SoiKosum

(Daniel 12:10) In what way will intense persecution in the End Times lead to many being “purified, made spotless, and refined”? In what ways is the Church in our day in such need of this? How do you think we can prepare ourselves for this time? The intense persecution will weed out the wheat from the chaff. The true believers will also suffer the intense persecution but because their faith and hope are built on the strong foundation of Christ, they will not waver or sink but instead they will come out of the terrible times a stronger believer. While believers will continue to grow and mature and begin to walk in paths of righteousness, the unbelievers will also continue on in their sin as if nothing has changed. Looking at the "lawlessness" that many of the Churches are engaged in today, the persecution is what may be required to wake up the body of Christ and to return to their first love - our Lord Jesus. To prepare, we must repent of our sins and focus on Christ our Saviour and Redeemer.

(Daniel 12:5-7). How long will intense persecution last during the final tribulation? What will happen to God’s people during this? Why do you think this difficult time is revealed to us people who don’t like bad news? Intense persecution will probably last about three and a half years. During this time, the people of God will be oppressed by the great tribulation and come under intense persecution. This difficult time is revealed to us so that we may prepare ourselves for the persecution and get ourselves right with God. The revelation is also to help us to rid ourselves of sin and clothe ourselves with the robe of righteousness. As John the Baptist made the call - repent for the kingdom of God is near. Amen!

(Daniel 12:3) What is the end of those who are wise and influential for God? What is their reward? How does God use your influence currently to advance his Kingdom? What would need to change so that you might have greater influence for Christ? John 5:28-29 mentions that "A time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out and those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned. The wise and influential in God's work will shine brightly.

(Daniel 12:2) What do we learn about resurrection? How does this compare with New Testament teaching? What is the future of the righteous who are raised? Why do you think the unjust will be raised also? Daniel sees a double resurrection -- not only of the righteous, but also of the wicked, just as Jesus does (John 5:28-29). There will be a final resurrection to eternal life and to eternal condemnation. The righteous are referred to as "those who are wise" as in 11:33, 35. They will shine with God's glory eternally. And they will be a powerful influence on others who will turn to God.

(Daniel 12:1) What will happen during the great distress of God’s people? In what ways does this time seem to conform to the “great tribulation” spoken of in the New Testament? The "time of great distress" mentioned in Daniel 12:1 can also be referenced in Matthew 24:21-22; Mark 13:19-20 when Jesus spoke of the "great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now" and also in Revelation 7:14 "who have come out of the great tribulation". During this time there will be a great persecution of God's people but this persecution will be limited and will end with Christ's deliverance.

(Daniel 11:36-45) What do we learn about the character of this Antichrist figure? What seems to be his prime motivations? What does he have to do with the land of Israel? The Antichrist figure will blaspheme the one true God exalt himself above God, and will give himself to war and the acquisition of wealth. He will invade many countries, including Israel. The Antichrist is also described by Paul as the man of lawlessness. His prime motivation is to do what he pleases and oppress God's people. History, which Daniel saw glimpses of, and as seen by other prophets, is moving towards a final battle between the forces of God and the forces of Satan, and it will take place in Israel, at or near the holy city of Jerusalem.

Q4. (Daniel 11) What does this rehearsal of prophecy and history teach you about the world rulers and geopolitics of our own time? How does the “big picture” inform us about the events of our day? Do you believe that God knows and cares about the details of your country’s struggles and future? Are you praying for your country’s leaders? In my opinion, it teaches us that history will repeat itself. Rulers and countries will war against each other because of greed and ego. Nevertheless, God is in control! Hallelujah! Luk 12:6 “Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins?fn And not one of them is forgotten before God. Luk 12:7 "But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows." God cares about us and knows the trials and tribulations that we are facing. As a result He also knows about our country's struggles. Therefore He is raising up a generation who will bear the burden of interceding for their country and leaders. Our leaders are subject to the normal human failings. But they are also subject to the influence of country-level demonic forces that aren't immediately obvious. Spiritual warfare is happening right this moment. What are we doing about it?

