Readings for today: Daniel 7-9
Martin Luther once said that we interpret Scripture through prayer, meditation, and the “tensions of life.” I thought about that last phrase as I read through the chapters from Daniel today. Certainly it’s not hard to see the rise of beasts and kingdoms and evil forces around the world today. The assassinations of political leaders like Charlie Kirk and Melissa Hortman. The attempted assassinations of President Trump and Governor Josh Shapiro. The deadly shootings at schools and churches. The random violence on mass transit systems and in our inner cities. We live in a terrifying world and it’s tempting to read Scripture through the lens of our fear and despair.
Daniel, however, points us a different direction. He certainly is a man well-acquainted with fear. He has seen death and destruction up close and personal. He suffered terribly as he was taken into exile. He has been imprisoned. He has been threatened with death on numerous occasions. He’s been persecuted for his faith. He has spoken God’s truth to pagan kings and emperors at great personal cost. And now he finds himself tormented by dreams of future death and destruction. The visions are so terrifying, Daniel is often incapacitated for days. But even in the midst of those dreams, Daniel is given a vision of hope. The Ancient of Days sitting on His throne. One like the Son of Man coming on the clouds. Unlike all the other kingdoms, His Kingdom will be an everlasting Kingdom and He will reign forever.
It’s worth reading again. Especially in light of recent events. “As I kept watching, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was white like snow, and the hair of his head like whitest wool. His throne was flaming fire; its wheels were blazing fire. A river of fire was flowing, coming out from his presence. Thousands upon thousands served him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was convened, and the books were opened. 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 dominion was removed, but an extension of life was granted to them for a certain period of time. I continued watching in the night visions, and suddenly one like a Son of Man was coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was escorted before him. He was given dominion 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 7:9-14 CSB)
Friends, Jesus is the Son of Man. The Ancient of Days has given Him dominion and glory and a kingdom so that people every tribe, tongue, and nation will serve Him. His dominion is everlasting. His Kingdom cannot be destroyed. No matter how dark things may get, look to Jesus and let your hopes rise again!
Readings for tomorrow: Daniel 10-12