The Yellow Balloons Podcast

S2 Ep 7: The Progress of Civilization

We continue to examine Daniel’s interpretation of King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. The dream consists of four different civilizations: gold, silver, iron, and bronze that represent the progression of the human story. The nation of Israel, exiled in Babylon, has a unique part to play in this traditional progression of nations. God and his holy people are set apart, and will not follow the same script.

S2 Ep 8: Worlds Apart

In this episode, we continue to look at the Roman era and its effect on global attitude and perspective. The Roman Empire is made “holy” but relatively soon experiences a magnanimous fall. The message of The Book of Daniel is similar to the message of Revelation: no matter what the circumstances, no matter who is in charge (Babylon, Rome, or Israel itself), our call is the same. Be a faithful witness to God and His Kingdom through every season and setting.

S2 Ep 9: A King's Conversion

In this episode we explore the fourth chapter of The Book of Daniel. We examine King Nebuchadnezzar’s response to Daniel’s interpretation of his dream. The King also has a second dream requiring interpretation. One of the most interesting figures in Scripture, King Nebuchadnezzar, learns a powerful lesson, humbles himself before God, and bears witness to His Sovereign guidance.

S2 Ep 10: Handwriting on the Wall

In the last episode we explored King Nebuchadnezzar's response to Daniel’s dream interpretations. In this episode, we talk about the handwriting on the wall. In Chapter 5, Daniel interprets this miracle and awes the people of Babylon. Just like He does with King Nebuchadnezzar, God takes modern leaders and people in power and invites them into The Kingdom of God. These authorities have an opportunity to be a faithful witness, just like everyone else. 

S2 Ep 11: The Road to the Lions' Den

In Chapter 6 we begin exploring the story of Daniel and the Lions’ Den. This chapter is the last historical section of The Book, concluding the narrative of Daniel and his interactions with those around him. Leading up to the Lions Den, we examine powerful rulers, taxes, satraps and the role they play in the story, culminating in the king’s decree.

S2 Ep 12: A Miraculous Escape

In this episode, we continue looking at Daniel 6, and the story of Daniel’s deliverance from the lion’s den. We also explore his life as a whole and his example of what it takes to be a faithful witness. We pick up the story with King Darius having just signed a decree into law demanding the people worship him.

S2 Ep 13: A Prophetic Turn

In this episode, we begin chapter 7 of The Book of Daniel, moving beyond the historical account of Daniel’s life and into his prophetic message. We start by examining the structure of the book and the nature of its prophecies. The focus in Chapter Seven is on Daniel’s dream and the four beasts. Using images similar to the Book of Revelation, Daniel’s ultimate message is also the same - a call to worship, to live a life of faith, and be a faithful witness to the Gospel of God.

S2 Ep 14: When Empires Fall

We continue this episode in chapter 7. Looking further into Daniel’s prophetic dream leads us to consider the ancient of days and the four empires alluded to in the dream. The prophecies in this book are valuable, important, and complex. We can rest assured that God is in control and we are called to faithfulness—even when circumstances are beyond our control and our finite nature clouds our ability to understand.

S2 Ep 15: A Vision of Past and Future

In this episode we look at the prophetic vision of Chapter Eight. There is a pattern that is beginning to emerge in Daniel’s visions, and this one follows suit. History and myth, past and future, kingdoms and civilizations, swirl in Daniel’s vision. It invites us to see the patterns of sin, human effort, and God’s Sovereign intervention - inviting us to trust and obey Him as the events of world history continue to unfold.

S2 Ep 16: The Abomination of Desolation

In this episode, we continue walking through the prophetic text in Daniel 8 and look at the abomination of desolation. We talk about Antiochus Epiphanes and the great tribulation. We explore the interpretation of Daniel’s vision and an application of it for our own lives.