God has graciously given us a snapshot of the future. A calendar clearly marked with key indicators of His plan for the end. Only those with eyes of faith will see within future prophecy the calling of God to be ready. To draw our attention to Christ, the centerpiece of all prophecy and to live every day with the end in mind. Only when we understand where this all ends will it change how we live. ~ Pastor Dave
Open: Have you ever forgotten to prepare for something that you were expected to be ready for? What happened?
Read: Daniel 9; Nehemiah 2:1-8; Matthew 24; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-10
Discuss:
1. In Daniel 9, the angel Gabriel is dispatched by God to give Daniel insight into God’s purposes for His people. What do you make of Gabriel’s explanation that He was sent at the beginning of Daniel’s prayer, followed by a reminder that Daniel is loved (9:23)? How should prayer constantly remind us that we are greatly loved?
2. Daniel is first informed that God’s program would take place in 70 “sevens.” If a “seven” represents 7 years, how long would a span of 70 “sevens” be? By the time these 490 years run their course, God will have completed six things for Israel. The first three have to do with sin and the second three with the kingdom. Can you list them?
3. Daniel 9:25 says that the 70 “sevens” would begin with the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem. The decree issued on March 5, 444 B.C. (see Nehemiah 2:1-8) granted the Jews permission to rebuild Jerusalem’s city walls. The end of the prophecy is when the “Anointed One” will be “cut off.” Who is this person and when is this referring to? How does this truth increase your confidence in the Word of God and your faith to live every day to the fullest? God’s work is seen even in the smallest details. How have you observed this in your spiritual journey?
4. The last set of 7 years (the 70th week), will be the rise of the Antichrist and beginning of the Tribulation. What significant event will mark the beginning of the Tribulation? What will happen in the middle of the Tribulation?
5. Sin, death, Satan, and the Antichrist will be defeated in the end. Re-read Daniel 9:24. Of all the truths listed, what are you most grateful for? Why? In what ways are you ready for Christ’s return? In what ways do you need to prepare?
Pray: Ask God to allow the truths of Daniel 9 and the coming of Jesus to sink deeply into your perspective. Pray that God would reveal to you any areas of your life where you are not ready for His return and that you would live with a great sense of urgency.
Memorize/Meditate: At the beginning of your pleas for mercy a word went out, and I have come to tell it to you, for you are greatly loved. Therefore, consider the word and understand the vision. Daniel 9:23