Q3. (Daniel 11) What is your general impression of Daniel’s vision after reading the prophetic words matched by their historical fulfillment? What other Biblical prophecies can you think of that have been fulfilled so precisely? What does this teach you about God? My general impression about Daniel's vision is that God knows precisely what will happen and when it will happen. The reason such visions are released to the prophets is so that they can earn the people about what is to come and to prepare for it - either by turning back to God and praying for God to have mercy and compassion. Some events will still take place as it fulfills God's plan. However God's people can pray for God's mercy and grace to be granted so that they can be strengthened for what is to come. Other prophecies that have been fulfilled are the coming of our Lord Jesus, His death and His resurrection. This account teaches us to number our days, to be aware of our mortality and to make a difference in this world while we can.

Q2. (Daniel 10:12-13) Why wasn’t the angel messenger able to bring his message in a timely manner? Who resisted him? Who helped him? What does this teach us about prayer? About spiritual warfare? In answer to Daniel's prayer, God had despatched an angel to him. However, the angel was met by the prince of Persia (a demonic spirit) who engaged the angel in battle. Michael had to rescue the angel and extricate him from the battle. This affirms God's promise that He hears us and will answer us. However, many times God's angelic messengers are delayed by the demonic forces. Prayers also 'strengthens' the resolve of the angels to reach us with God's answer. Spiritual warfare is very real although it cannot be perceived with the naked eye. However, it manifests itself when we seem to wait for a long time for God to answer our prayers or when everything we do just does not seem to go smoothly. Of course not every bad thing can be attributed to spiritual warfare. Some are just due to the choices that we make. Hence the need to pray for discernment.

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? Why is spiritual “work” so taxing on us? As a result of the vision, Daniel became weak, turned pale and felt helpless. He could not speak and could not stand. He could not even lift up his head. He admitted to the angel that he was overcomed by anguish. Spiritual work is often very taxing eg Jacob wrestled with God and Paul describes intercessory prayer as struggling. This is because when we come before God, His holiness is overwhelming and an all-consuming fire. Compared to God, our righteousness are like filthy rags. Being a prophet who acts as God's mouthpiece, the visions are so overwhelming and the burden must be so great that Daniel is not only emotionally drained but physically exhausted.

Why do you think Daniel’s visions and prophecies have been an encouragement to Christians throughout the centuries when they are undergoing severe persecution? Daniel 9: 26 - 27 foresee war, destruction, desolation, and persecution. However, in the end, the destroyer will be destroyed. We must prepare ourselves to endure over a considerable period of time. Daniel's vision has often been an encouragement to saints undergoing persecution. He knows the pain of the persecution his people endure. Persecution will not last forever. The Redeemer will end it all with his Second Coming. God will deliver his people. Jesus Christ our Lord will reign forever and ever. Amen!

(Daniel 9:24-27) Why do you think there are so many interpretations of Daniel’s vision of the Seventy Sevens? What is your interpretation of the various key parts of the vision? There are four major interpretations of the Seventy Sevens: 1. Literal time periods with Antiochus Epiphanes as the end-point 2. Symbolic time periods with the first century AD as the end-point 3. Literal time periods with Christ's Second Coming as the end-point 4. Symbolic time periods with Christ's Second Coming as the end-point Why? It is because we are looking back into the past and trying to decipher the events that happened and what each writer (or God) actually meant. Each "interpreter" would see things from his/her perspective and which is largely shaped by their upbringing, experience, education and intellectual capability. From this point of view, there is no right or wrong. God (and history) will be our judge. Generally, I am agreeable with the following: Numbers. Our interpretation of the numbers and years do not fit. While the difference due to precision is only one issue, I believe there is a missing piece that has not been discovered (or revealed to us) yet. Anointed One. I believe that "the anointed one" in both verses 25 and 26 refers to Jesus the Messiah. Antichrist. I believe that the antichrist has not revealed himself yet. The End. It is also clear to me that this refers to judgment by the Ancient of Days and his Christ, the Son of Man, when Christ returns, the believers are raised, and the final judgment takes place.

