Scripture Reading: Daniel 8:1-27, Isaiah 6:1-7, Romans 8:31-39
The trouble with understanding apocalyptic literature is that nobody writes it anymore. Perhaps the closest modern analogy to it is the political cartoon, where world events are depicted visually in symbolic scenes. In a political cartoon, for example, an elephant represents Republicans, a donkey represents Democrats, Uncle Sam represents the United States, a bear represents Russia, and so on.
The vision of Daniel 8 depicts world events symbolically, but what do the symbols mean? Let’s start with the fact that the vision is dated to “the third year of King Belshazzar’s reign”—about 550 BC. The big political news that year was Cyrus the Great’s establishment of what would become the Persian Empire. Daniel, a Babylon resident, was transported in his vision to Susa, which at the time was relatively insignificant but would soon become a major Persian city (and the setting of the book of Esther).
Many scholars believe Daniel’s vision showed him a broad outline of the next several hundred years. According to this interpretation, he saw the rise of the Persian Empire (represented by a ram) to displace the dominant Babylonians, followed by the conquering of the Persians by the Greek Empire (represented by a goat) under Alexander the Great. After Alexander’s death, his empire was divided among four generals. One of those generals, Seleucus, ruled over the region that included Jerusalem. The eighth ruler in his dynasty, Antiochus IV Epiphanes, was infamous for his persecution of the Jews, including turning the temple into a pagan shrine (the overthrowing of the sanctuary of Daniel 8:11). Eventually, Antiochus died and temple worship was restored in 164 BC, an occasion celebrated to this day in the festival of Hanukkah.
While the main subject of Daniel 8 is world history between 550 and 164 BC, we can apply it when we remember that the purpose of apocalyptic literature is to encourage those who are suffering. It was not meant to provide a detailed timeline of events. As Gandalf says in The Return of the King, “It is not our part to master all the tides of the world, but to do what is in us for the succour of those years wherein we are set, uprooting the evil in the fields that we know, so that those who live after may have clean earth to till.”
Daniel’s vision tells us that evil may appear to reign, but God remains sovereign and will judge it in His time. If we are discouraged by suffering and injustice, Daniel 8 tells us that God is still at work. In our time, then, we work to uproot evil in small ways and big ways, trusting that God will direct history so that larger evil forces are defeated and the suffering will receive consolation.
Written by Elliot Ritzema
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59 thoughts on "The Vision of a Ram and a Goat"
There are some good thoughts about today’s reading on the podcast for those who may want to understand the vision better. I’m not all the way done with the podcast, but I’ve gotten through the part about today’s reading. And v. 27 really stood out to me because Daniel was so completely overwhelmed by the vision that he was bedridden for days. I’m glad I’m not the only one who feels that way sometimes. But then he got up and got back to work. He didn’t have to understand his part in the big picture to keep being obedient. He realized that he wouldn’t live to see the deliverance that he had prayed for, but he still obeyed and served his God. And so should we. I’m blessed to have a SRT devotional Bible, and there is a devotional in there for Daniel 8 which also mentions 2 Peter 1:3-4 and 2 Corinthians 12:9. I found both passages very encouraging to me today. Hope this helps you, sisters.
Thanks, Margaret! ❤
I’m having a lot of back pain, and have been for several weeks. Started seeing a chiropractor last week, and will continue for a couple of months. Please pray that the treatments work to bring relief from the pain and make it easier to walk and do everyday activities.
Thank you so much ❤️
I’m sorry to hear this! I’m praying the chiropractic does the trick!
Praying for relief soon! ❤
“Daniel’s vision tells us that evil may appear to reign, but God remains sovereign and will judge it in His time. If we are discouraged by suffering and injustice, Daniel 8 tells us that God is still at work. In our time, then, we work to uproot evil in small ways and big ways, trusting that God will direct history so that larger evil forces are defeated and the suffering will receive consolation.”
These words from Elliott’s devotion today give me a feeling of hope for our world today, and for whatever may come in the future. Knowing that there is nothing in heaven or earth that can separate me from the love of God brings peace to my soul.
Have a wonderful week, my sister Shes,
wherever life takes you!
Whatever work set before you,
do it with justice, mercy, humility.
That will become your history!
In the name of Christ!
