Santhana David

Q1. Daniel 10: 3, 7-11, 15-17) Daniel is old, but why does the vision affect him so greatly? What is the physical effect on him? What is the mental and spiritual effect on him? Prophet Daniel, having abstained from “choice” food for three whole weeks - apparently he must have had basic nourishment and water. 21 days is a quite a long period to be without proper pleasant food, what more with his age being 80. He was must have been deeply troubled hoping to find favor with God but with the fast he became physically very weak and fragile. Humanly speaking and at that old age there is ground for anxiety to be in the presence of a divine being. The vision was an immediate reply from God in view of Daniel’s questions concerning God’s plans for the future of Israel and his people in relation to the Gentiles. Though, he was ready for this experience through his 3 weeks of abstinence which had greatly weakened him physically and mentally. Past visions had left somewhat of a question or two in Daniel’s mind. Now weak from the 21 day fast there was high probability that feared he would not fully understand what is about to be revealed to him. Why is spiritual "work" so taxing on us?We all have experienced hard work and sacrifice but when it comes to Church services many are tempted to think just being there will get the job done, eventually after the service, telling God, “Ok God, I think I can take it from here.” I now understand, since joining the evangelizing ministry, that there is no greater feeling than to see someone repent and return to God through our spiritual work of evangelization. But my dear friends, to be effective in this ministry, real hard work, sacrifice, prayers and training in discipleship and scripture is required.. Soul winning or spiritual work is hard work. The study and understanding of scripture in a group is a definite necessity as it will greatly facilitate our efforts in explaining the One True God’s relationship to one’s very own life. After our normal work to earn a decent living for our families, we voluntarily put in a few hours for our spiritual work. Somehow while I’m in prayer I feel a desperate need to heal myself and do the same to others around me, and while doing so we may not be embraced kindly but repelled and persecuted, by some unbelievers who say that God is not all important – only money and a good vibrantly happy life in important. Sometimes we, as we go in groups of two, feel lost and that nobody is around us, but God. But to turn away from continuing our work would be counter-productive to what our spirits and mission wants of us. We need God and through our prayers we ease our “sufferings” and “loneliness.”

Q4. Why do you think Daniel's visions and prophecies have been an encouragement to Christians throughout the centuries when they are undergoing severe persecution? However many the number of contradictive interpretations of Daniel’s visions and prophesies by the many great biblical scholars, I catch a glimpse of God’s sovereignty in all of Daniel’s visions and I view these visions as exemplary prophetic declarations of faith under Divine domination. On the revelations of God’s all assuring intention and interpretation of each of the visions, lies the foundation for good Christian living of every believer. The assertion in Dan. 8,that the ultimate annihilation of the evil forces opposed to God and the assurance that God’s purposes will be realized as written in Dan. 9, gives us the strength to endure and hope to look forward to the day of Jesus’ Second Coming. The assurance in the Book of Daniel that God is sovereign is an encouragement to us Christians who acknowledge that the Christ’s 2nd Coming will spell doom for evil forces of Satan – eventual defeat. This is the hope that Daniel instills throughout his writings. Another aspect in my opinion, which has the influence to encourage Christians are prophesies which became a reality some 500 years later, which is the advent of the Messiah, His eventual deaths (cut off) and the still to come prediction of His Second Coming that Christians await. “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like the Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power ; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshipped Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His Kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.” (Dan. 7:13~14) Just reading Daniel’s prayer gives us the chills and more importantly teaches us how the structure of our prayers should be – like Daniel, we too should pray for all believers or rather Christians – for the forgiveness of sins all believers – for the return of Christians who have lost their faith – for our respective nations – for God’s mercy on all – because God’s name endures forever. Just read how Daniel configured his prayer which immediately found favor with God. I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed: “Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws. We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes and our ancestors, and to all the people of the land. “Lord, you are righteous, but this day we are covered with shame—the people of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and all Israel, both near and far, in all the countries where you have scattered us because of our unfaithfulness to you. We and our kings, our princes and our ancestors are covered with shame, Lord, because we have sinned against you. The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him; we have not obeyed the Lord our God or kept the laws he gave us through his servants the prophets. All Israel has transgressed your law and turned away, refusing to obey you. “Therefore the curses and sworn judgments written in the Law of Moses, the servant of God, have been poured out on us, because we have sinned against you. You have fulfilled the words spoken against us and against our rulers by bringing on us great disaster. Under the whole heaven nothing has ever been done like what has been done to Jerusalem. Just as it is written in the Law of Moses, all this disaster has come on us, yet we have not sought the favor of the Lord our God by turning from our sins and giving attention to your truth. The Lord did not hesitate to bring the disaster on us, for the Lord our God is righteous in everything he does; yet we have not obeyed him. “Now, Lord our God, who brought your people out of Egypt with a mighty hand and who made for yourself a name that endures to this day, we have sinned, we have done wrong. Lord, in keeping with all your righteous acts, turn away your anger and your wrath from Jerusalem, your city, your holy hill. Our sins and the iniquities of our ancestors have made Jerusalem and your people an object of scorn to all those around us. (Dan 9:4~19) Although God’s plans might appear to be delayed, Christians believe that eventual fulfillment will be “pulled off” at the precise moment He wills. God’s final judgment which we all await, will decides the destiny of the entire human race. No human being knows the day or hour of Christ’s coming (Matt 24:36), only our Heavenly Father knows the time of His return (Acts 1:7), and He will come again precisely on time. This assurance gives us faith, hope, confidence and encouragement. As we all know, history is not composed of random occurrences, God stands behind every earthly event, guiding all history to one glorious event, the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. We must be aware that in spite of all evil actions motivated by Satan, God is still in charge. Ultimately, His purpose will be accomplished. Finally, His plans will be complete. All of Daniel’s prophesies and visions are graphic illustrations of God's purposes and plans. What He does, He does in His time. This should give us, Christians, great encouragement.

