Scripture

“These four beasts represent four kingdoms that will rise from the earth. But in the end the holy people of the Most High will be given the kingdom, and they will rule forever and ever.”

Observation

Daniel is troubled by his vision and asks one of the people standing next to the throne what is means.

The four beasts represent four kingdoms or empires that arise from the earth. In the end, God’s holy people will be given the kingdom, and they will reign forever.

The fourth beast is a kingdom unlike the others. It seems to represent the Roman Empire. There are 10 horns, representing 10 kings. The tenth horn wages war against God’s people until God comes and judges in favour of the people.

The sovereignty and greatness of the fourth kingdom will be handed over to God’s people. His kingdom will last forever and all rulers will serve and obey him.

Application

Hundreds of years before these things took place, God gave Daniel a vision of what was to come. The vision left Daniel fearful and shaken, because of the intensity of the experience, but the message that comes through is a powerful affirmation that God is in control.

Daniel’s vision foresaw the powerful Roman Empire that seemed to conquer the whole earth. As we know, Jesus, the Messiah, came into the world to set God’s people free.

Although christians were greatly oppressed at times, within a few generations christians were recognised as a legitimate religion by the Empire, and a few aberrations after that, Christianity was the official religion of the Empire. Of course, the Empire passed away but God’s kingdom has endured for ever.

God is in control of the big picture, the politics of empires and kingdoms. He is also in control of the little picture of our individual lives.

God know it all and He loves us all.

Prayer

Lord you reign over world affairs and international politics. Please help me to trust you in my own life. Amen.