Theirs is the kingdom
Opening Prayer
Son of God, thank You that You have become Son of Man, taking on human flesh, becoming as we are.
Read DANIEL 7:15–28
[15] “I, Daniel, was troubled in spirit, and the visions that passed through my mind disturbed me. [16] I approached one of those standing there and asked him the meaning of all this. “So he told me and gave me the interpretation of these things: [17] ‘The four great beasts are four kings that will rise from the earth. [18] But the holy people of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess it forever-yes, for ever and ever.’ [19] “Then I wanted to know the meaning of the fourth beast, which was different from all the others and most terrifying, with its iron teeth and bronze claws-the beast that crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was left. [20] I also wanted to know about the ten horns on its head and about the other horn that came up, before which three of them fell-the horn that looked more imposing than the others and that had eyes and a mouth that spoke boastfully. [21] As I watched, this horn was waging war against the holy people and defeating them, [22] until the Ancient of Days came and pronounced judgment in favor of the holy people of the Most High, and the time came when they possessed the kingdom. [23] “He gave me this explanation: ‘The fourth beast is a fourth kingdom that will appear on earth. It will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth, trampling it down and crushing it. [24] The ten horns are ten kings who will come from this kingdom. After them another king will arise, different from the earlier ones; he will subdue three kings. [25] He will speak against the Most High and oppress his holy people and try to change the set times and the laws. The holy people will be delivered into his hands for a time, times and half a time. [26] “‘But the court will sit, and his power will be taken away and completely destroyed forever. [27] Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be handed over to the holy people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey him.’ [28] “This is the end of the matter. I, Daniel, was deeply troubled by my thoughts, and my face turned pale, but I kept the matter to myself.” Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What emotions does Daniel experience?The eternal and enduring kingdom of the “one like a son of man” (7:13) will be received and possessed forever by “holy people of the Most High” (18). God’s people are not only privileged to enter his kingdom, but will also become its proud possessors (27; see also Matt. 5:3). Why, then, is Daniel “troubled in spirit” (15,28)? Daniel discovers the terrifying significance of his visions. Before God’s people can receive “the sovereignty, power and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven” (27), they will undergo terrible tribulations. Earthly power will degenerate into the brutality of beasts (19–21,23); God will be blasphemed, his people oppressed, and there will even be efforts to change moral or natural laws (25). No wonder Daniel’s “face turned pale” (28). Nevertheless, evil has been judged (22) and will one day be wholly destroyed (26). Jesus has overcome (John 16:33). Let us take comfort in his words, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:10).
Apply
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity” (Eph. 5:15,16).
Closing prayer
Lord, let us not forget that You who came as a Lamb to die but will be coming as a Lion to judge.
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