Q3. (Daniel 9:24-27) Why do you think there are so many interpretations of Daniel's vision of the Seventy Sevens? This prophesy, that is the era between the restoration of Jerusalem and the emergence of the Messiah, has been subject to a diversity of different interpretations because, some presume that the “seven” is a period of seven years while other conclude that the “sevens” is an integer multiple of seven years. Preterism, associated with the Catholic Church, interprets each prophetic book in terms of its immediate historical context, which identifies the “going forth of the word to restore and build Jerusalem” (Dan 9:25) as having occurred when Artaxerxes issued a proclamation to restore and rebuild Jerusalem. Then there is the Futurism which interprets prophecies as relating future events in a literal context. To them, the 70th week of Daniel will occur at some point in the future, culminating in seven years of Tribulation and the appearance of the Antichrist. There still many other interpretations the traditional and Newton’s interpretations just to name a few. What is your interpretation of the various key parts of the vision? My line of understanding leads me to comprehend Daniel’s symbolic prophecy in a way which is basically understood by all. However from what is said and written, I think all of us must be aware that the literature we have before us may be written, read and in the language of the Jews, which is Hebrew has been understood differently by many . I understand that this passage is an evidence to prove the divine inspiration of the Holy Bible, where God ties himself to a definite timeline of the events to take place. Daniel was a man who studied scripture. In his study of Jeremiah, he realized that the end of the predicted seventy years of Babylonian captivity was drawing to a close, and recognizing the fact that the predicted time of deliverance was near, he, began to pray. Now, it must be made known that prayer is not merely a means to put in your requests to God, but it’s also an exercise through which we get involved in God’s plans. This desire to get involved in God’s work is reflected in Daniel’s prayer. I think Daniel 9:4~19 is one of most profound prayers found in the Bible. This is searching model prayer with a penetrating prayer of confession, of praise, and of course ending with a solemn petition to God. To read this verses as our prayer will be a powerful experience for all of us concerned for the good of our people – all people – our nation. Like us who, most of the time are interrupted by negative forces while in prayer, Daniel too, did not finish his prayer, but for positive reasons as written in Daniels 9:20~23, by the angel Gabriel, precisely the point of our discussion, Daniel 9:24~27. The general idea in the message to Daniel was the following tasks in a given timeframe specified by the angel Gabriel. 1. restrict the transgression/rebellion - 2. seal up their sins - 3. make atonement for their iniquity 4. bring them into a state of everlasting righteousness - 5. seal up vision and prophecy - 6. anoint the most Holy place Though the above commands came from God, it must be remembered, though not of any particular importance, that the permission to return to restore the Temple and the Holy City, had to come from the Gentile king. (God must have caused the king to do this). And let’s not misconstrue that this as just the return of the Jewish captives back to the land of Israel, but to return to rebuild the Temple and Holy City. Now, let me discuss Daniel 9:22~23.- “He instructed me and said to me, “Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding. As soon as you began to pray, a word went out, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed. Therefore, consider the word and understand the vision.” The two catchphrases of the angel, that is, to “consider the word and understand,” establishes that the fact that it was of very high importance that Daniel paid attention and understood the word about to be given to him. This exhortation of Gabriel is recapitulated by Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew 24:15 – “So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation, spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand.” I believe someone identified it as “the backbone of prophecy” because everything else must correspond within the outlines of this prophetic revelation. This is my interpretation on the six tasks, that’s found in the 4 verses of Daniel 9:24~27. “Seventy ‘sevens’ are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the Most Holy Place. “Know and understand this: From the time the word goes out to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler, comes, there will be seven ‘sevens,’ and sixty-two ‘sevens.’ It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of trouble. After the sixty-two ‘sevens,’ the Anointed One will be put to death and will have nothing. The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood: War will continue until the end, and desolations have been decreed. He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’ In the middle of the ‘seven’ he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And at the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.” As can be noticed, there a number of things to be considered and taken note of from these verses. Firstly the time line declared by Gabriel, “Seventy sevens”. We’ve informed in our study of the book of Daniel that a week is made up of seven days, and “a week of years” equals to seven years. Therefore, equating this principle with “Seventy sevens” would give us a total of 490 years. (49 years + 434 years + 7 years yet to come) Then, we have the “address” – Gabriel states, “your people and your holy city” – Daniel’s people are the nation of Israel. Next we have the limits of this prophecy involving both the people of Israel and the city of Jerusalem which implies that if the Jews are not in Jerusalem this prophecy would not be operative. Then comes the six tasks, which I’ll discuss next, in my opinion divided into 2 groups of 3 in each. The 1st three involves the dilemma of sinfulness with the goal of redemption. The next three would be the institution of everlasting righteousness which is the establishment of the Kingdom, we pray for in ”Our Lord’s prayer” found in Matt 5:10. Then comes the sealing up of the prophecy, which literally means fulfillment of the prophecy and there would not be a need new prophesies for the future. And finally, the anointing of the Most Holy Place, which I believe is Jesus himself, because He himself has said “…..destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” John 2:19, referring to his eventual death and resurrection. He was never anointed as the Holy one of Israel – never accepted – was only despised and condemned to death, death on the cross.

