2009-11-28 (Permalink)

Revelation chapter one sets the tone here, by presenting the person of Jesus. Surely the title of that book is "the revelation of Jesus Christ", and while the book talks of horsemen, bowl, seals and whatnot, the emphasis is on Christ, not tribulation nor the Antichrist. The book closes out with the return of Jesus to the earth to set up His kingdom which will last forever.

Likewise, the book of Daniel presents Jesus Christ. Starting in chapter 2, we see the kingdoms of this world, beginning with Babylon and culminating with the reign of the Antichrist, but the stone from heaven that "was cut out of the mountain without hands" (Dan. 2:45) struck the feet and toes of the image (which symbolize the Antichrist's kingdom), destroying the entire image. Christ will soon and one day return, and all nations and kingdoms will bow to Him. Jesus is Lord, and none will stand before Him. Throughout the rest of Daniel, and indeed in every prophetic and non-prophetic book of both testaments, Christ is magnified as Lord.

In chapter 10 Daniel is told, "now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days" (Dan 10:14), demonstrating that God cares for and ministers to His people. While earthly kingdoms and the works of Satan are foretold, God's eye is upon His people, and the visions and dreams given to Daniel show him and us that regardless of circumstances and tribulations to come, God is on the side of His children, and when Jesus returns God will say that "the tabernacle of God is with men" (Rev. 21:3).

My sermon was recorded at Algiers Assembly of God here in New Orleans one week prior to its airing. You can listen to the podcast if you like. The singing and horrible piano playing at the end is yours truly.