Today’s Reading: Daniel 7, Revelation 13:1-10
Once more, we see evidence in the book of Daniel of how arrogance and pride can be destructive. Daniel had a dream during the first year of King Belshazzar’s reign and then again during his third year. These next two chapters reveal the dreams and then explain the meaning behind the dreams.
OUR FUTURE IS STRONG IN THE HANDS OF GOD!
Picture a powerful storm swirling around over a great sea with strong winds blowing in every direction. Out of the water came four huge beasts. The first beast was like a lion with eagles’ wings and a human mind, the second beast was like a large bear who was given the command to devour human flesh, and the third beast who was given great authority looked like a leopard with 4 wings and 4 heads.
Daniel described the fourth beast as terrifying, dreadful and very strong. It devoured its victims with its strong iron teeth and trampled them with its feet. It had 10 horns that represented kings but another small horn appeared as Daniel watched; it had human eyes and a mouth that boasted arrogantly. It was waging war against God’s holy people and defeating them until the Ancient One — the Holy One — came and judged in favor of His holy people (7:21-22).
I watched as thrones were put in place
and the Ancient One sat down to judge.
His clothing was as white as snow,
his hair like purest wool.
He sat on a fiery throne
with wheels of blazing fire,
and a river of fire was pouring out,
flowing from his presence.
Millions of angels ministered to him;
many millions stood to attend him.
Then the court began its session,
and the books were opened. – Daniel 7:9-10
Out of the four beasts that represented four nations, the only one that was immediately killed and destroyed by fire was the little horn whose speech was described as boastful. The other three lost their authority but were allowed to live a while longer (Daniel 7:11-12). It was as if the Ancient One sitting in judgment had heard enough and swiftly shut the mouth of the beast.
As my vision continued that night, I saw someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence. He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him. His rule is eternal—it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed. – Daniel 7:13-14
OUR FUTURE IS STRONG IN THE HANDS OF GOD!
It is difficult to understand how the end times will play out or what Daniel’s visions mean, but it is easy to understand that our God is powerful and that He has always been and will always be victorious. As God’s holy people, we can see that OUR FUTURE IS STRONG IN THE HANDS OF GOD. There is nothing to fear.
“But in the end, the holy people of the Most High will be given the kingdom, and they will rule forever and ever.” – Daniel 7:18
“But then the court will pass judgment, and all his power will be taken away and completely destroyed. Then the sovereignty, power, and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be given to the holy people of the Most High. His kingdom will last forever, and all rulers will serve and obey him.” – Daniel 7:26-27
OUR FUTURE IS STRONG IN THE HANDS OF GOD!
The future of those who bow to the authority of their Lord and Savior holds victory. But let us also remember that the future of those who are arrogant and proud is bleak. Those whose speech is boastful and who do whatever pleases them will be brought down and destroyed. There is only one God — the Most High, Omnipotent God — and our future is in His loving, yet just, hands.
When I was prosperous, I said, “Nothing can stop me now!”
Your favor, O Lord, made me as secure as a mountain.
Then you turned away from me, and I was shattered. – Psalm 30:6-7
Father God, you are the one in whom we put our trust this morning; you are the one in whom our confidence lies. May we never become arrogant or prideful, losing sight of the source of our strength. May we never lose confidence in your power and presence, letting fear set in regarding our future or the future of our nation. May we know this morning without a doubt that our future is strong when we trust in you to be our rock and our fortress. Amen.