Symbols, Signs, and a Split Screen

This morning we are dealing with another bizarre text from the book of Daniel. Apocalyptic literature is incredibly difficult to interpret. Literature like the second half of Daniel and the book of Revelation are filled with visions with all kinds of symbols, images, and even numbers. And, they all represent ideas, people, and events. The problem is that there are so many different ways to interpret all this stuff. The seventy weeks here is a great example. So, how do we interpret? Well, first, we need to be careful about the person who shows up with charts and claims assurance of the meaning. On the other hand, we don't just throw our hands up and give up. We need to keep in mind the purpose of this literature---which is to give hope to God's people in times of deep oppression. And, it points to Jesus as the hope in any age.