When Jesus Shows Up: A Journey Through Divine Encounters

There's something profoundly transformative about encountering the presence of God. Not a casual acknowledgment of His existence, but a genuine, overwhelming experience that leaves you forever changed. The story of Daniel's encounter in chapter 10 offers us a breathtaking glimpse into what happens when heaven breaks into our reality. 

The Heart Behind the Fast 

Daniel's commitment to spiritual purity wasn't a 21-day challenge or a New Year's resolution. From his youth as a captive in Babylon, Daniel made a lifetime decision: he would not defile himself. While others feasted on the king's rich foods and fine wines, Daniel chose a different path. His fast wasn't about impressing God or earning favor—it was about maintaining consecration in a culture that constantly pulled him toward compromise. 

Fast forward seventy years. Daniel is no longer the young captive refusing the king's delicacies. He's an elderly statesman who has served under multiple regimes. Yet his commitment remains unchanged. When troubled by visions and prophetic revelations he couldn't fully understand, Daniel once again turned to fasting—mourning for three full weeks, seeking clarity and understanding from God. 

This wasn't religious performance. Daniel was genuinely disturbed in his spirit, carrying a burden he couldn't shake. The visions occupied his mind and heart, following him into the king's court and into his private moments. So he pressed in, fasting from meat and wine, refusing even to anoint himself with oil. 

The Glorious Man by the River 

On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as Daniel stood by the Tigris River, everything changed. He lifted his eyes and saw a figure that defied description—a man dressed in linen with a belt of pure gold, His body like beryl, His face like lightning, His eyes like flaming torches, His arms and feet gleaming like polished bronze. The sound of His words was like a tumult, a roaring multitude. 

This description mirrors almost exactly what the apostle John would later record in Revelation 1 when he encountered the risen Christ in glory. The parallels are unmistakable: the priestly linen garments, the golden belt of royal authority, the face radiating overwhelming glory, the penetrating eyes of judgment, the strength and purity of burnished bronze, the voice of divine presence. 

This was no ordinary angelic visitation. This was a Christophany—a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ Himself. 

The Impact of His Presence 

Daniel's response tells us everything. This seasoned prophet, who had interpreted dreams for kings and survived the lion's den, was completely undone. He fell into a deep sleep, face to the ground, his strength completely drained. The glory of Christ's presence overwhelmed every natural capacity. 

Even more telling: the men with Daniel didn't see the vision, yet a great dread fell upon them and they ran to hide. Just as when Jesus appeared to Saul on the Damascus Road—his companions heard sound but saw nothing, standing speechless while Saul was blinded and fell to the ground. The presence of Jesus creates an atmosphere that impacts everyone nearby, even those who cannot fully perceive what's happening. 

The Helper Arrives 

What happened next reveals God's tender mercy. While Christ's glory overwhelmed Daniel, help was dispatched. An angelic messenger—likely Gabriel—touched Daniel three times. The first touch set him trembling on his hands and knees. The second touch enabled him to speak again. The third touch imparted supernatural strength. 

Three separate moments. Three separate touches. Each imparting something Daniel desperately needed to receive what God wanted to reveal. 

The Message That Changes Everything 

The angel's words to Daniel are stunning: "Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words." 

From the first day. Daniel's prayer was answered immediately, but the answer took 21 days to arrive. Why? Because the prince of Persia—a demonic power—was withstanding the messenger. Michael, one of the chief angels, had to come and assist. There was warfare in the heavenly realms, spiritual friction, demonic resistance. 

But here's the crucial point: the answer was already on its way. God had heard. God had responded. God had dispatched help. The delay wasn't divine indifference—it was spiritual warfare Daniel couldn't see. 

Before revealing the prophetic message, the angel affirmed Daniel's identity: "O man of high esteem." Not condemnation. Not a list of failures. Affirmation. Identity before assignment. Peace before purpose. 

Then came the revelation—kingdoms that would rise and fall, antichrists that would arise, tribulation that would come, but also resurrection, eternal life for the faithful, and God's ultimate victory. Daniel didn't receive a new circumstance. He received new strength. He didn't get a quick fix. He got a fresh touch. He didn't get an escape. He got a supernatural encounter. 

What This Means for Us 

When Jesus shows up, everything changes. His glory disrupts our normal, shakes us out of routine, breaks into our reality whether it's comfortable or not. He doesn't fit our schedules—He transforms them. 

When Jesus shows up, He sends help to strengthen us. We may be overwhelmed by His glory, but He provides assistance to help us survive and thrive in His presence. Angels may lift us, strengthen us, encourage us, and explain spiritual realities we cannot grasp on our own. 

When Jesus shows up, He speaks identity before assignment. He affirms rather than condemns. Under the blood of Christ, when God looks at us, He sees His righteousness imputed to us. He is for us, not against us. 

When Jesus shows up, He reveals what we cannot see. He makes sense of the delays, exposes the battles raging on our behalf, breaks away confusion, and shows us He was working all along—never forsaking, never abandoning, always pushing us onward. 

When Jesus shows up, He prepares us for what's coming next. He doesn't always change our circumstances, but He gives us supernatural strength to face them. He doesn't promise escape, but He guarantees His presence. 

The Invitation 

Perhaps today you need new strength, a fresh touch, a supernatural encounter. The good news is this: Jesus is present right now. You may not see Him with your eyes, but you can perceive Him with your heart. He promised never to leave or forsake you, and He cannot lie. 

The question isn't whether Jesus will show up. He already has. The question is whether we have eyes to see Him, hearts to receive Him, and willingness to be transformed by His presence. 

When Jesus shows up, everything changes. Are you ready? 

Blessings, 

Pastor Greg (PG)