Looking Unto Jesus

AN EXPLANATION COMMANDED

“And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man. And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel make this man to understand the vision. So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision. Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground: but he touched me, and set me upright. And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for at the time appointed the end shall be.” Daniel 8:15-19. LUJ 151.3

It is impossible to read this language without perceiving the interest which angels take in the purposes of God concerning the human family. They are all ministering spirits, says Paul (Hebrews 1:14), and Peter testifies that they desire to look into the things which God has before revealed. 1 Peter 1:12. So when John, in his vision of the opening of the seven seals, began to weep much through fear that no one would be found in heaven or earth to open the seals, and that the important truths would forever remain hidden, one of the elders came to him and told him to weep not, for the lion of the tribe of Judah would open the book. Revelation 5:4, 5. LUJ 152.1

Returning to Daniel, Gabriel, true to the commission here laid upon him, proceeded at once to enter upon his duty and to give the explanation he was enjoined to make. LUJ 152.2