Lessons From the Life of Daniel, Part XVI God’s Prophetic Word

When Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of the great image was revealed to Daniel in a night vision, his first act was to thank God for this revelation. «Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,» he exclaimed; «for wisdom and might are his: and he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: he revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him. I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, who hast given me wisdom and might, and hast made known unto me now what we desired of thee: for thou hast now made known unto us the king’s matter.»

In past ages the Lord God of heaven revealed his secrets to his prophets. The present and the future are equally clear to him. The voice of God echoes down the ages, telling man what is to take place. Kings and princes take their places at their appointed time. They think they are carrying out their own purposes, but in reality they are fulfilling the word that God has spoken.

Paul declares that the records of God’s dealings with mankind in the past «are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.» Daniel’s history is given us for our admonition. «The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him.» Daniel’s God still lives and reigns. He has not closed heaven against his people. As in the Jewish age, so in this age, God reveals his secrets to his servants the prophets.

The apostle Peter says: «We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day-star arise in your hearts: knowing this first, that no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.»

The unbelieving and godless do not discern the importance of the signs of the times, foretold in the prophetic word. In ignorance they may refuse to accept the inspired record. But when professed Christians speak sneeringly of the ways and means employed by the great I am to make his purposes known, they show themselves to be ignorant both of the Scriptures and of the power of God. The Creator knows just what elements he has to deal with in human nature. He knows what means to employ to obtain the desired results.

Man’s word fails. He who makes the assertions of men his dependence, may well tremble; for he will some day be as a shipwrecked vessel God’s word is infallible, and endures forever. Christ declares, «Verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one title shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.» God’s word will endure throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity. Mrs. E. G. White. —