Q3. (Daniel 9:24-27) Why do you think there are so many interpretations of Daniel's vision of the Seventy Sevens? This prophesy, that is the era between the restoration of Jerusalem and the emergence of the Messiah, has been subject to a diversity of different interpretations because, some presume that the “seven” is a period of seven years while other conclude that the “sevens” is an integer multiple of seven years. Preterism, associated with the Catholic Church, interprets each prophetic book in terms of its immediate historical context, which identifies the “going forth of the word to restore and build Jerusalem” (Dan 9:25) as having occurred when Artaxerxes issued a proclamation to restore and rebuild Jerusalem. Then there is the Futurism which interprets prophecies as relating future events in a literal context. To them, the 70th week of Daniel will occur at some point in the future, culminating in seven years of Tribulation and the appearance of the Antichrist. There still many other interpretations the traditional and Newton’s interpretations just to name a few. What is your interpretation of the various key parts of the vision? My line of understanding leads me to comprehend Daniel’s symbolic prophecy in a way which is basically understood by all. However from what is said and written, I think all of us must be aware that the literature we have before us may be written, read and in the language of the Jews, which is Hebrew has been understood differently by many . I understand that this passage is an evidence to prove the divine inspiration of the Holy Bible, where God ties himself to a definite timeline of the events to take place. Daniel was a man who studied scripture. In his study of Jeremiah, he realized that the end of the predicted seventy years of Babylonian captivity was drawing to a close, and recognizing the fact that the predicted time of deliverance was near, he, began to pray. Now, it must be made known that prayer is not merely a means to put in your requests to God, but it’s also an exercise through which we get involved in God’s plans. This desire to get involved in God’s work is reflected in Daniel’s prayer. I think Daniel 9:4~19 is one of most profound prayers found in the Bible. This is searching model prayer with a penetrating prayer of confession, of praise, and of course ending with a solemn petition to God. To read this verses as our prayer will be a powerful experience for all of us concerned for the good of our people – all people – our nation. Like us who, most of the time are interrupted by negative forces while in prayer, Daniel too, did not finish his prayer, but for positive reasons as written in Daniels 9:20~23, by the angel Gabriel, precisely the point of our discussion, Daniel 9:24~27. The general idea in the message to Daniel was the following tasks in a given timeframe specified by the angel Gabriel. 1. restrict the transgression/rebellion - 2. seal up their sins - 3. make atonement for their iniquity 4. bring them into a state of everlasting righteousness - 5. seal up vision and prophecy - 6. anoint the most Holy place Though the above commands came from God, it must be remembered, though not of any particular importance, that the permission to return to restore the Temple and the Holy City, had to come from the Gentile king. (God must have caused the king to do this). And let’s not misconstrue that this as just the return of the Jewish captives back to the land of Israel, but to return to rebuild the Temple and Holy City. Now, let me discuss Daniel 9:22~23.- “He instructed me and said to me, “Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding. As soon as you began to pray, a word went out, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed. Therefore, consider the word and understand the vision.” The two catchphrases of the angel, that is, to “consider the word and understand,” establishes that the fact that it was of very high importance that Daniel paid attention and understood the word about to be given to him. This exhortation of Gabriel is recapitulated by Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew 24:15 – “So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation, spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand.” I believe someone identified it as “the backbone of prophecy” because everything else must correspond within the outlines of this prophetic revelation. This is my interpretation on the six tasks, that’s found in the 4 verses of Daniel 9:24~27. “Seventy ‘sevens’ are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the Most Holy Place. “Know and understand this: From the time the word goes out to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler, comes, there will be seven ‘sevens,’ and sixty-two ‘sevens.’ It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of trouble. After the sixty-two ‘sevens,’ the Anointed One will be put to death and will have nothing. The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood: War will continue until the end, and desolations have been decreed. He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’ In the middle of the ‘seven’ he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And at the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.” As can be noticed, there a number of things to be considered and taken note of from these verses. Firstly the time line declared by Gabriel, “Seventy sevens”. We’ve informed in our study of the book of Daniel that a week is made up of seven days, and “a week of years” equals to seven years. Therefore, equating this principle with “Seventy sevens” would give us a total of 490 years. (49 years + 434 years + 7 years yet to come) Then, we have the “address” – Gabriel states, “your people and your holy city” – Daniel’s people are the nation of Israel. Next we have the limits of this prophecy involving both the people of Israel and the city of Jerusalem which implies that if the Jews are not in Jerusalem this prophecy would not be operative. Then comes the six tasks, which I’ll discuss next, in my opinion divided into 2 groups of 3 in each. The 1st three involves the dilemma of sinfulness with the goal of redemption. The next three would be the institution of everlasting righteousness which is the establishment of the Kingdom, we pray for in ”Our Lord’s prayer” found in Matt 5:10. Then comes the sealing up of the prophecy, which literally means fulfillment of the prophecy and there would not be a need new prophesies for the future. And finally, the anointing of the Most Holy Place, which I believe is Jesus himself, because He himself has said “…destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” John 2:19, identifying Himself as the Temple and refers to his eventual death and resurrection. He was never anointed as the Holy one of Israel – never accepted – was only despised and condemned to death, death on the cross.

