Scripture Reading(s)
Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18
7:1 In the first year of King Belshazzar of Babylon, Daniel had a dream and visions of his head as he lay in bed. Then he wrote down the dream:
7:2 I, Daniel, saw in my vision by night the four winds of heaven stirring up the great sea,
7:3 and four great beasts came up out of the sea, different from one another.
7:15 As for me, Daniel, my spirit was troubled within me, and the visions of my head terrified me.
7:16 I approached one of the attendants to ask him the truth concerning all this. So he said that he would disclose to me the interpretation of the matter:
7:17 “As for these four great beasts, four kings shall arise out of the earth.
7:18 But the holy ones of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever–forever and ever.”
Reflections
At the end of the day, no matter who is placed as an authoritative figure on earth, God’s rule is always the highest of them all. This is a passage depicting nations facing different rulers, authorities and powers over their land. However, what is concluded is the most powerful message of all, God is the supreme authority.
Looking around at all the political tension that is taking place and the upcoming election, it is enough to make one feel both nervous and tense about what the future holds. However, regardless of who ends up taking the presidency, we know what it is God who is the one that appoints these leaders and has the full authority over them.
No thought or decision takes place among those who are in power without the permission of God allowing them to do first. We can take comfort in knowing that the true King of this world is in full control and is constantly shaping and turning events for our good and to bring the glory back to Him.
The four beasts in Daniel are most often thought to represent the 4 major middle eastern kingdoms that were in power between Daniel’s time and Jesus’ time. Those kingdoms are Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome. After the rise of Rome we see that Daniel’s vision tells of the Most High taking possession forever.
But the holy ones of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever–forever and ever.
We see from history that Daniel’s vision played out in it’s prophetic predictions. But what can we learn from Daniel’s vision? God is the author of history. He is the one who causes kingdoms to rise and fall. He has appointed times and seasons. Have faith that all God has said will happen will happen. He will hold true to His promises. He will not leave you or forsake you.
Amen! #GlorytoGod