(Daniel 9:24-27) Why do you think people fight with each other over the interpretation of difficult Bible passages? According to Romans 14:1-5, what should be our attitude towards those who disagree with us on the non-essentials of the faith? We fight over the interpretation of difficult Bible passages because of our "holier than thou" attitude. Each of us think that we are the only one who hears from God and has been given the gift of wisdom. This has everything to do with pride and arrogance rather than wisdom and understanding. The different interpretations occur because of our different perspectives which is shaped by our upbringing, experience and intellectual (and perhaps maybe even spiritual) discernment. Do not despise or judge one another. (Romans 14:3) In the end, all of us "... shall give account of himself to God. (Romans 14:12). Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. (Romans 14:19)

(Daniel 9:24) In what ways can we find in Jesus the fulfillment of the six tasks found in verse 24? 1. To finish transgression 2. To put an end to sin "She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21) 3. To atone for wickedness Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29) "He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." (1 John 2:2) 4. To bring in everlasting righteousness Our righteousness does not depend on us, but on Jesus who justifies us, that is, declares us righteous. "By his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities." (Isaiah 53:11) 5. To seal up the vision and prophecy To authenticate by accomplishing all that God had revealed to Jeremiah, the focus of Daniel's prayer of intercession 6. To anoint the most holy Anointing of the Anointed One, Jesus the Messiah, who will accomplish God's work (Matthew 12:6)

(Daniel 9:15-19) What was Daniel’s essential prayer? What are the various grounds of Daniel’s appeal? How did God answer the prayer (see Daniel 9:20-23)? Daniel's essential prayer was for God to turn away His anger and wrath from Jerusalem, His city, His holy hill and to look with favor on your desolate sanctuary. The various grounds of appeal were: 1. God's precedent. God delivering Israel from Egypt provides a precedent for delivering them from Babylon. 2. God's glory. Just as God's glory was known through the deliverance from Egypt, so the deliverance from Babylon will bring Him glory. 3. God's righteousness. Deliverance of God's people shows God's righteousness as an act of mercy . 4. God's personal identification with Jerusalem. God has identified Himself with Jerusalem, the City of God ("your city") and the temple mount ("your holy hill"). While Israel's sins have brought scorn to Jerusalem and Israel and to God, by association deliverance will erase that scorn. 5. Worship in God's temple ("your desolate sanctuary") will be filled with worshippers again. 6. God's personal identification with Jerusalem (again). Daniel reminds God that the desolate city "bears your Name". 7. God's mercy. Daniel's appeal is not on the basis of Israel's righteousness, which has been destroyed by sin and rebellion. He appeals solely on the basis of God's known character of mercy. God did hear and answer Daniel's prayer both by the personal messenger of the Angel Gabriel (9:20-21) and historical events that unfolded. While Daniel probably did not return to Jerusalem, others did. The book of Ezra records the amazing decree of Cyrus that freed the Israelites to return from exile (Ezra 1:24). The new Persian rulers wanted the prayers of their conquered peoples, and so cooperated with the return and rebuilding process.

(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? Daniel is part of a sinful nation in the same way that a member of the human race bears guilt because of Adam's sin (Romans 5:1221). Daniel, an 80 - 85 year old man, fasts, he wears sackcloth, he sprinkles ashes on his own head. This is not external. He feels the grief, is overwhelmed with the burden, is humbled before God. He, a righteous man, takes ownership for the sins of others so he can intercede for them. Daniel in his own person fulfills for Israel the condition and promise of 2 Chronicles 7:14: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." Our Lord Jesus, on the other hand, took our sins on His own body and physically died on the cross to take away our sins.

(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? So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes. I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed...." (9:34a) Daniel "turned" or literally "set my face" to the Lord implying a deliberate determination towards something. Daniel's prayer was not casual but rather a firm heart's resolve to seek God for his people until an answer came. The seriousness of the prayer is expressed by the phrase, "in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes." Fasting was a way to humble oneself before God. Sackcloth was a sign of mourning. Ashes "symbolized the penitence with which Daniel came to represent his people before the Lord." Before we go into intercession, we may begin with a time of praise and worship. Thereafter, we will confess our sins and humble ourselves before the Almighty God. God does not owe us anything. On the other hand, we owe God our lives and salvation. Amen!