Q2. (Daniel 9:24-27) Why do you think people fight with each other over the interpretation of difficult Bible passages? Personally, I think that these conflicts over the interpretations of biblical passages arise because those who interpret these recorded engagements come from different backgrounds, speaking different languages and understanding facts differently. According to Romans 14:1-5, what should be our attitude towards those who disagree with us on the non-essentials of the faith? Paul’s attempt to put an end to the arguments and differences of opinion among the followers of Christ teaches us not to disdain or despise the weak or pronounce the strong. There are still present in this world people who condemn others for eating certain kinds of food because they don’t consume such food. Take Daniel for instance – when he and his companions decided not to defile themselves with the “rich” food of the King - did they impose it on the rest of their peers. No. Each and every one of us are entitled to our opinions. From every perspective of life we must allow others to eat what they want – drink what they like – observe or keep holy and sacred any day of the week they choose – interpret the bible in any way they choose, because “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” (2 Tim 3:16) Why should we have to greatly enunciate the liberally strong and we look with contempt on the weak and their practices ? Aren’t we are all the same in the eyes of God.

Q1. (Daniel 9:24) In what ways can we find in Jesus the fulfillment of the six tasks found in verse 24? I see Jesus undertaking the transgressions of the Jews of His time and laying greater restraints upon them. Again Jesus, the Lamb of God, made an end of sins by exposing the root of Israel’s transgression, by paying an “expensive” price to procure pardon for all. He also, through His sufferings and “ultimate” death, acquired reconciliation for the iniquities of all His people. He made full reparation for the injuries caused by sin. In God’s terms, Jesus, through His death, not only dealt with and destroyed sin but He brought about everlasting righteousness. Jesus, in my opinion, is the substance of all the visions and prophesies of the Old Testament – He did not literally seal up the visions and prophesy, but brought the visions and prophesies more clarity through His fulfillment of them. It could be the sanctuary or the Temple, but I see the Jesus, both human and divine, the most Holy, with all His righteousness being anointed by the Father and sanctified His Holy Spirit.

Q4. (Daniel 9:15-19) What was Daniel's essential prayer ? Daniel knew very well that failure to pray cannot bring spiritual progress, he who does not pray robs himself of God’s divine intervention in one’s life. Therefore, basically the centrality of Daniel’s prayer is CONFESSION of the sins of his people as his own. Though this confession must be seen as behalf of the nation of Israel which included himself, who was basically a God fearing man, he takes the burden of the people of God, as it weighed so heavily upon his heart. What are the various grounds of Daniel's appeal ? I see the following in his appeal : Being righteous he SEEKED God in PRAYER and PETITION - His CONFESSION on behalf of the Israel – Giving PRAISE, HONOUR – admittance of Israel’s SHAME before the RIGHTEOUSNESS of God – Daniel’s plea for MERCY – his IDENTIFICATION of GOD with Israel’s people and the Temple –an ASSURANCE that the torn down Temple will be rebuilt and again be filled with worshippers – and finally asking for FORGIVENESS without delay. How did God answer the prayer ? The archangel Gabriel was sent to bestow wisdom and understanding upon Daniel to consider the word and understand the vision.

