Dr Michael Bennett emphasized that God is in charge of history as he considered the importance and relevance of ‘the prophets’ for modern man in his talk entitled: ‘Let Daniel be called and he will show us the interpretion’. He read the account of king Belshazzar’s feast in Daniel 5 where a coded message was written on the palace wall after the king used golden vessels taken from God’s temple in Jerusalem to toast and praise Babylonian gods. The wise men of Babylon could not interpret the writing. Finally, God’s prophet Daniel was sent for and he soon explained it. Time was up for Babylon! It fell that night, and Belshazzar was slain.
Daniel had an outstanding gift of interpretation as the rulers of Babylon well knew. Amazing they had lived with God’s prophet but did not consult him until too late. Jesus’ reference to Daniel 7 v 13 before the high priest in Matthew 26 v. 64 shows how Daniel’s prophecy was a life and death issue for Him personally. Understanding Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 24 v. 15 (‘whoso readeth, let him understand’) regarding Daniel 9 v. 27 was a life and death matter for many first century Christians at Jerusalem in AD 70.
Fulfilment of Daniel’s time limited prophecy extends into modern times. Christians today need to understand the prophets. Consulting Daniel shows us how to stand firm on eating correctly and keeping God’s law; how to pray openly and witness boldly; how to seek and receive wisdom; and, how to please God and know peace. Daniel 9 v. 23 ‘for thou art greatly beloved, therefore understand’. Daniel ch. 10 v. 19 ‘O man, greatly beloved, fear not, peace be unto thee.'
After the talks, a hymn was sung and a voluntary offering collected before a prayer and the Aaronic blessing closed the meeting. Most of the congregation then gathered once more to enjoy tea, cakes and fellowship before travelling home to their various areas of the country.