Amen!
Romans 8:38-39 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth,, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
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I needed this today. We have so much thrown at us in the news and SM that it has caused some fear in me. God reigns! He will have the final say.
Amen, Traci!
Romans 8:38 is so powerful & purposeful!
To ponder for a lifetime!
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I found the devotional to be a helpful reminder of God’s sovereignty. Lots of thoughts swirling around in my head. Daniel’s reaction to the explanation of the vision. We sometimes think that if we just understand what will happen in the future we could handle the trials of this world that we experience. Yet Daniel was appalled and lay sick for many days..Even though he knew how it would all end. My limited understanding of the history played out in Daniel’s vision is that it all paved the way for Christ to come “At the right moment in time.”. That should give us great peace. God at work to bring us home.
So thankful that God is in control and even when we can’t see it, He is working. He is working in and through us.
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
Philippians 1:6 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/php.1.6.ESV
He will one day bring everything to completion.
What a good God we serve, He could have scraped this whole earth but He keeps reaching for us! This is amazing! We can look to the future with peace. He’s got us!
Praying for all!
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Evil = DEFEAT
Suffering = CONSOLATION
but, ABOVE all-
GOD = PEACE and SOVEREIGNTY
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This ‘article’ covered the same facts as Elliot’s devo, but I want to share the ‘application’:
Copied from Biblegateway (“Insights”):
“For application, the misuse of apocalyptic dates is an attempt to take control from God and place it firmly in our own sinful grasp.11 Instead, God calls us to learn from the past while we live for him and his kingdom in the present. Then we can wait with hope for the future, knowing that all of history is in his loving hands.12
Human-reviewed, AI-generated based on trusted resources.”
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
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SONG SHARE:
Ho!y Forever by Chris Tomlin
and
The King Is Coming (old anthem)
Thank you CEE GEE ❤️
✝️ Remind me Lord that You are indeed “Holy Forever” and Sovereign
as I struggle with the level of depravity that seems to be increasing.
Help me to hold fast to You ✝️
Amen, Foster Mama! God is not surprised by anything; He is the Master operating on His time and plan.
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In Isaiah 6:1-7, Isaiah sees God Almighty seated on the throne. May that be a reminder and an encouragement for us today – God is still on the throne! No matter how bleak the world looks, the fact that it’s laden with sin and everything looks impossible – God still rules and reigns, hallelujah!
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This is what gives me peace, this is what brings me comfort. He is our hope where there is no hope. God still remains sovereign.
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So let’s turn off the news, turn on the praise and rejoice in God our Savior!
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Thankfully the Nor’easter here in NJ was much less damaging than the weathermen were predicating it would be. We had some rain and some wind but nothing ridiculous. Thank you God!
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Have a blessed day ladies!
Amen, Sharon! Your post came in while I was writing mine so I missed this earlier. Thankful storm damage was less than expected! ❤
Thank you Heavenly Father, that in the chaos, confusion and evil of this world that you are Sovereign over all, that you rule and reign. Help us to be faithful, diligent, intentional and courageous to uproot evil in small ways, to stand for truth and to point others to you. Thank you Lord that you are in control. Amen
Yes, Amen!
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You know, the world is always going to look chaotic and unpredictable, and make us somewhat worried or fearful. It’s as old as the ages. Empires rise and fall, attacks and wars, power struggles are endless. And that is why we are pointed to something better. The Only better. There will never be utopia here, even though we can have periods of seemingly peace.
Then shine these thoughts down to our own life…can we ever have a smooth life, or is it a constant wave of valleys and mountains? With God- thankfully we have PEACE through the valleys and mountains IN HIM. We realize the highs and lows are part of life. That he is our guiding force, and we don’t have to be alone. We don’t have to rely on ourselves to get through.
Proverbs 3:5 Trust the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.
Revelation 21:5a: “And he who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’
Amen!
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Our part matters in this big story!
Isn’t that amazing! Can you imagine if the opposite was true, how empty our life could seem! But God! He wants us to make a difference for the Kingdom come! And we will even get rewards! We have his power in the here and now! Last night I was thinking of how a amazing it is to GET TO pray with people at church (altar call) that I GET to join with them to petition God for their needs and it overwhelmed me with tears. And the fact that we can do that anywhere, not just in a church. And we can encourage others, give mercy, strengthen them, give to them…what a gift and a blessing to them AND US! When we look outside our own circumstance and problems and see how God wants to use us, it grows us and increases and fires up our faith!
