This week, we covered chapters 9 and 10 in the book of Daniel. Through learning about the seventy “sevens,” we gained a greater understanding about God’s salvation plan and His heart for us. To respond to God’s calling, Daniel showed us a good example of how we can practice our faith in prayer and receive strength from God’s words by taking the Bible more seriously.

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This week’s message delves into Daniel 7, where the book transitions from a series of events in the lives of Daniel and his friends to a description of a series of prophetic visions that Daniel experiences in his life.  The vision described in this passage speaks of four beasts that are symbolic of four kingdoms that were to come in Daniel’s future.  Chul Kim explains in this message of how to understand these forms of revelation that are described in the Bible.  The reader must consider both the past direct audience for whom such passages were written as well as the future, modern audience.  Chul Kim ends with an analysis of the power of evil described in this vision.  He emphasizes the importance of seeking the truth, and taking what is learned very seriously.

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In this message, Chul Kim talks about the dangers of living a success-driven life, where we justify ourselves based on how well things are going while ignoring our relationship with God. King Belshazzar lived in this way in Daniel 5, treating the things that God gave over to his father King Nebuchadnezzar as his own material achievements that he celebrated, and not humbling himself before God. God had remained silent, but ultimately wrote a message of warning on the wall. When King Belshazzar asked Daniel to interpret the message, the king still did not give proper respect and authority to Daniel’s god (the true God), in spite of all the things Daniel did for the king’s father. Ultimately, the king was slain, perhaps out of God’s wrath for him.

This message warns us about our daily routines before God. As King Belshazzar knew what had happened to his father and the role that God had, he likely failed to uphold practices in his everyday routine that kept his focus on God. He also had no desire to learn more about God, and ultimately lost sight of God. We must examine our own spiritual lives in light of this.

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After a brief hiatus from our regular message series, Chul Kim returns to the events surrounding Daniel.  This week’s message followed King Nebuchadnezzar as God confronts him with his power.  When Nebuchadnezzar has a dream that none of his wise men can interpret, he once again goes to Daniel.  Daniel warns the king that the dream is a warning from God that the king will be stripped of power and authority and have the mind of an animal for a period of time.  Daniel tries to tell the king to do what is right to avoid this fate.  However, like many in such a context today, the king did not listen.  Consequently, as the king was reflecting on his power, he heard the voice of God and lost his mind for a time.  It was after this time that Nebuchadnezzar was able to recognize the power and authority of God, and praise him for it.  Chul Kim explains how difficult it can be to change our perspective to follow God.  Those who follow Christ must take drastic actions at times to experience change toward greater faith. 

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