(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? It was because Daniel believed God's promises for a return that he began to pray in earnest for his people - that God would forgive their sin and enable this restoration to take place. He could have been a fatalist and decide that God will take care of all the details, that God need not be concerned. Instead, he takes it upon himself to pray, to intercede, and to plead with God on the basis of God's character of mercy and compassion and also because Daniel knew that God hears the prayers of His people.

(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? The angel's explanation to Daniel of the fourth beast alludes to the coming of the Antichrist. The Antichrist will: 1. Subdue three kings (7:24b). 2. Speak against the Most High (7:25a). 3. Try to change the set times and the laws (7:25b). 4. The saints will be under his domination for "time, times, and half a time" (7:25c) Note point 4 where the saints will be under his domination for a time. This will be a terrible time of persecution of the saints. It will be during such a time that God's promise will be most precious. We will have nothing else to do except to focus on Jesus and cry out to him for mercy. There is nothing else the saints can do except to hold on to God's promise that "the saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess it forever". The court will sit, and his (the Antichrist) power will be taken away and completely destroyed forever. Jesus promised, "The one who endures to the end will be saved" (Matthew 24:13). The ultimate fulfillment will be when Jesus returns upon the clouds. Come soon, Lord Jesus!

(Daniel 7:13-14) How do these verses describe “one like a son of man”? What makes us think he is a divine figure? What authority and glory does he receive? Why do you think Jesus called himself “the Son of Man”? In the Old Testament that the term "son of man" is a Hebraic way of saying "human being." However, Jesus uses it in a different sense. He commonly referred to himself with the title of "the Son of Man," and only rarely as the "Son of God." There are two possible reasons: 1. Accurate. Son of Man, drawn directly from the imagery of Daniel 7:1314 is an accurate description of who he really was and is. 2. Ambiguous. "Son of Man" is ambiguous enough that his enemies aren't able to seize on the title as blasphemy. Son of Man wasn't laden with religious or political baggage. If, on the other hand, he had openly called himself Messiah or Son of God, his ministry would have been cut short by his enemies. Though "son of man" may seem ambiguous, it is actually a title full of divinity and glory and power. In 7:13, Daniel sees one who looks human ("like a son of man") but is actually the divine heir of the Kingdom of God. The Son of Man must be a divine figure otherwise He cannot be led before God. God's holy fire would consume any earthly being in His heavenly Kingdom. The Son of Man appears before the Most High God in all his glory and power. The awesome Yahweh, Most High God, the holder of all authority, glory, and sovereign power gives these very prerogatives of divinity to this "one like a son of man." The Son of Man who has been given all authority to accomplish his Father's mission, now speaks to us with this authority and sends us to complete the work. Jesus saw himself as Son of Man in the following manner: The Son of Man came from heaven. The Son of Man is judge of all. The Son of Man is to be glorified. The Son of Man is to be lifted up. The Son of Man comes to save as an atoning sacrifice for sin. The Son of Man returns in glory.

(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? What happens to these beast-nations? Why is it sometimes so difficult to believe that God is in charge of the world we live in? The image of beasts coming out of the sea would be perceived as arising from dangerous evil.The four great beasts are four kingdoms that will rise from the earth. The four beasts in 7:48 are four earthly kingdoms, probably what we would call world empires a large territory made up of many kingdoms, ruled over by an emperor or king of kings. They oppress the people of God. The expression "Ancient of Days draws upon the ideas of advanced age, white hair to represent the wisdom of age, as well as the purity and holiness represented by the white garments. The Ancient of Days, of course, is the Eternal God, Yahweh, the Most High God, whom Jesus called "Father." Daniel sees a vision of God in his heavenly courtroom. His throne shoots forth flames and the wheels by which it is moved are also blazing. Consuming fire is a theme of God's holiness. His chief advisors are seated on the thrones that have been placed, and "the books were opened" for judgment to take place according to what is written concerning the kingdoms represented by the beasts. God is in control, and far above the beasts and powers of the earth and sea. The beast (the Little Horn) was slain and its body destroyed and thrown into the blazing fire. The other beasts had been stripped of their authority, but were allowed to live for a period of time. With all the evil, injustice, wickedness and persecutions that are happening right now, sometimes it iis difficult to see past these and so we question whether God is in control. No matter what we think or believe, God IS in control. We are looking at these events from a worldly perspective with our limited human understanding, whereas God looks at things from an eternal perspective. And so our faith must be strong, we must stay focussed and know and believe that God is indeed in control. Amen!

