Daniel 2:31-36. The Rock from Outer-space.

God has many titles. Moses called Him in Deuteronomy. 32:4. The Rock! Psalm.61:2. Isaiah 51:1. and many other references build on this descriptive name. He is the Rock of refuge and as the hymn says, the rock cleft for me. There is a children's song many an adult can remember singing; 'Build on the Rock and not upon the sand.'

In this final blog about God the Rock we look at the use of it in Daniel. It began when Nebuchadnezzar dreamed about an idol. It was gigantic but its meaning was unclear until Daniel was summoned. He had been taken captive to Babylon when Nebuchadnezzar's army destroyed Israel and its capital. Daniel was given the gift to interpret this, and other dreams.

The idol represented four World empires: Head of gold, Babylon, Chest of silver were the Medes and Persian empire. Next, the belly and thighs of bronze represented Greece and the final empire of iron was Rome. This final empire split in two and was of iron and clay. However, at some point in time Daniel said God steps in with His judgement. How does this happen? By the Rock from outer-space. Where does it strike? the feet! What is the twofold result? The idol is destroyed and 'blown away' and the 'The Rock' brings forth the long anticipated Kingdom of God. 

The significance of this dream goes beyond the scope of this blog. However please note the following: The idol representing the four nations was actually one. Therefore, one spirit was actually animating the four world powers. From further study you will realise that each kingdom sought the destruction of the Nation of Israel. Idols are a front behind which the Devil hides to receive worship 1 Corinthians 10:19-20. This is the force which infuses, controls the nations. You get a sense of this, more so in some than others, in the nations’ treatment and attitude to Israel. It will be this antagonism which leads them to the Valley of Decision. Joel 3:9-16.

Notice, the symbolism of the Stone cut from the Rock but not by Human hands. The symbolism of this is vital. It means the crushing Rock is of the same nature as The Rock. Remember what Jesus said. John 10:30. He and the Father and therefore the Holy Spirit are  one in essence.  Deity is not needed to be stated as its relationship is apparent. The Stone Daniel mentioned is also named The Lord of Hosts. He is the Lord Jesus in battle dress. What began on earth at Bethlehem with the Warrior Baby will then be completed by the returning Warrior Lord. He comes to vindicate His word, execute the Father’s wrath, deliver Israel from annihilation, see Israel’s conversion, bring judgement and establish God Kingdom.

 The Crushing Stone strikes the base of the Idol and it becomes dust. If the feet refer to the Roman empire then has Daniel or the interpreters got it wrong? Revelation 6-19 has information on this. What wasn't revealed to Daniel was the ‘sin binning’ of Israel due to unbelief in the coming of Jesus to be their Redeemer. This culminated in the Nation's uprising against Rome being dispersed around the globe. The emergence of the Church took up the testimony of the promised Messiah which causes some to imagine the Lord has  finished with those He termed 'His Inheritance.' This is insulting to God for it suggests He is unable to fulfil His promises.

Before the Day of the Stone from outer-space the Church's mission must be completed. It must be replaced by the final prophetic period  foretold in Daniel 12. How is the Church taken from the scene? By the Rapture, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. 

From the rejected Stone to the Smitten Stone then the Living Stone who is the foundation, corner and capstone and at the same time the Rock of Offence, the Stumbling Stone, Jesus will be the penultimate Crushing Stone. Only then will we behold Him as the Radiant Stone.

We must assess our relationship to Him. Will He be our Crushing or our Radiant Stone? That will be decided by your faith in Him as the Lord and Saviour, crucified, entombed and risen.