Daniel 7

“I watched, then, because of the sound of the arrogant words the horn was speaking. As I continued watching, the beast was killed and its body destroyed and given over to the burning fire. As for the rest of the beasts, their authority to rule was removed, but an extension of life was granted to them for a certain period of time.” Daniel 7:11-12 (HCSB)

In today’s chapter, we learn that in addition to being a superior intellect and physical specimen with the ability to interpret dreams and visions, Daniel was given the gift of having dreams and visions of his own. It always amazes me what prophets see when they are “taken up” to heaven. Their experiences always seem like deleted scenes from some science fiction movie. What’s bizarre is how God’s perspective on reality seems like fantasy to us. But doesn’t that mean that God’s perspective IS reality and ours is the fantastic distortion?  

Have you ever considered how God sees things? For instance, in today’s chapter, who we would consider to be world leaders (those guys we see getting out of limos for a U.N. meeting), God sees as vicious, power-hungry beasts who are bent on destroying anything in their paths for the sake of national and personal ambition. Personally speaking, such a vision would have disturbed me, as well. But, when all seems out of control, we catch a glimpse of Messiah, Jesus.

“I continued watching in the night visions, and I saw One like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was escorted before Him. He was given authority to rule, and glory, and a kingdom; so that those of every people, nation, and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will not be destroyed.” Daniel 7:13-14 (HCSB)

We may not know what the future holds, but we know Who holds the future. And God has shown us a glimpse of the future He holds. It is comforting to know that everything the Lord allowed Daniel to see has unfolded exactly as predicted. So, in light of such evidence, why would some people still be inclined to reject Jesus as Lord? Why would they seek another “god” and worship in defiance of God’s Word?  

It has been said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over but expecting different results. Or, as Albert Einstein put it, “We cannot attempt to move beyond our present circumstances by utilizing the methods that brought us here.”

The nature, purpose, and ultimate goal of sin have not been altered since the fall of man. Satan continues to steal, kill, and destroy throughout the generations. What Daniel saw prophetically, we can literally see 24-7 online and on television. That means our dependence on the certainty of redemption and the accuracy of Biblical prophecy is as necessary as ever. Messiah Jesus is Lord! He has been Lord from eternity past (Micah 5:2), and He will be Lord forever in the Kingdom to come.