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Reflections Podcast
Reflections Podcast
Reflections • Episode 31
There’s Hope in the Nightmare
13m • July 2, 2021

There’s so much pain and injustice in the world. Is there any hope?

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The book of Daniel explores what it means to be God's people while living in a culture that is set against his values. How do God's people remain faithful and confident in a situation like this? The strange dream in Daniel chapter 7 gives us some insight. In it we see there's a kingdom ruled by the “Son of Man,” the one with all “authority, glory and sovereign power.” The oppressive rulers of this world will fail, but the Son of Man's rule will never end. So when arrogant kings rise up, the people of God can look to a more powerful King. His name is Jesus, and all his followers are invited to live in the humble values of his Kingdom now, even while living amidst the kingdoms of Earth. Let's reflect more on this.

Bible Reading: Daniel 7:9-14

Reflection Questions:

  1. How can the arrogant beasts in Daniel's vision help you notice oppression in the culture around you?
  2. How do you imagine the Kingdom of Jesus bringing hope to the oppression in your culture?
  3. How can the Son of Man in Daniel's vision inspire you to stand up to the oppression around you?

Show Credits:

Host: Cheree Hayes Message: Dr. Carissa Quinn Production: Cooper Peltz Production and Bible Reading: Dan Gummel Pre-Production: Zach McKinley Theme music: Grant William Harold Background Music: Kyle Preston, Twilight

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2 Chronicles 36:22-23  –  13m
Looking Back to Look Forward
13m
Malachi 3:16-4:6  –  13m
Treasured by God
13m
Daniel 7:9-14  –  13m
There’s Hope in the Nightmare
13m
Esther 4:1-17  –  16m
Who Does God Choose to Work Through?
16m
Ezra 4:1-3, Isaiah 56:3-8  –  15m
Is God Inclusive?
15m
Ezekiel 36:22-36  –  14m
Promise for New Hearts
14m
Lamentations 3:19-33  –  14m
Learning How to Grieve from Lamentations
14m
Jeremiah 4:16-28, 1 Thessalonians 5  –  15m
The Deep Anguish of God
15m
Song of Songs 8:6-7  –  15m
Wisdom from Sensual Love Poetry?
15m
Ecclesiastes 4:4-12  –  15m
One Handful of Rest
15m
Isaiah 42:1-16  –  14m
Power of Metaphor
14m
Proverbs 1:1-7  –  13m
How to Live Wisely
13m
Job 38:1-18, Job 42:1-6  –  15m
How God Replies to Job’s Suffering
15m
Jonah 4:1-11, Exodus 34:5-9, 1 Kings 19:3-5  –  14m
God’s Mercy on Our Enemy
14m
Hosea 14:1-9  –  14m
What God Wants From Us
14m
Isaiah 61  –  12m
What Good News Looks Like
12m
1 John 1  –  12m
Message of the Prophets
12m
2 Kings 25  –  14m
What God Does About Suffering
14m
1 Kings 6  –  14m
Redeeming Disappointment
14m
2 Samuel 7  –  14m
Faithful Through Failure
14m
1 Samuel 2  –  13m
When You Feel Powerless
13m
Ruth 2  –  12m
How God Treats His Enemies
12m
Judges‬ 2  –  12m
When We Walk Out on God
12m
14m
Deuteronomy 30  –  11m
Understanding Ancient Law
11m
Deuteronomy 4  –  12m
God's Wisdom on Display
12m
Numbers 13  –  11m
Trusting God in the Wilderness
11m
Leviticus 25  –  13m
Gift of Rest
13m
Hebrews 10  –  12m
Meaning of Sacrifice
12m
Exodus 19  –  12m
Rescued for a Purpose
12m
Exodus 3  –  15m
When We Cry Out
15m
Genesis 32  –  13m
Wrestling God
13m
Genesis 1-3  –  15m
Why God Gave Choice
15m

Reflect

Once you've listened to the podcast, take time to reflect on these questions.

  1. How can the arrogant beasts in Daniel’s vision help you notice oppression in the culture around you?
  2. How do you imagine the Kingdom of Jesus bringing hope to the oppression in your culture?
  3. How can the Son of Man in Daniel’s vision inspire you to stand up to the oppression around you?

Go Deeper

If you would like to dive deeper, use these Scriptures and questions for personal study or small group discussion.

Message Question:
How did Carissa’s message challenge or encourage you today?

Read: Daniel 7:9-14

The book of Daniel explores what it means to be God’s people while living in a culture that is set against his values. How do God’s people remain faithful and confident in a situation like this? The strange dream in Daniel chapter 7 gives us some insight. In it we see there’s a kingdom ruled by the “Son of Man,” the one with all “authority, glory and sovereign power.” The oppressive rulers of this world will fail, but the Son of Man’s rule will never end. So when arrogant kings rise up, the people of God can look to a more powerful King. His name is Jesus, and all his followers are invited to live in the humble values of his Kingdom now, even while living amidst the kingdoms of Earth.

  1. Take time to picture this fascinating scene from Daniel’s dream. Notice the appearance and actions of each character as well as the details of the setting. What stands out or surprises you?
  2. Jesus alluded to Daniel's dream when he stood on trial before the arrogant religious leaders. After reading Luke 22:66-71, what do you observe as you compare it to Daniel 7:9-14?
  3. There's a lot of pain and injustice in the world. How does Daniel’s dream of all nations and tongues worshiping together (verse 14) provide a vision of hope? What are some specific barriers in your community that keep this dream from being a reality today? What is one humble step toward unity you can take?
  4. Take some time to pray. Express your awe towards the Ancient of Days and the Son of Man. Be honest about the ways you struggle to resist the arrogant kingdoms of this world, and ask for his courage to live out the humble and unifying values of his Kingdom.
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