A Goat and a Great Man

O. T. #2002  "A Goat and a Great Man"

August 13, 2021

Daniel 8-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

In Daniel's second vision, he saw a ram with two horns (one was larger) standing by a river at Susa. It charged north, south, and west, and no other power was able to stop it. The ram represented the Medo-Persian Empire that defeated the Babylonian Empire. Then Cyrus became king over all, a Persian.

Then a male goat appeared in Daniel's vision, not touching the ground, which meant it was moving at lightning speed in its conquest of the world. Its conspicuous horn had great power to smash the ram (Persia) and became the new world power. (verse 5-7)

This goat represented Greece with its great horn being Alexander the Great as his army of 35,000 moved conquering Persia. This was an amazing prediction because Greece was not yet considered a world power when this prophecy was given. History points out that Alex began in 334 B.C. marched across Asia Minor, defeating Persia in key battles at Granicus River and at Issus. He then captured Syria and Egypt before entering and swiftly conquering Persia.

Alexander conquered most of the populated world before he was thirty. His combination of strength, speed of conquest, and youth will stand out in history. Napoleon and George Patton are two of many military leaders who studied the strategies of Alexander in designing their own battle plans. (Quick Notes, Volume 7 of Simplified Bible Commentary Series, Daniel Thru Malachi)

LET IT GROW

Having carved out an empire of 1.5 million square miles, Alexander provoked many of his Macedonian leaders to rebellion by claiming to be a god, by merging Persian and Greek elements in his army, and by marrying Persian women. worn out by wounds, hardship and overdrinking, he fell ill of a fever. soon he could neither move nor speak. Alex was propped up and each officer and soldier filed past. He acknowledged each man with his eyes or a slight movement of his head. Within two days, Alexander died. He was not yet 33 years old. (Whitcomb)

When it is in His timing, the Lord moves swiftly in our lives, with everything falling into place. We need to be ready, always looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Whether we are to physically move to another place, change jobs, make a decision, or called to heaven, we must be surrendered. When we pray for His will to be done, He opens the doors and the path becomes straight. Let Jesus prepare the day for us, then walk with Him. Our assignment is to follow Jesus, allowing Him to direct our path. 

LET IT GO

Keep trusting when the path becomes rocky and steep.

Although Jesus may lead us along a road less traveled, remain depending upon Him.

Walk with Jesus along paths of Peace, enjoying the journey in His presence with His everlasting love.

Wholeheartedly follow Jesus, instead of playing it safe on our road of life.

Seek to please Jesus, and delight in doing His will.