Q3. (Daniel 9:5) Since Daniel is such a righteous man in his generation, why does he identify himself with the sins of his people? He didn't commit these sins. How does this compare to how Jesus sought forgiveness for his people? Being a Jew, and that too, a righteous one, he did not see himself as a “stand alone” person but as a nation, thereby identifying himself whole nation of Israel. There is no human who had walked the world, still living or those yet to come, is/will be without sin. There are no perfect humans except the Son of Man, Jesus who is Human as well as Divine, and who made Himself nothing, is truly without sin. The only sins He carried were the sins of the world, to destroy sin and win salvation, to make the believing world children of God. What Daniel accomplished for his people, their return to Israel was only through his intercessory prayer. But Jesus, carried upon Himself the sins of the world and died on the Cross to redeem humanity.

Q2. (Daniel 9:3-4a) What is Daniel's demeanor as he prays? How does he prepare? Why is this so important in this case? In what ways might you and I prepare for intercession? Daniel knew that God always seeks truthful and heartfelt thanksgiving, prayers, through fasting. He was humble in his approach before prayer for he knew God always kept His promises. He started by giving God His rightful honor and thanked Him. Daniel's humble, serious, devout address to God, in which he gives glory to him as a God to be feared, and trusted is critical. As he did, we too must devote ourselves to a high spiritual calling of prayer, supplication, fasting and to beg for God’s forgiveness on behalf of the people we love and for own selves. I have now in the recent weeks after reading the book of Daniel, have learnt not to defile myself and to approach prayer with much caution. My guide learnt from Daniel has been the below of recent. - GIVING THANKS FOR EVERYTHING - GIVE GLORY PRAISE AND THANKS TO HIS HOLY NAME - CONFESS MY SINS AND ASK FOR FORGIVENESS AND LASTLY PETITIONING FOR NOT ONLY MY NEEDS BUT FOR ALL IN MY FAMILY – FRIENDS - AND CONSTANTLY PRAY FOR THE RETURN OF THOSE WHO HAVE LOST THEIR FAITH IN GOD

Q1. (Daniel 9:1-2) What encourages Daniel to seek God for the forgiveness and restoration of Israel to its homeland? What practice on Daniel’s part leads him to pray? Daniel studied the scriptures, especially those wrote by Prophet Jeremiah, most of which were written to the exiles in Babylon, like Daniel. And Daniel knew that the 70 years which God had promised, as prophesied by Jeremiah was nearing its completion. (Jere 29:10~14) This prompted him to turn to God in interceding for Israel. He believed in God’s promise that after 70 years the Jews will return to their homeland. Even being aware that he at his old age (probably in his 80s) he may not make the trip back, he prayed for forgiveness and the restoration of Israel, because his heart was with his fellow exiled Jews and his homeland. For him it did not matter anymore whether he return or not but he prayed wholeheartedly for his people. Daniel completely believed in the power of prayer and through his knowledge of the scriptures has shown him that when you ask God for anything according to His will, He, the Lord God will grant.

Q3. (Daniel 7:18, 22, 27) Three times the angel assures Daniel that "the saints of the Most High" will ultimately receive the kingdom and possess it forever (Daniel 7:18, 22, and 27). In what circumstances is this truth most precious to God's people? Though there may have been partial fulfillments, when do you expect the ultimate fulfillment? I think that it should be now. We are already exposed to religious persecution. Just take the middle east crisis – the situation in some Muslim countries like Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia and the likes of it – Christian and priests being jailed, killed or executed for unproved cases blasphemy or profanity of Islam – corrupt governments – priests being executed - it’s getting worse by the day. Let’s recapitulate the temptations brought before us – computer frauds and addiction – media etc. – temptations and sin is just everywhere around us. Many of us are taken a ride by Satan by his acts of the justification of sin as good. The ultimate fulfillment should be as I have mentioned should be now – the period of antichrist is already here – we all need to be redeemed now – the time of antichrist should not be allowed to go on for 1260 years as prophesied. It’s about the right time "Ancient of Days" through the “Son of Man” together with the “Saints of God” defeat the boastful "little horn" and "its body destroyed and thrown into the blazing fire."

Q2. (Daniel 7:13-14) How do these verses describe "one like a son of man"? It simply illustrates that the Kingdom, the Power, and the Authority to rule over all belong to this very transcendent Son of Man when He returns in Glory. What makes us think he is a divine figure? Jesus, during His time, in identifying Himself with the heavenly figure in Daniel’s vision, said that He is the King who will reign forever, as prophesied by Daniel 7:13~14, below :- “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed. Who else but the Messiah, the preexistent heavenly figure, the DIVINE, can approach the Ancient of Days, the Eternal God. What authority and glory does he receive? The “Son of Man” will be given authority, power and glory to sit in judgment and reign over all peoples, nations and languages in an everlasting Kingdom. Why do you think Jesus called himself "the Son of Man"? He called himself the “Son of Man” to emphasize His Heavenly origin.

