Scripture

He was given authority, honour 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.

Observation

The story now winds back to King Belshazzar’s reign in Babylon, as Daniel recounts a vision he had then.

In the vision, He sees four beasts coming from the churning ocean.

The first Beast is like a lion with eagles’ wings, but its wings are pulled off and it becomes like a human. The second beast looks like a bear. The third is like a leopard. The fourth beast has huge metal teeth.

Finally, thrones are put into place and the Ancient One sits down to judge the nations. Then someone like a son of man comes on the clouds. He is given authority and honour to rule over all the nations of the world. His rule is eternal and his kingdom will never end.

Application

These four beasts represent various human Empires – Babylon. Persia. Greece, and Rome. God has judged all of these kingdoms as evil and barbaric. In place of these beasts, He has established a truly human kingdom that rules over the people of every race, nation, and language.

That King is, of course Jesus. His Kingdom is not based on violence and oppression, but on love. It is true that His Kingdom has reached just about every nation and every people group in the world.

This is so encouraging! When we look at the turmoil in the Middle East or in Ukraine, or the internal turmoil in the nations of the West, we can become fearful. But Jesus’ Kingdom is above all these things. He has authority that is greater. The nations of the world will pass away, but Christ’s kingdom is eternal.

Prayer

Lord, you are greater than any human ruler or kingdom. I praise you, Lord Jesus Christ, and I surrender my life to you. Amen.