SCRIPTURE: Daniel 7:1-14
OBSERVATION:
A bizarre, frightening vision!
The beasts seem to represent powerful kingdoms with differing qualities and results, followed by a little horn that speaks boastfully and defeats the beasts.
Whatever the specific references in this vision, the end of the vision shows that God (the Ancient of Days) is on the highest throne, and “one like a son of man” (ie a human being) being given the ultimate authority over all other kingdoms/powers.
APPLICATION:
This is a vision of the coming of Jesus, God in the flesh, given all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18-20).
No matter how big or small or powerful or boastful the authorities of this world may be, they cannot dethrone the Ancient of Days, nor uproot His appointed Ruler, the promised messiah, the Son of Man.
God’s kingdom is invisible, but very real, as is the Messiah ruling it right now, despite what we see!
PRAYER:
Lord, You are the King, Your rule will never end. Thank You for this vision for the right order of things, help me to remember it when those in power are strong, cruel, boastful. Amen.
God had promised that He would raise up prophets who would speak the very words of God since God would put His words into their mouths and tell all that the Lord commanded them to speak. The authenticity of the prophet was the realization that the words he spoke came true.
The dream of the four beasts are frightening. It would be like a nightmare. Terrifying. Yet, all the terrifying elements disaapear when the Ancient of Days took His rightful place. He has the authority and the power and the glory and the dominion forever and amen. That is comfort. Nowhere am I safer than in His arms, no matter what surrounds me. Though the enemy seems strong – God is the ruler yet. Lord help me to go forward in that confidence today.
A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.