Text: Daniel 7:1-28
Daniel is terrified by a vision of four kingdoms which are soon to come
(vv.9a-12). Some are violent, and one, “a little horn”, seems to be disrespectful and arrogant. Is this the real future for God’s people? What a sad reality when it seems that the present king’s family had come to understand the true God of heaven. He must have been very disappointed. There is not a Christian in history who did not look at his own country and shake his head in disappointment and wonder if God would truly preserve His church. Yet, here Daniel is shown a vision of the real future. Kingdoms will, indeed, come and harm God’s people, and that, indeed, would be God’s plan. Yet, in the end, the books will be opened for judgement, and all these kingdoms which rebelled against God will absolutely be destroyed. This is our greatest hope and the best reason to persevere in suffering.
The future judgement is not just one of destruction for God’s enemies. It is also a powerful bringing in of the eternal Kingdom of Christ! (vv.13-14). When we struggle and suffer, we are waging a slow war against Satan which will one day end and our loving Father will bring in a new Kingdom! One where Christ is at the center and all people will have a new body and a new nature fit for eternal glory!
The Lord reveals this Prophecy to Daniel because when he sees the future he is terribly upset. The Lord graciously speaks both to him and to us, reminding us that this present darkness will not last forever. There indeed is a real and lasting solution to our problems and an end to the spiritual battles that we face! This is why we should face our challenges and discouragements with confidence, for we are on the winning team. Our victory is absolutely assured!
Meditate on verses 9-11. What is God teaching you in these verses? How are you going to respond to them?
Our Father in heaven, Lord of heaven and earth, in the name of Jesus Christ, I thank You for defeating the devil through the death of Jesus Christ on the cross for me and all Your children. Amen.