THE CRONICLES OF DANIEL #7: THE SUPREME COURT
DANIEL 7: 1-28
OCTOBER 10, 2004
INTRODUCTION: After a three-month summer recess, on October 3,1994, the Supreme Court of the United States opened its 1994-95 term. According to the New York Times News Service, the court’s legal business for that first day could be summed up with one word: no. The court announced it had refused to hear more than 1,600 cases. The names and docket numbers of the rejected appeals covered sixty-eight typewritten pages. For those cases, that was the last court of appeal, the final word.
There’s something terribly final about judgment. The Supreme Court says no, and that’s it. No appeals. No arguments. The books are sealed, and the decision is final.
On the great day of judgment there will also be a terrible crescendo of no’s. "No, you cannot enter my kingdom." And the doors will be shut forever. No appeal. No time to change one’s mind. Those who have rejected Jesus Christ will have forever lost their opportunity for eternal life". (Craig Brian Larson. ed. Contemporary Illustrations For Preachers, Teachers And Writers. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1996, p. 122). Contributed by: John Williams III
TRANSITION THOUGTH: OUR TEXT FOR TONIGHT SPEAKS OF THE FINALITY OF THE SUPREME COURT. DANIEL IS PRIVELEGED TO SEE A DAY, A DAY HE DOESN’T QUITE UNDERSTAND, WHEN THE FINAL COURT WILL SIT AND FINAL JUDGEMENT WILL BE HANDED DOWN. DANIEL GIVES US A PICTURE OF COURT AT ITS BEST, THE KIND OF COURT THE SAINTS LONG FOR AND SINNERS FEAR, THE FINAL DAY OF JUDGEMENT.
THESIS SENTENCE: WHEN ANCIENT OF DAYS HOLDS COURT THE SAINTS ARE JUSTIFIED!
I. THE SUPREME COURT HEARS THE CASE
A. THE CASE IS ABOUT A PROSECUTOR: DANIEL/ STATE/ KINGDOM OF GOD VV. 1-2
B. THE CASE IS ABOUT A DEFENDANT: THE FOUR BEAST VV. 3-8
C. THE CASE IS A SCARY PICTURE: IT IS NOT LOOKING GOOD!
ILLUSTRATION: Scott Petterson/ Martha Stewart/ Kobe Bryant/
TRUTH: THERE IS COMING A DAY WHEN COURT WILL BE IN SESSION
QUESTION: DO WE EVER FEEL LIKE EVIL IS WINNING AND WE HAVE NO HOPE?
II. THE SUPREME COURT RECEIVES THE EVIDENCE
A. EVIDENCE IS TROUBLING INFORMATION V. 15
B. EVIDENCE IS THE REALITY OF THE ENEMY/ KINGDOMS V. 17
C. EVIDENCE IS DETAIL VV. 19-21; 23-25
ILLUSTRATION: Supreme Court Justice Horace Gray once said to the man who escaped conviction on a technicality: "I know that you are guilty and you know it, and I wish you to remember that one day you will stand before a better and wiser Judge, and that there you will be dealt with according to justice and not according to law.” Contributed by: Dana Chau
TRUTH: ALL THE EVIDENCE WILL BE LAID ON THE TABLE IN THE GREAT COURT OF OUR GOD!
QUESTION: HAVE YOU EVER FELT LIKE ALL THE EVIDENCE HAS BEEN HIDEN AND NO ONE KNOWS THE TRUTH?
III. THE SUPREME COURT MAKES A RULING
A. A RULING START WITH THE REALITY OF THE COURT VV. 9-10
B. A RULING BEGINS WITH THE BIG PICTURE VV. 18 & 22
C. A RULING CONCLUDES WITH FINAL JUDGEMENT VV. 26-28
ILLUSTRATION: The late Supreme Court Justice Oliver Holmes was on a train when the conductor came through collecting tickets. Holmes couldn’t find his ticket and became rather distraught. The conductor tried to console him by saying, "Mr. Holmes, don’t worry. When you find your ticket, just mail it in. We trust you." Mr. Holmes responded in frustration, "My dear man, that’s not my problem. I need my ticket to tell me where I’m going." Contributed by: Richard Crow
TRUTH: OUR GOD IS SUPREME AND HIS DECISION IS FINAL!
QUESTION: HOW DO WE RESPOND TO THE REALITY OF THE SUPREMECY OF OUR GOD?
CONCLUSION: The great news that Daniel shares with us is that of the high court of the Ancient of days. I am troubled that He was so troubled over what he had seen. The details are grim at times and should not be overlooked. We may well be in the center of the verse 25 reality. BUT the great truth for us today is the final outcome and the promise, hope and truth of the One who sits in judgement over those who would destroy us! Take courage, it is almost time for court!!
BENEDICTION: JUDE 24-25