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? The Lord's Table and elements in our churches have been dedicated to God. We must show a proper attitude towards the things of God, not legalistically but with respect. The money donated to churches have been given to God and must be used to further God's Kingdom on earth, not for our own means and purposes. We owe God our lives, but so often we resist him in the arrogant belief that we think we can act more wisely than God. We do not praise God for his grace and love for us when we achieve success but instead think that our achievements was because we are great. It is critical that we maintain a grateful heart and persona in everything we say or do - "In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning us". Amen!

(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? After the time of humbling, Nebuchadnezzar is blessed with a new perspective on himself and a new appreciation of God, whom he calls "the Most High". Previously, Nebuchadnezzar believed himself to almost be a god, but now he learns things about God: God is eternal. Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges that God himself is eternal. God's kingdom never ends. God's kingdom is eternal as well, not one that must be maintained by constant warfare and protected from every threat. God cannot be compared with human beings. Nebuchadnezzar thought of himself as great; now he acknowledges that human beings are "as nothing" compared with God. God is sovereign. As Daniel related to Belshazzar, Nebuchadnezzar has killed, humbled, or promoted whomever he pleases. Now he acknowledges that God "does as He pleases". God is the "King of heaven". Yahweh is not just a god among gods, he is the God of gods, he is King of kings, he is King of heaven. God is accountable to none. As an absolute monarch, Nebuchadnezzar has felt he didn't need to answer to anyone, but now he discovers that he has to answer to God's humbling. Only God has no need for accountability. God doesn't have to explain himself to us when we are angry at what we perceive he has done. In my trials, I have learnt that God's arm is never too short and His timing is perfect, never early or never late. Also God's grace and love gives us the strength to go through our trials. Eventhough we may not know it at the time God is actually there with us all through our trials. All we need to do is to quieten our hearts and minds and focus on calling out to God in prayer. And God will answer, not according to our time but according to God's perfect timing and plans for us. Hallelujah!

(Daniel 4:30; 5:18-21) How does pride show itself in Nebuchadnezzar’s life? In what ways does it show up in your life? Pride is tricky. How can pride mask itself with humility? Nebuchadnezzar does not change his ways. He is still obsessed with pride in himself and his achievements. It can be described in the following ways: Pride in his achievements - "Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?" Pride in his terrible power, that everyone feared him, and didn't dare to challenge him This isolated him from truth, and made him more vulnerable to believe that whatever he thought was right. Pride in his absolute authority to condemn and execute, to promote, and to humble at his own whim . Pride that hardens his heart . Pride distorts our perception of reality. Pride is characteristic of the world system we live in. Pride can mask itself in our self-confidence. While it can be a good thing, it can also harden our hearts towards God and lead us to believe that our success and achievements were by our own hand, while in fact, everything that we have and own (our life, our health, our families, our possessions, our careers, etc) came from God. Thank you Lord Jesus!

(Daniel 4:27) What must Nebuchadnezzar do to demonstrate that he renounces and repents of his sins? What must you do to demonstrate that you repent of your sins? For us, what does it mean to be kind to the poor? That was certainly within Nebuchadnezzar’s ability to accomplish. Is it within your ability? In what way can God’s decrees be conditional? Nebuchadnezzar must do more than offer verbal assurances. He must humble himself and acknowledge the sovereignty of God. He must stop sinning and begin doing what is right, in particular, by being kind to the poor and needy. Being kind to the poor, in my opinion, must be through word and deed and thoughts. There is no point in giving to the poor without empathizing with their situation. God may relent in his punishment, since our God is a merciful God, his decrees are sometimes conditional upon our response to repent and forsake our sinning ways.