Daniel’s Hope

Daniel, God’s prophet, spent his life serving the Babylonian government that took him captive as a young man. Despite Nebuchadnezzar, the barbaric king, Daniel prospered because God was with him. Now an old man, he dealt with the difficult new king, Belshazzar, and the threat Persia presented to Babylon.

During this unstable time, Daniel also dreamed of terrible beasts that represented wars between world powers. No doubt this elderly statesman felt deep concern about his loved ones’ future and the fate of Israelites living in Babylon. But God gave Daniel a vision of Himself, the all-powerful Ancient of Days. He also showed Daniel one of the clearest pictures of Jesus in the Old Testament, a scene in which His everlasting kingdom was established and He was worshipped by all people.

In these difficult times, we worry about our country, our loved ones, and ourselves. But the same God who guarded Daniel in the midst of constant danger reminds us of His supreme power and that of His Son, who will one day destroy evil and rule in righteousness and peace.