READ: Dan. 10:5-14: … I, Daniel, alone saw the vision…
After humbling himself for three full weeks—showing sorrow and pleading for understanding—Daniel is standing on the bank of the Tigris River when he suddenly sees a remarkable and awe-inspiring figure: a Man clothed in linen with a belt of fine gold.
The Man appears just as radiant, majestic, and worthy of worship as the Lord Jesus later appears to John on Patmos (Rev. 1). The similarity to that later appearance makes clear that this too is the Son of God, the Lord, who gathers His church from the beginning of the world to its end. In this vision, He personally reveals Himself to His servant Daniel, to comfort and encourage His people.
Yet the impression that God’s Son makes on Daniel is overwhelming: Daniel falls to the ground in a deep sleep. John reacts the same way to Christ’s appearance on Patmos (Rev. 1:17).
The Lord then raises Daniel up again (v.10), and Daniel hears from His mouth that his humble and heartfelt prayers were heard from the very beginning—and that is why He has come! That is remarkable!
We too may believe that our prayers, offered with reverence and sincerity, will be heard by God through His Son! Especially our believing prayers that are grounded in God’s promises concerning the future of the church, the progress of the ministry of reconciliation, and the perseverance of God’s children in this world.
Elijah’s prayers are also an example of this (James 5:16-18). It is not something we can take for granted, but entirely God’s grace!
The Lord not only heard—He also acted in the battle for His church. Daniel hears that the Lord fought against the prince of the kingdom of Persia. Who is that? It is the demonic spirit that influences the Persian kings to bring down God’s people. But the Lord, with His army led by Michael, has overcome (compare Rev. 12:7).
Daniel learns of God’s battle against spiritual forces of evil (Eph. 6:12) and of what is to come for the church.
What is the meaning of this astonishing appearance?
Sing: Ps. 91:1,4