Q1. (Daniel 7:1-2) What is the relationship of the Ancient of Days (God) to the various beastly nations that rage against each other and against him and his people? Whichever I look at this, God (Ancient Days) was in absolute control of the beastly nations which arose and ones which will arise and of every situation. The Ancient Days was the ultimate Judge and is still Lord over the earth. The fierce heat of God’s judgment will destroy anything or anyone He chose. And allow His people to return to their nation to rebuild their homes and place of Worship. What happens to these beast-nations? As God took away the dominion of the first three empires, God will destroy the fourth one, the Antichrist completely making way for the Messiah’s reign. Why is it sometimes so difficult to believe that God is in charge of the world we live in? The deceptions of Satan can be attributed to our disbelief that God is in complete control over every of His creation. Satan manipulates the human thinking and makes humans succeed with prosperity anyone who does things his way.

Q6. (Daniel 5:22-24) In the New Testament, Jesus doesn't present God as legalistic, but as holy -- "hallowed be thy name." We are to be God-fearers. How do Christians commonly act irreverently in ways that would offend God? How have you changed your ways to conform to God's holiness? I must say that we all are God fearers as I don’t want to judge anyone to imply the contrary. Yes Jesus’ approach to bring us to God was never legalistic. I believe that today’s church leaders, instead of using a Christ-like approach which leads people of God to freedom and deliverance through grace, are using legalistic ways and means which not only burdens, but also makes the people feel oppressed and condemned. Christians are generally irreverent not because they are bad but because they lack understanding. I’m of the opinion that the problem is not the congregation – it is with the priests, pastors and worship leaders. No-one must be coerced into worship. Attendance at church services, singing of hymns, saying prayers, listening to the Word of God and sermons rendered, if carried the wrong way can also be a means of irreverence and destroys the worship. Attire helps to cause a form of irreverence. When a female member of the congregation wears a revealing type of clothing, the male member behind her is caused to be irreverent. By placing myself in the front pew every time I go for mass has helped me to be more focused. Outside church I try just focus on the things I have to do and I’ll be pre-occupied with things that which don’t lead me to unholy acts. I allow myself very little time to be idle, because an idle mind is the playground of the devil.

Q5. (Daniel 4:34-35) What does Nebuchadnezzar's confession tell us about God? Have you ever given a public testimony of what you have learned about God through your trials? What might your testimony sound like? From one perspective his confession emphasized the distinction between the perishables and that of what is permanent. Life becomes futile for those who trust in the perishables of life for contentment. He glorified God saying, “His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation. All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” (Dan 4:34~35) His aversion from sinfulness, made him realize that true joy and happiness cannot be attained from worldly standards of success but in humble service to the Living God. Have you ever given a public testimony of what you have learned about God through your trials? What might your testimony sound like? Yes. The first time was way back 1990s, a friend of mine, got married to a non Catholic married woman and had a daughter besides her other children from the previous marriage. This changed when the woman eloped again with another man, leaving behind only my friend’s daughter. He was so devastated and grieved because he had given up his Catholic religious practices for this woman. No one from the local parish talked to him. During this time I had a procedure on my knee done in a hospital. A friend from my parish told me about my friend’s marriage breakup when came to visit men in the hospital. My visitor even told me that my friend deserved this as he believed that this is God’s punishment for turning his back on Catholicism. While in hospital I prayed for my friend and his daughter’s dilemma. A few days after when I got discharged from hospital, I went over to visit my friend, as I was still on medical leave. He hugged me at the entrance of his house and when we were in, he narrated the whole story. My question was, “Where do you go from here and what he wanted to do about this?” He said the first thing is that he wanted to come back to church, get his daughter baptized and then get his divorce finalized. The following day after the morning, after the week day mass, I talked to the parish priest about my friend’s problem. The priest told me to bring him to church to attend masses but no to receiving the Eucharist. This was to ensure that he really meant what he said about “coming back.” During the months to follow I used to visit him on weekends trying to instill in him the need for God, using the book of Daniel, Job and the new Testament, while a diocesan priest in charge of marital issues helped in his divorce and got it finalized. After, six months of continuous mass attendance, I brought him to see the priest who said my friend needed to go for the Sacrament of Repentance or simply confession. After a short retreat lasting almost four hours, he made his first confession in eleven years and received the Eucharist the following day’s Sunday Mass. As for his daughter, she was baptized the following year after months of weekly catechism classes. Now he is a happily married but retired man with two daughters and a loving wife. I guess that this was only possible because of my friend's persistence in his search for ways to return to the Merciful God, he once renounced. My part was only to bring him to the “entrance,” through the weekends’ biblical discussion which renewed his determination to “climb out of the hole,” and live a life of joy in God. I thank God who gave me the perseverance to see my friend though this ordeal, while God did the rest.

