Crumbs71

 

This contains some thoughts on Daniel 7

Crumbs from the Master ‘s Table 71

Beasts and a coming Kingdom

Scripture Daniel 7:13-14New International Version13 “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshipped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed )

Crumbs

Sunday school teachers revel in the tales of deliverance and academics strive to square Daniel with archaeology and wrestle with linguistics; but the real question is “ What is God saying?” We discover God’s dealings with three rulers, Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar and Darius. Belshazzar resisted but the other two made professions of faith. It is in the background of these three in which we may begin to understand the dreams and visions of this book. .

In Daniel 7 the chaos of human history is represented by the succession of bizarre beasts. This vision comes in the reign of Belshazzar who was a failed ruler. He failed to learn the lessons his father had learnt. It is in his rule that this messianic vision comes to Daniel. Messiah’s rule is divine, universal and eternal. Belshazzar’s rule was human. limited and temporary. If ever we find ourselves in a position of authority let us remember we serve under God for God. Whatever our position it is limited in several ways and will not last for long

The kingdom of God has none of the sad characteristics of human rule. It come from God, is totally inclusive and eternal. The word eternal has special meaning for me since I found in the French bible that God is called L’Eternal. Eternity is the supernatural quality of Christ’s kingdom going beyond, above and within this current physical world.

Questions

1. How lessons could a modern politician pick up from reading Daniel 7 ? 2. How should we pray for our rulers and on their behalf ? 3. What encouragements are there in the teaching about Christ’s kingdom ?