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Amen, Rhonda! Thank you for sharing ❤️ I do believe that your help in aiding those who need prayer is so important!
Amen
Amen❤️
Thank you, Lord, that as I read about these prophecies (which can be difficult to wrap my mind around) I am reminded of Your power, might and majesty.
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Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
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B ❤️
CEE GEE ❤️
MERCY ❤️ praying for your recovery!
Amen❤️
Amen! ❤❤❤
Amen ❤️
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The two verses that stood out to me today. “His power will be great but it will not be his own” and “Yet he will be broken – not by human hands”. God is in control! There is no ruler, king, empire greater than Him. Somehow it’s easier for me to believe this when looking at the world, harder when it comes to my own personal life and the things I need to believe he is in control of.
Agree, those are the verses to see and highlight! And like you, it’s easier for me to trust in the big light then our own life!
Lord give us the courage and wisdom “to uproot evil in small ways and big ways, trusting that [You] will direct history so that larger evil forces are defeated and the suffering will receive consolation.”
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DEBBIE S – praying the Lord renews your strength for this day as you navigate your son’s needs.
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MARI V – praying your hand recovers and the Lord brings healing to it.
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Have a blessed day, Shes
Joining you in prayer for these sisters! ❤️
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GM ladies. Here is our list of prodigals. Add any names in the comments.
Isaiah 43:19 Look, I am about to do something new;
even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert
Alice V – Brian, Rachel
Kim Mullins – Tyler
Tami – Chela, Quentin
Sharon – Nicholas, Jonathan
Rebecca W – Brett, Jake, Joey, Lindsay, Kelly, Abby, Katelyn, Katie
Emma Rageth – Olivia, Ali, Greg, Rico, Leah, Mikey, Logan, Ryan, Stephanie, Dillon, Danae, Julie, Sean
Indiana Elaine – Kent, Shelley
Mari V – Rick, Marta, Toby
Tricia C – David, Allison, Christopher, Lina, Travis, Nicole
Mia Faith – Parker, Isaiah, Alexandra, Griffin, Annalee, Bill
Aleida – Victor
Maddie – Michelle, Julia
Rhonda – Michael, Sue, Katie, Jack, Ella
Charlotte Hill – Casey, John, Emma
Deb – Brandon, Angel
Linda J – Matthew
Mollie – Sam
MMD – Ethan, Hayden, Rachel
Carol H – Justin, Ezekiel, Elijah, Andrew
Kari – Rachel, Josh, James, Ayano
Mi Sherry – Kaitlyn, Aaron, Will
Cheryl Read – Renee, Jason, Kayden, Kylee
Wendy B – Amy, Colton, Kirk, Nick
Anne Klinkhammer – Molly
Sue Dalos – Chelsea, Kenny
Bessie – Ben
Annie Hewitt – Annie pls give me name/s:)
Sandy Lynn – Andy
Diane – Jon, Keith, Roger, Mike
Jane K – Leah
B – M, B
Susan B – Tammy, Amy
Carla – Cierra, Stephen
Lisa H – Cora
Kimberk – Megan, Randy
Adrienne – Raelynn, Tyler, Tracy, Micayla
Brandi – Levi, Sarah, Ellen, India
Robin Bailey – Rodney, Brian
Erin L – Emerson, Zoe
Janet – Ryan, Amanda, Matthew, Stephanie
Sheryl – Adam, LaShonda
Maria J – Benjamin, Mike, Mark, Patrick
Maria B – Chris, Tristan, Madeline, Cristal, Shanty, Nicole, Luis
Melani Fryer – Matthew, Dylan, Courtney, Lydia
Therese – Ryan, Brittany, Sydney
Traci Gendron – Kara, Andrew, Deanna
Jenny Carmichael – Katy
Mercy – boys in social care system
Kerry Rowley – Preston, Parker, Lindsey
Maria S – Joshua, Katie, Zoe
Melissa – Madison, Richard, Liam, Zac, Wesley
Felicia – Brittin, Tyler
Vicki – Ben, Sian
