Visions of angels
Day 433, Saturday, Oct. 18
Daniel 9:20 – 11:1
Today’s visions include conversations with two angels, Gabriel and Michael.
Unlike the modern mythology of angels, the angels in scripture are messengers or even warriors. In 10:13 when Gabriel is explaining his delay in coming to Daniel it sounds like the account of a military leader delayed by fighting: “But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia.”
While the angels are in some ways similar to humans (“the one who looked like a man”), they also instill fear in those who encounter them. Almost every biblical interaction with an angel includes a statement similar to verse 10:19 in which the angel says, “Do not be afraid.”
The early prophecies of Daniel were about things happening at the time, but now the time horizon is longer.
At the end of chapter 10, we again see prophecies that domination by Persia and Greece are coming, though this time put in terms of spiritual warfare.
Earlier, in chapter 9, we see a vision of the end times, even farther in the future, in which Jerusalem will have been rebuilt then destroyed again, and at the temple the ruler who comes to destroy “will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.”
This is a good time to remember the “fear not” phrases; the prophecies are not given to bring fear, but clarity. “Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding.”

-Rev. Mark Fleming

Saturday meditation

Psalms 11:1-7
In the Lord I take refuge. How then can you say to me: “Flee like a bird to your mountain. For look, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart. When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?”
The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord is on his heavenly throne. He observes everyone on earth; his eyes examine them. The Lord examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion. On the wicked he will rain fiery coals and burning sulfur; a scorching wind will be their lot.
For the Lord is righteous, he loves justice; the upright will see his face.

Prayer focus
Lord, as we read challenging passages, grant us insight and understanding.