How many of you have seen The Matrix?  If you haven’t seen this movie I wouldn’t necessarily rush out and rent it.  It’s pretty intense science fiction.  It’s a “not for everyone” type of movie.  However, the plot of The Matrix has some intentional spiritual overtones - some of which touch on what we’re looking at today.

The main character is Mr. Thomas A. Anderson - who’s a program writer for the respectable software company, Metacortex.  He has a social security number, pays his taxes, even helps his land lady carry out her garbage.  He’s also a hacker who’s guilty of just about every computer crime there’s a law for.

In the process of hacking his way through the mainframes of the world, Mr. Anderson has become very uneasy about the world he lives in.  He’s begun to realize that things are not quite what they seem.  Like there’s something wrong with the world.  He doesn’t quite know what it is.  But that feeling stabs at his mind and is beginning to drive him nuts.

That’s when Mr. Thomas A. Anderson meets a man by the name of Morpheus.  Morpheus tells Thomas that the world he knows is really a neural-interactive simulation - The Matrix.  The reality behind what Anderson knows as reality is a world run by machines that use this computer generated simulation to blind humanity from the truth and to keep humanity under control.  Put simply - he’s plugged into a computer and nothing he thinks is real is real.

Morpheus offers Thomas two pills - two options.  A blue pill - if Thomas takes it he’ll wake up in his bed - and go on believing whatever he wants about the world.  Or a red pill - if Thomas takes it he’ll find out the reality of how things really are. 

“What is real?”  That’s a great question isn’t it?  What if when we think we’re awake we’re really dreaming?  What if everything we see around us really isn’t real?  But just an façade covering something much deeper - something that is real - that we - way in the back of our minds - that we know is there.  But, just can’t get a grasp on.  Which do you choose?  The blue pill or the red pill?

Coming to Daniel 10 - we’re going to see that God offers Daniel the red pill.  Along with Daniel, God is going to give us a glimpse behind the curtain of reality - to see into the spiritual realm of what goes on behind the scenes of our world - and how we are very much tied to that reality.

Daniel 10 - starting at verse 1:  In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a message was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belteshazzar; and the message was true and one of great conflict, but he understood the message and had an understanding of the vision.

Before we go on we need to catch up to where we are in Daniel’s life.

The third year of Cyrus’ reign is about 534 BC.  Daniel is definitely in his mid-eighties by now - maybe even pushing 90.  Chapter 10 - 534 BC - comes about 4 years after the vision that we looked at last Sunday in chapter 9.  Chapter 10:1 is the introduction to the last section of this book.  Chapters 10 to 12 - are a three chapters long unit containing the final prophetic vision given to Daniel.  So, God has given Daniel four years to process the last vision - and now He’s going to give Daniel this final intense look behind the scenes of history.

Verse 2:  In those days, I, Daniel, had been mourning for three entire weeks.  I did not eat any tasty food, nor did meat or wine enter my mouth, nor did I use any ointment at all until the entire three weeks were completed.

Notice two things.

First:  At the time Daniel received this vision he’s at the end of a 21 day period of mourning.  He’s sworn off tasty food - delicacies - pastries - no baklava.  He’s on a vegetarian diet - no meat - no In-N-Out Burger.  No wine.  No ointment - or lotions - perfumes.  Probably means he hasn’t taken a bath in 3 weeks.  This is an intense time of focusing on God without anything to distract him.

Second:  We really don’t know why Daniel was in mourning.  But, there are two ideas that the commentators share that are worth thinking about.

About two years before all this mourning takes place - 42,000 Jews - under the leadership of Zerubbabel - under a decree given by Cyrus - these Jews had made the months long trek back to Jerusalem to rebuild the city.

The report that came back to Babylon - which Daniel had probably heard - the report was that that group was facing serious opposition from those who had remained in the homeland.  So, while God had begun to do the things that God said He would do - like sending His people back after 70 years of exile - repopulating and rebuilding the homeland - the people that had gone back to do all that had given up in the face of all this opposition.  Daniel may have been mourning because His people had once again - just as God was opening up to them great potential blessing - they’d looked at all that was against them - and they’d turned away from trusting God.