Q4. (Daniel 4:30; 5:18-21) How does pride show itself in Nebuchadnezzar's life? Twelve months on, after having wasted the opportunities to renounce his sinful ways, he was still brimming with pride and arrogance, as he was walking about in the palace, he says, “Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?” Is this not PRIDE and ARROGANCE ? In what ways does it show up in your life? Every time I exalt myself over others – and man, it feels good – Humility is the virtue to be sought after and this must be my vestment. No, I'm not more worthy than anyone else - God loves us all the same and only His opinion matters. And as for glory = it all belongs GOD - all power praise and glory thanksgiving & worship belongs to GOD ! Pride is tricky. How can pride mask itself with humility? Pride thrives in us because our focus in self rather than in God. There’s pride in humility too especially when we think too lowly of ourselves – we focus on self and not on God. We forget that everything is given to us from God – our lives. “For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” (1 Cor 4:7) In the parable of Pharisee and the Tax Collector below, Jesus helps us to see the fine line between pride and humility "Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 'Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, "God, I thank You that I am not like other men -- extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I possess." And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, "God, be merciful to me a sinner." I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted' " (Lk 18:9-14)

Q3. (Daniel 4:27) What must Nebuchadnezzar do to demonstrate that he renounces and repents of his sins? King Nebuchadnezzar was to renounce his wickedness and oppression of the poor by doing what is right, a he wrote in Dan 4:27, “Therefore, Your Majesty, be pleased to accept my advice: Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be that then your prosperity will continue.” What must you do to demonstrate that you repent of your sins? I need to allow God to be present in everything that I say, think and do. For us, what does it mean to be kind to the poor? Poor is not only persons without the necessities of life but also persons who lack spirituality and the trust that God “rules.” That was certainly within Nebuchadnezzar's ability to accomplish. Is it within your ability? Every opportunity to do the right thing is always right there before me – it’s only the question of me asking myself if I choose to use or ignore the chances. In what way can God's decrees be conditional? I believe that it’s never conditional – God’s decrees are eternal from eternity – before the foundation of the world, "just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love."( Eph 1:4)

Q2. (Daniel 4:23-26) What does it mean to "acknowledge that Heaven rules"? Quite simply it’s to concede to the reality of the sovereignty of God, as mentioned in Dan 4:25, “Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes.” In what ways is this hard for a king? For kings, who have power over subjects, comes arrogance, because they assume that they in control of everything which includes their respective destinies, especially during ancient times. In what ways is this hard for us? How do we sometimes deny by our actions that God is in charge of all? Instead of attributing our successes to God, we assume that whatever gained is “through my hard work.” Failure sure as hell is ascribed to God without even considering the fact that it was God’s decision that we did not need the success of failed scheme.

Q1. (Daniel 4:10-20) Is Daniel actually afraid to interpret Nebuchadnezzar's dream? I would say it was not fear but for Daniel it was more of reluctance, as he was perplexed for a while for he had to convey bad news. So, noting that Nebuchadnezzar was sort of ready to accept, even if it was bad news – remember, ““Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its meaning alarm you,”(Dan 4:19) he began his interpretation on a restrained note saying, “My lord, if only the dream applied to your enemies and its meaning to your adversaries!” (Dan 4:19) But the truth had to be said, “Your Majesty, you are that tree!” (Dan4:22), similar to what Prophet Nathan said to King David: “You are the man!” (2Sam 12:7). Why? Why are we afraid to say the hard things that must be said to help our brothers and sisters? Normally, we feel reserved and sorry when conveying bad news to family or friends whom we care for. Fear probably comes in when the person to whom forlorn news had to be said to, is frail and old for the news might cause a sudden shock resulting in a heart attack or something else serious. What can we do about it? These are situations where we need God with us – we need to pray and petition the Almighty to give us the courage to convey bad imminent news.

Q7. (Daniel 6:21-23) How does Daniel use his experience in the lions' den to testify about God? What might have happened if, in his response to the king, Daniel had focused on the injustice done to him? What experience in your life might you use as a testimony of God's mercy to you? Daniel’s deliverance from the lion’s den I guess must be seen as a show of the saving power from the Living God of Israel. As Daniel began distinguishing himself among the other two commissioners the king planned to appoint him over the entire kingdom. This prompted the envy of the other officials that they decided to discredit him. Hence, the decree stood – putting offenders into the lion’s den. The king was greatly distressed but realizing that he has been tricked into this episode by the other officials, the king blessed Daniel as he walked into the den saying, "May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!" (Dan 6:16) The next morning he even hurriedly ran to the den in distress called out to Daniel saying, "Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?"(Dan 6:20) And we read of Daniel’s testimony in verse 22 - My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty." The whole scene here showed that the Living God saves His people, especially those who revere Him before every unbeliever. I think that Daniel being a pious man and all decided to forgive the wrongdoers and did little to put focus on the injustice done to him. My life is a gift, a second chance at life. In the year of the Lord 2000 (June) I was wheeled into the operation theatre for a heart bypass with only 20% chance of survival – four block 100%-100% - 80% -60% blockages. Before the anesthetics was deployed into my system I just thanked God for all He had done for me thus far but also told Him that I still had many more of His work in my parish had to be done – “but it’s not my will but that yours be done, O Lord my God. Amen” I woke up I was told with tubes all over my body – and I believe that my God was there all the time doing His saving work through the hands of all the medical staff in the OT. Praise the Lord. Alleluia