TC – Randi, Michael, Callie
Elizabeth – Trae, Xavier, Reya
Adie – Monica, Shawn, Stephanie
Susan B – Emma
Penni – Les, Jonah, Emily, Garret, Domi, Connor, Grace
Nat – Marissa, Melody
Martha Hix – Claire, Ralph, Tyler, Whitney, Trey
Phobie – Phobie, Greg, Steve, Jessie
Laura – Jordan, Taliah
April L – Molly, Becca
Karen Breaux – Brittany, Justin, Erin, Jordyn
Heather – Jack, Hudson
Cheryl Blow – Sara
Dianne – Ian
Leap – Liz, Teg, Taylor, Alison
Tara B – Clara Paige, Anna
Debra K – Stephen, Meagan, Daniel, Creg
Margaret W. —David, Matthew, Missy, Becca, Marianna
Melzie K- Jake, Cece & Elijah
Shar – K
Leala – Ryan, AJ, Sam
Jennifer – Matthew, Lauren and families
Cat-tee – A & A, K & T
K-Ann – G, T, S
Cathy McVey – Jeremiah, Brayden, Nolan, Ashlyn
Keri – Finley, Rudy, Scout, Nellie, Polly, Dottie, Goldie
Lena- Andrea, Lanie, Eiley, Everly, Schaefer
LaRae – Levi
Julie G – Matt, Katherine, Ray
AML – Jonathan, Jake, Emma, Becca
Kristin G – Brandon, Melissa
Allegra – Lydia, Nick, Micah, Jonah
Karen – Nathan, Bailey
Jazz – Blake, Zoie, Greg, Elizabeth
Gina – Carolyn, Steven
Cindy – Toby, Clarissa, Katie, Samantha
TS Woodruff – Danielle
Tammy H.- Alyssa
Danielle B – Joelle, Adam
Myra – Mitchell
Debby – Kristen
Jenn F – B&E, J&T
K – Alizabeth
Stephanie – Greg
Melanie C – Casey, Corey, Celeste, Kat
Mollie – Haley, Jeff, Rhonda
Margo – Lindsey, Drew, Lauren, Spencer
Meghan – Maddie, Brianne
Susan – Natassia
Donna – Kathy
Donna – Linda
Melanie – Jeff, Gary, Drake, Logan, Ryan
KMC – Rachelle, Karah, Joshua
Donna- Sherry
Kelly – Kyla, Brendan
Marie S – Joshua, Carleigh, Zoe, Terry, Edie, Brady
Jenn F – K&L, B&S, J&C
Eileen – Chris
Erin E – Ava
SB – T
Mollie – Stephanie
Joy – Grayson, Clay, Carley
Kathryn – Peter
Rita – Bryan, Sheila
Please add Brian and Alison to the list
Thank you Tami for continuing to keep this list of our prodigals. It saddens my heart to see so many names; with more added weekly.
But God… He can do mighty things and move stubborn, hardened or complacent hearts.
Amen❤️
No matter how sin/ sinful people appear to win, God is still in control. This Word is a reminder to not be discouraged by what we see, but continue to pray and believe. And in God’s timing, he will bring and end to to these people who have been wreaking havoc on God’s people. Stay strong and believe
Amen! ❤️
We’re back to the main point, Ladies. God knows exactly what is going on and has it all under control. While that can be confusing and a serious challenge for us here on earth, we can look forward to the day when King Jesus will be on the throne on earth as He is in heaven. New heaven, new earth and all things made new!
Hallelujah and Amen.
This devotional was a hard read for a ‘non-scholar’ or academic, I dont say this with any disrespect, I promise.
What i did understand from the last paragraph, reminded me of yesterday’s memory verse..
For his dominion is an everlasting dominion,
and his kingdom is from generation to generation.
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There is NOTHING too big that GOD can not defeat.. NOTHING.
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BUT GOD.
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His dominion is an everlasting dominion.. nothing, NOTHING changes that.. NOTHING.
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AMEN.
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Happy Monday, covered in love, hugs and prayers winging their way across the pond..
Blessings..❤️
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Amen!
I was thinking the same. When came to the last paragraph I was like “yes” that’s it!
Amen! ❤
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