Another reason may be because of the Jews who’d remained in Babylon.  There was a group of Jews who had become very comfortable.  In 70 years they’d made a really great life for themselves.  Many of them had been born in Babylon.  Jerusalem was as story - a fable - told by old people.  They were the mover’s and shakers who’d adapted and were doing well - nice houses - late model chariots - owners of Gottschalks Babylon.  Why would they want to give all that up to go to some backwater run down 3rd world place like Jerusalem?

Daniel may have been mourning because his people had once again - just as God was opening up to them great potential blessing - they’d looked at all that was attractive to them in Babylon - and they’d turned away from trusting God.

Bottom line:  We don’t know exactly why Daniel was in mourning for his people - seeking out God.  But God’s people were discouraged and distracted by what was happening around them.  They were in serious trouble by not following after God.

Verse 4:  On the twenty-fourth day of the first month - which translates to the 24th day of the month Nisan - which means it was in the spring - while I was by the bank of the great river, that is, the Tigris - east of Babylon - out mourning for his people - I lifted my eyes and looked, and behold, there was a certain man dressed in linen, whose waist was girded with a belt of pure gold of Uphaz - Uphaz being a region where really pure gold came from - his body also was like beryl, his face had the appearance of lightning, his eyes were like flaming torches, his arms and feet like the gleam of polished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of tumult.

This is one awesome - dazzling - impressive angel.

Verse 7:  Now I, Daniel, alone saw this great vision, while the men who were with me did not see the vision; nevertheless, a great dread fell on them, and they ran away to hide themselves.  So I was left alone and saw this great vision; yet no strength was left in me, for my natural color turned to a deathly pallor, and I retained no strength.  But I heard the sound of his words; I fell into a deep sleep on my face, with my face to the ground.

A lady calls her pastor at 2:00 Monday morning.  She says, “Pastor, could you preach Sunday’s sermon one more time for me.”  The pastor, who’s quite impressed that this lady was so touched by the sermon that she wants to hear it again, says to her, “I’d be happy to.  I didn’t realize how deeply what was said touched your life.”  The lady says, “Touched my life?  I can’t sleep.  I always sleep so well when you preach.”

Heard that?  What’s happening here is different from that.

The angel reveals his presence to Daniel.  Two reactions.  Those with Daniel - can’t see the angel - but they can sense him - overwhelmed with terror they run and hide.  Daniel - who can see the angel - this dazzling awesome person - can hear his words - imagine how much more terrifying that would be - Daniel comes face-to-face with the spiritual reality behind our world.  Daniel is so overwhelmed that he passes out. 

Verse 10:  Then behold, a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees.  He said to me, “O Daniel, man of high esteem, understand the words that I am about to tell you and stand upright - get up man - for I have now been sent to you.”  And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling.  Then he said to me, “Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words.”

Daniel is passed out - face down in the dirt.  The angel touches Daniel.  Helps Daniel to his knees.  Then helps him up - still trembling - to his feet.  All the while speaking words of reassurance.  “Daniel, man of high esteem.  I’ve been sent to you.  Don’t be afraid.”  Hold onto that image we’ll come back to it.  Daniel in the dirt being helped up by the angel.

Verse 13 - the angel goes on explaining to Daniel:  “But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was withstanding me for twenty-one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes; came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia.  Now I have come to give you an understanding of what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision pertains to the days yet future.”

Paul writes - Ephesians 6:12, “Our struggle is not against flesh and - what?  blood, but against the - what? rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

That’s what this angel is telling Daniel.  Behind the things going on in our world is this invisible hierarchy of evil.  Evil angels - demons - that are assigned to various countries.  The demon who had authority over Persia withstood this angel who had been sent to Daniel.  Michael - one of the chief angels - one of the good guys - comes and helps.  How all this happens - we don’t know.  But it does.  Its real.  And it effects us - even the timing of God answering prayer.

“Daniel.  There’s a lot going on here that you don’t see.  But, God wants you to understand that this battle is taking place.  It effects your life and My people.”

Verse 15:  When he had spoken to me according to these words - about the warfare and delay - I turned my face toward the ground and became speechless.  And behold, one who resembled a human being was touching my lips; then I opened my mouth and spoke and said to him who was standing before me, “O my lord, as a result of the vision anguish has come upon me, and I have retained no strength.  For how can such a servant of my lord talk with such as my lord?  As for me, there remains just now no strength in me, nor has any breath been left in me.”

