JMD Devotional 206 Daniel 7:25-27 Power Struggle

And he (the Antichrist) shall speak words against the Most High [God] and shall wear out the saints of the Most High and think to change the time [of sacred feasts and holy days] and the law; and the saints shall be given into his hand for a time, two times, and half a time [three and one-half years]. But the judgment shall be set [by the court of the Most High], and they shall take away his dominion to consume it [gradually] and to destroy it [suddenly] in the end. And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heavens shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High; His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all the dominions shall serve and obey Him.

In a series of visions God reveals human history past, present and future to Daniel. He beholds four beasts each representing the spirit of world powers; Babylon, Medo-Persia, Grecian and Roman. Power struggle is the theme. There once was a Heavenly power struggle, and Satan was cast out with a third of the angels; there is a Worldly power struggle that will draw all armies to the hills of Jerusalem. Nevertheless, all of this takes place before the court of God. Jesus told Pilate that he could have no power over Him unless it was given to him from above. God has a purpose in letting these little powers run their course for their allotted time. The struggle is against God’s sovereign rule; and it is futile; but it gives us a chance to side with God or to be damned with the rebels. We need to soberly brace ourselves for the ultimate antagonist; he will wear out the saints, and prevail over us until Jesus Himself rescues us. However, we should also take great comfort and hope that God will subdue every foe; and we will rule and reign with Christ over the nations in the final chapter of human history.

Psalm 96:10-13 Say among the nations that the Lord reigns; the world also is established, so that it cannot be moved; He shall judge and rule the people righteously and with justice. Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all the things which fill it; Let the field be exultant, and all that is in it! Then shall all the trees of the wood sing for joy Before the Lord, for He comes, for He comes to judge and govern the earth! He shall judge the world with righteousness and justice and the peoples with His faithfulness and truth.

Dear God,
In my shortsightedness, I have often felt that things could not possibly be worse; but they can. In a world full of evil, pain, suffering and injustice it is hard to be optimistic; but this is due to my limited vision. Help me to see further, fast-forward my perspective to the full manifestation of Your Kingdom, in which things could not possibly get any better! The world does not see it yet; but the Lord reigns! The Lord reigns; let the people be glad! Establish Your sovereign rule first in my heart and soul and spiritual life; may the joy Your rule brings be evident on my countenance. The end is the BEST. From an eternal perspective, things will only get better. Encourage Your people with this blessed hope.
Amen

All (but*) quotes are from The Amplified Bible, published by
the Lockman Foundation. (AMP)
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
*New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
**Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. (Eugene Peterson's easy-to-read, contemporary Scripture translation)

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