“His face (was) as the appearance of lightning, and His eyes as lamps of fire, and His arms and His feet like in color to polished brass.” Daniel 10:6
Dear Ones:
Approximately six hundred years after Daniel had his vision of the glorified Christ, John the apostle, on the Isle of Patmos, had a similar one. He would write: “His head and his hair were white like wool, as white as snow; and His eyes were as a flame of fire; And His feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace.” (Rev. 14:15) In both cases, beside the overwhelming glory, and power of this vision from heaven of the glorified Christ, both men would hear His voice. For John, “…His voice was as the sound of many waters.” For Daniel, “…the voice of His words was like the voice of a multitude.” Why is there this vision given to Daniel at the conclusion of the period of deportation, yet at the beginning of the return of Israel to the promised land, building of the temple, and rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem? And why is a similar vision given to the seven churches of Asian minor, after the gospel had gone forth unto the then known world, and churches had been established? The context of both times is similar in that, first the Lord had “returned to Jerusalem” after the seventy years of deportation, to again establish His name, and the testimony of His person, ways, and presence, in the hearts and minds of the people. In John’s writings, we see the glorified Christ standing in the midst of seven golden lamp stands, the churches, revealing His presence and power. In both cases, the glorified Christ had chosen to reveal His presence, power, and working in the midst of both Israel and the churches. How will He accomplish this in those times of transition, change, difficulty, and opposition? These were also times of great spiritual conflict and opposition, as we see in both Daniel’s vision and that of John, great spiritual struggles, and warfare. Daniel writes of the angels of God who are battling against the “princes” of this world, spiritual principalities and powers. In the book of Revelation, we see the rise of the anti-Christ, his demons, and their opposition to the advancing reign and kingdom of God. So, God gives Israel, through the writings of Daniel, a vision of the glorified Christ, His sovereign and power. To John, He gives the same for the churches. The vision was imperative for the believers of Daniel’s day, and those of John’s, to SEE and understand just WHO this is with whom they are dealing, or rather, to grasp just WHO is the One who is dealing with them. Beyond the revelation of WHO He is, comes the revelation of what He says. The fact that His voice is like that of a multitude, and many waters, communicates to us the power, depth, and magnitude of what His word is declaring. There is not only God’s intent, the revelation of His will, in speaking, but the communication of His greatness, power, and absolute victory over His enemies. His kingdom WILL come, and His will, will be done. How does this knowledge change us?
Daniel and John, men beloved by God, reacted to the revelation of Christ and His word, basically in the same manner. Daniel declared that “…there remained no strength in me…then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground.” (v.8,9) John would write, “And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead.” (1:17) Both men were overwhelmed by what they saw, first of the glory, power, holiness, and majesty of Christ, but also, by seeing what they were in comparison with Him. However, that which is common to both men also, is how the Lord addressed them. Daniel would be called “greatly beloved.” (10:11) John would write, “Unto Him that loved us..” To both men was revealed the love of God for them, and to all who would believe, by the everlasting Christ.
Dear Father, Open our eyes to see Thy Son in His glory, enabling us to hear His voice. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad