On Thursday’ evening I attended a talk by one of our neighbours. The talk was about the importance of oil and oil reserves - about exploitation and proper management - about exaggerated claims for reserves - about the future and control - about the danger of war.

I could not help but think of the Book of Daniel and its message. Let me remind you once again of the message. God is in control. God Rules. God is in control.  God is in control so get on with your life, get on with living. This is God’s last word to Daniel, “Get on with it!” Twice over he is instructed, “Go your way.”

Bible Reading Daniel 11:1-12:13

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Ursula and I were in the Welsh citadel of Llangollen. There we stood beside the Llangollen Canal. This was no vision, this was reality. Only ten minutes or so before, we had stood before the Pontcysyllte Aquaduct. In fact Ursula, and I walked over this great wonder, but for some the thought is just too much, too terrifying.

Daniel says,

In the third year of King Belshazzar’s reign,

I, Daniel, had a vision,

after the one that had already appeared to me.

In my vision I saw myself in the citadel of Susa

n the province of Elam;

in the vision I was beside the Ulai Canal.

Daniel was exhausted and lay sick for several days. He was confused, he didn’t understand. A great deal was hidden from him but much was much revealed.

What has this vision to say to us? And how have we to respond?

Reading: Daniel 8:1-27

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