Have you ever been driving along - exceeding the speed limit - then suddenly come up on a policemen with a radar gun - sitting out of sight on a motorcycle or in a patrol car?  Suddenly all the reasons we had for going so fast no longer seem so important.  Its a reality check.  What’s real.  That’s what Daniel gets here. 

Daniel has stood toe-to-toe - nose-to-nose with the mightiest men of his day.  He stood before Nebuchadnezzar and told him he was going to be made like an animal.  Told a drunken Belshazzar his kingdom was at an end.  Ended up in in the lion’s den because he never backed off of following God.  Never flinched.  Never wavered.  God’s man courageously serving God.  That’s one reality. 

But, here - seeing the spiritual realm - glimpsing behind the curtain of our reality - the awesomeness and power of God - glory beyond imagining - pure holiness - Satan and his minions in rebellion - the armies at heaven at war - the presence of this holy angel sent by God.  Comparing realities, who is Daniel - the servant of God - the sinner - with his 3 weeks of mourning and prayer?  With questions - issues - that no longer seem important.  In light of all that is real and holy.  Who is Daniel?  Who are we?  Daniel looks at the ground - humbled - speechless - physically weak.

Verse 18:  Then this one with human appearance touched me again and strengthened me.  He said, “O man of high esteem, do not be afraid.  Peace be with you; take courage and be courageous!”  Now as soon as he spoke to me, I received strength and said, “May my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.”  Then he said, “Do you understand why I came to you?  But I shall now return to fight against the prince of Persia; so I am going forth, and behold, the prince of Greece is about to come.  However, I will tell you what is inscribed in the writing of truth.  Yet there is no one who stands firmly with me against these forces except Michael your prince.”

The word for “courage” - “be courageous” - in verse 19 is the Hebrew word “chazaq.”  It means to be strengthened - to grow strong - so that you won’t be moved.  So that - with all that comes against us - we can hold firm.  Stand our ground.  In the battle - we won’t retreat.

Notice how the angel takes Daniel - overwhelmed by all that he is being exposed to - and strengthens him.  Over and over that image is repeated.  “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up.  I’m weak.  I can’t speak.”  And the angel reassuring, touching, giving strength.  Daniel in the dirt - being helped up. 

Scripture repeats things, why?  Because its important for us to understand what’s being repeated.  Why is this angel here?  To answer prayer?  That’s part of it.  To clue Daniel in about future history?  That’s part of it.  To speak words of truth showing Daniel what’s really going on.  That’s part of it.  To remind Daniel of who he is - how God highly esteems him.  All of that is what God is doing here - even for us.  The bottom line is that Daniel is lifted up and given strength to go on.  Encouraged for what is - and what is to come.

There are two thoughts of application that are helpful for us to think about - dealing with our reality and what what’s really happening around us - and being encouraged.

First:  Our Awareness of Angels.  Say that with me, “Our awareness of angels.”

Not so long ago there was this program, “Touched By An Angel.”  Do you remember this?  Angels running around earth doing good things for people.  During every episode one of the angels would have to reveal to whoever they were helping that they were an angel.   Whenever they’d tell someone, “I’m an angel.”  then they turned this flashlight on over their head so there was kind of a glowing thing going on with their hair.      Remember that?  “Torched As An Angel.”

For just a moment - put Hollywood aside - let’s talk reality about angels.

Hebrews 1:14 - gives us a really clear introduction to angels.  Hebrews 1:14 says:  “Are they - angels - not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?” 

Notice what God says about His angels.

First:  Angels are spirits - plural.  There are millions of them.

Angels are not dead people who sit on clouds playing harps trying to earn wings by doing good things for people on earth.  They don’t have bodies like we do.  They’re not subject to the same limitations of the flesh.  They pass back and forth from the spiritual world to the physical world.

Scripture teaches us that these spiritual beings are created by God with free will.  Following Satan a number of them rebelled against God.  Those are the demons.  Still in rebellion against God.

Second:  Angels are ministering spirits.  Which means that they serve God.  The word for “minister” is “leitourgia”  Same word we get our word “liturgy” from.  Liturgy is serving God - worshipping - obeying - doing what honors and pleases God.

Third:  These ministering spirits are “sent out.”  Just like here in Daniel - where this angel is sent by God to Daniel - to strengthen and prepare him.  When they appear they can appear in various forms - human - superhuman - powerful - impressive - never as animals or subhuman.

Fourth:  They minister by rendering service to those who will inherit salvation - believers and those who are yet to believe.