Q6. (Daniel 6:10-11) How would you characterize Daniel's prayer practices? Which of these have you adopted? Which might help your prayers if you adopted them? “Hear my voice, 0 God, in my prayer; preserve my life from the terror of the enemy.” (Ps 64:1). As presented, I believe that Daniel is a pious Jew because he’d choose give his up life for the honor of the Living God rather than exclude devotions to Him. Jew prayed three times a day – as mentioned the morning prayer (introduced by Abraham who served God with love) the “shacharit” – the afternoon prayer (introduced by Isaac who served with awe) the “minchah” – (and one added by Jacob who served with mercy) the evening prayer called the “arvith.” His praying postures be it kneeling or standing with arms lifted was always directed towards Jerusalem. And he always chose to pray alone in the upper room – he did want others to see for fear of being called a “show off.” I pray twice a day with a number of short phrases of thanksgiving and supplications throughout the day during my work hours and off work times. In the morning : I stand with arms lifted and head bowed in front of my small altar thanking God for the new day and the new breath of life and ask for protection for the new day. In the night : I sit on my bed inside my room praying with clasped hands to thank God for the day and ask protection for the night. At both my prayer sessions I don’t only pray for myself but also for the rest of my family – I normally include others (friends outside the family) when I’m asked to. I believe all postures mentioned help – but personally I do not believe in copying from others – To me the type of posture does not matter – it’s the intention to pray and the content of the prayer is that matters. “Hear my voice, 0 God, in my prayer; preserve my life from the terror of the enemy.”

Q5. (Daniel 6:4) What do we learn about Daniel's character qualities as a government official from verse 4? How do such qualities reflect on Daniel's God? Does your employer or supervisor see those qualities in you? Daniel’s commitment to God and preserving His precepts was of utmost importance to him. Before he took any public stand in regards to the king’s rule or decrees, he resolved in his own heart that what he had been taught had been truth and he was convicted to remain faithful to God. Inner convictions results in outer manifestations. “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.” (Lk 6:45) Daniel was trustworthy and honest and neither corrupt or negligent. Daniels conviction of the heart became the commitment of his life. Inner conviction always results in outward commitment and obedience. God’s kindly on those who revere Him and persevere to walk in His ways. God wanted Daniel and his friends to be distinct set apart persons and that’s what God had. "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children." (Eph 5:1) As much as I like to do what others do at work like playing computer games, chit chat or gossip, during working hours, I prefer to get my daily work assignments done. My boss’ requirements are my first priority.

Q4. (Daniel 3:28-30) How does Nebuchadnezzar sum up their faith and commitment? Are you willing to disobey a command or law to be faithful to God? Are you willing to lay down your life to be faithful to God? What might hold you back? Nebuchadnezzar’s failed in his attempt to inaugurate the worship of his new god. The three Hebrews knew very well that Israel is in captivity because of their idol worship and practices, hence their defiance of the kings command. Nebuchadnezzar was furiously angry, but upon witnessing the deliverance he apparently out of a certain degree of fear he exalted the God of Israel. “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king's command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.” (Dan 3:28) When I’m put in a position where I must either obey God or man/women, I must say I will obey my God. If obedience to one of laws of men/women would result in my defilement to any of God’s laws, I will obey God by disobeying men. I must say that I fear the wrath of my God than that of humans. And there are no two ways about it and I will hold nothing back – my God must be obeyed.

Q3. (Daniel 3:19-27) What effect does their deliverance have on their government official colleagues? What effect does it have on the king? What kind of glory does God receive? They understood that though Israel was defeated their God was not defeated. The defeat to the Babylonians did not cause the Israelites to doubt the presence and ability of God. The deliverance of the three Hebrews, although they demanded no entitlement as mentioned in the text, reminded the people who witnessed saving episode that God is still present with His people. The obligation of the three Jews to do the right thing was not dependent upon God fulfilling their imagined entitlements. I’d to emphasize here that the rescue of the three friends must not to be understood as a promise of a miraculous deliverance fulfilled but as a reminder to all present that Israel’s God was still present with His people and that of His ability to save His people. Acknowledging that presence of Israel’s God, the God who preserved the three Jews from death, injury, and even the smell of fire, the king he issued a decree guaranteeing the Jews freedom to worship their God without any form of hindrance.