Throughout chapters 9 through 12, Daniel receives vision of the things to come. He is told of wonders, turmoil, and suffering that will come to the earth. Why does God give Daniel these visions? If he will not be alive to experience (or avoid) these happenings, then why are they revealed to him? What is God’s purpose in exposing Daniel to these visions?

Have you ever had someone flash their lights at you while riding down the road? When I was younger, anytime this would happen, I would become annoyed. Maybe even aggravated. “What are they flashing their lights for? What’s their deal?” More often than not, as I continued traveling down the road there would be a police officer using his radar gun attempting to catch speeders. It didn’t take me long to realize this was just a way other motorists signaled one another that there were police officers ahead and you may want to slow down.

Yet, why do it? What does it matter to them if I get pulled over? They won’t be there to experience it. They won’t pay the fine. As someone who has been pulled over…a number of times, I know why they do it: empathy. They have been there before: lights flashing in the rearview, muttering curses under your breath, struggling to remember the password to your Geico app on your phone. I have been there. It isn’t a great feeling. Is it just? Did I deserve it? Absolutely. Do I want others to experience it? No. I’d rather my warning be enough to inspire them to make the right choice instead of them suffering the consequences.

God warned Daniel, warned His people, and warned us because He loves us. He doesn’t want us to suffer the consequences. He’d rather us learn from the warning, change our ways, and get back communion with Him. What lights are God flashing at you now? What warnings is He sending your way? Slow down. Avoid the ticket. Hear His voice.