That service is forewarning - like when the angel appeared to Mary and Joseph and warned them that Herod was going to kill all the babies aged two and younger - warned them and sent them to Egypt to escape.

That service is by assisting in judgment.  When Sennachaerib, King of Assyria invade Judah and was ready to wipe out God’s people - God sent an angel who killed 185,000 Assyrians.  And, God’s people were spared.

Then here in Daniel we see that Angels serve us by strengthening and encouraging us - physically, emotionally, spiritually.  Angels serve us by guiding us - verse 14 - the angel says, “I have come to give you an understanding.”    The angel opens Daniel’s eyes to the reality of what is going on around him.  Angels serves us by protecting and defending us.  Daniel chapter 6 - God sent and angel to shut the lion’s mouths.

Back in April when Andrew fell 9 feet head first into concrete - without any head injury - I firmly believe that there were angels catching him on the way down.  Do you ever have those moments when the only explanation is that there is no explanation - but God?

Point One:  Our awareness of angels:  It is crucial that we are aware that angels do exist and that they are very much involved in our lives.  Millions of them - ministering spirits - being sent out by God on our behalf.

Point Two - our awareness of angels - gratitude.

Billy Graham - as he brings his book, “Angels, God’s Secret Agents” - as he concludes his book, Billy Graham shares from his own life these words:  “Some of the greatest and most precious words recorded in all of Scripture were spoken by Satan himself (not that he intended it to be so).  In his discussion with God about Job, he said, “Hast not Thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side?  Thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.” (Job 1:10)

As I look back over my life I remember the moment I came to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  The angels rejoiced!  Since than I have been in thousands of battles with Satan and his demons.  As I yielded my will and committed myself totally to Christ - as I prayed and believed - I am convinced that God “put a hedge about me,” a hedge of angels to protect me.

The Scripture says there is a time to be born and a time to die.  And when my time to die comes an angel will be there to comfort me.  He will give me peace and joy even at that most critical hour, and usher me into the presence of God, and I will dwell with the Lord forever.  Thank God for the ministry of His blessed angels.!” (1)

Can you say “Amen” to that?

Second thought of application:  Our Awareness of the Reality Behind Reality.  Say that with me, “Our awareness of the reality behind the reality.”

A young father in a supermarket was pushing a shopping cart with his little son, who was strapped in the front.  The little boy was fussing, irritable, and crying.  The other shoppers gave the pair a wide berth because the child was pulling cans off the shelf and throwing stuff out of the cart.  The father seemed to be very calm; as he continued down each aisle, he murmured gently:  “Easy now, Donald.  Keep calm, Donald.  Steady, boy.  It’s all right, Donald.”

A mother who was passing by was greatly impressed by this young father’s attitude.  She said, “You certainly know how to talk to an upset child - quietly and gently.”

And then bending down to the little boy, she said, “What seems to be the trouble, Donald?”

“Oh no,” said the father.  “He’s Henry.  I’m Donald.” (2)

Sometimes we’re just barely hanging on.  Where does the encouragement to hang in there come from?

Elisha and his servant are outside the town of Dothan, Palestine.  The king of Aram - who’s really angry at Elisha - the king of Aram sends horses and charriotts and this great army to Dothan - comes at night and surrounds the town.  Remember this?  Elisha’s servant wakes up early in the morning - takes a look outside the town - sees this huge armed to the teeth army - bent on one purpose - Elisha’s capture and death - runs back to Elisha and says, “What do we do now?”

Elisha prays - asks God to open the eyes of his servant - to see behind the veil of our reality to the reality of the spiritual world.  God opens the eyes of the servant.  He sees - not just the Aramean army - but God’s army - horses and chariots of fire surrounding Elisha - protecting them from the Arameans.  God’s army was there all the time.  It just wasn’t revealed to this servant.  (2 Kings 6:8-23)

We need to see ourselves in that reality. 

Why seemingly doesn’t God answer my prayers?  Why is this happening?  Why am I getting nailed by all this?  Why is this an uphill battle?  There’s a lot more going on here than meets the eye.  Whether we see it or not.  Its there.  Satan and his hoards bent on our destruction.  The warfare.  But above all the holy - almighty - awesome God - His angels in obedience - ministering servants on our behalf.  That’s the reality we need to hang on to.  No matter what is or what will come.

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