrase to this time. In the Matthew and Mark account, the audiences’ attention is drawn toward the period after these distresses. More things would happen on Earth and in the heavens, and then the Son of Man would appear. The elect would be gathered, and a kingdom established (The latter part is inferred.) Both accounts seem to give a contemporaneous account of events.

Now note how Luke explains it, paying special attention to where he wants the audiences’ attention drawn. From the outset, Luke is asking his reader to understand the time before these events occur. This is clearly understood by this phrase “of what is coming on the inhabited earth.” Luke describes the same events that will happen, not contemporaneously.

Then we encounter the last sentence. “When these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, for your redemption is drawing near.” Luke is a gentile writing to gentiles. He is admonishing them to pay attention to when these things begin to happen. We also have the use of a unique word, ‘redemption.’

Matthew and Mark are drawing attention to the time of God’s intervention, judgment, and preservation of His people. Perhaps it could be redemption. Yet they did not use the word. I think it is because the attention of the reader is being drawn to two different events. Luke is drawing attention to redemption that occurs before the harmonized disasters that are described.

Considering redemption and the way the word is used in the New Testament, we can readily see the references of the majority of forms in the graphic. There are two other uses, one reference meaning ransom/release is cited in Hebrews 11:35 (Red.) The other is referencing an event and is the one word from Luke 21:28 we are discussing, ‘Redemption.’

The Everlasting Kingdom

On By TimIn Daniel 07, Heaven, Jesus, Salvation1 Comment

I saw in the night visions, and there was one like a Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before Him. There was given to Him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

Daniel 7:13–14 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This Son of Man Cloud-Rider is the One given an everlasting kingdom. We know this is Jesus, as Jesus has been given all things by the Father.

He who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. He bears witness of what He has seen and heard, yet no one receives His testimony. He who has received His testimony has certified that God is true. For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without measure to Him. The Father loves the Son, and has placed all things into His hand. He who believes in the Son has eternal life. He who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

John 3:31–36 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Jesus uses this language to identify Himself as the Cloud Rider given all things by the Ancient of Days. There is a default kingdom in which all who can understand find themselves in. There is another one… His.

The carnal kingdom whose master is death by sin leads to everlasting perdition. Perdition isn’t annihilation or soul sleep, but a real eternity away from everything God gives freely to all. Think about that… The air we breathe is His. As is cooling rain, water to quench thirst, food to date hunger, and the fellowship and camaraderie of others. Imagine being conscious without these things. It gets ugly.

The other, better kingdom is eternal and everlasting. It is a dominion given to Jesus. It doesn’t pass away. It is a kingdom of life. Those who enter into it are also everlasting by definition. The only way into this kingdom is to be born again into it.

Jesus answered, “Truly, truly I say to you, unless a man is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’

John 3:5–7 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Once born into that kingdom, there is no way out.

We are physically born into this carnal kingdom where death reigns over our bodies encumbering our soul and spirit. We cannot leave it. Death isn’t a way out, it is the portal to judgment and perdition.

But we can be born again into this new everlasting kingdom. Just like in that carnal kingdom, where there is no death. This everlasting kingdom also has no way out.

Of which kingdom would you be a citizen?

The Lord Who Created the Heavens is the Servant

On By TimIn 27 - Daniel, Apologetics, Creation, Daniel 07, Isaiah 42, Psalm 104Leave a comment

Thus says God the Lord,
who created the heavens and stretched them out,
who spread forth the earth and that which comes out of it,
who gives breath to the people on it,
and spirit to those who walk in it:
I the Lord have called You in righteousness,
and will hold Your hand,
and will keep You and appoint You
for a covenant of the people,
for a light of the nations,
to open the blind eyes,
to bring out the prisoners from the prison,
and those who sit in darkness out of the prison house.
I am the Lord, that is My name;
and My glory I will not give to another,
nor My praise to graven images.
See, the former things have come to pass,
and new things I declare;
before they spring forth
I tell you of them.

Isaiah 42:5–9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Thus says God the Lord

We don’t take His words lightly. When God makes a pronouncement, it’s important. God is identifying Himself as the Creator. The One Who made all things.
Remember the verses that come before this. They are a proclamation of the coming Servant, Messiah.

Who Created the Heavens

Creator is a unique identifier of God. He made the heavens. He had no help.

That’s the first declaration of the Bible for a reason. It is the foundation for all of reality. That is why God calls attention to these simple truths repeatedly. God is, and He made the heavens and the Earth.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Genesis 1:1 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

And Stretched them Out

Long ago, there was a Servant of God named Job. The important parts of his life are recorded for us. In them, we know Job knew God. Even in the midst of a great trial, his friends offered counsel on his situation. Job’s faith didn’t waver. He made a declaration about God to his friends. In it, there is an identity of God that I think is enlightening.

He who alone spreads out the heavens, and treads on the waves of the sea. He who makes the Bear, Orion, and Pleiades, and the constellations of the south.

Job 9:8–9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It is God alone Who spread out the heavens. It’s He Who makes the stars. The Psalmist agrees.

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows His handiwork.

Psalm 19:1 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It is His Handiwork

Bless the Lord, O my soul!
O Lord my God, You are very great!
You are clothed with honor and majesty,
covering Yourself with light as a garment,
who stretches out the heavens like a tent curtain,
who lays the upper beams of His chambers on the waters above,
who makes the clouds His chariot,
who rides upon the wings of the wind,
who makes His angels as winds,
His ministers a flaming fire.

Psalm 104:1–4 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Though poetic, the language is telling us the heavens we created. They were made by God. They have a message for us. It is a testament of this great God Who would come to serve His creations made of dust.
Now, these last citations have referenced water and waves as a unique identifier in connection to this great God. The Psalmist includes another, He makes the clouds His chariot. This great God walks on water and has chariots of clouds.
To recap, we see the Servant in this prophecy would make advent. We are given many ways to identify this Chosen Servant. Now God chooses to identify Himself uniquely as Creator.

This Chosen Servant is the Creator

This Creator treads on the waves. We know Jesus walked on water. It is recorded in the Gospels for our edification, and to help us identify the Chosen Servant. The Gospels also identify the Servant as the Creator in many ways.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were created through Him, and without Him nothing was created that was created. In Him was life, and the life was the light of mankind. The light shines in darkness, but the darkness has not overcome it.

John 1:2–5 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There is layer upon layer of truths through the Scriptures. There are more crumbs that have fallen from the Master’s table for us.

The Cloud Rider

Let’s go to an episode toward the end of the Servant’s ministry on Earth. He has been arrested and is brought before the then High Priest of Israel. This is the one man who was assigned to intercede for Israel before God. One would think he would know the Scriptures that speak about God.
The priest demands succinctly, “I adjure You by the living God, tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God.”

Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
Then the high priest tore his clothes, saying, “He has uttered blasphemy. What further need do we have for witnesses? See, now you have heard His blasphemy. What do you think?”

Matthew 26:64–66 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Caiaphas knew Who Jesus claimed to be. He also knew from the other identifiers in the Old Testament, exactly those things exclusive to the Messiah.
Those same Scriptures also give us exclusive identifiers of the Great God. He treads on waves of the sea. This Man before him did that. This Man calls Himself publicly the Son of Man. Now He identifies Himself as this chariot-of-clouds riding God.

I saw in the night visions, and there was one like a Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before Him. There was given to Him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

Daniel 7:13–14 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This Chosen Servant is given an everlasting kingdom. This Servant is none other than God.

Of this Coming Servant… As Caiaphas asked, “What do you think?”