Spend time in prayer and silence with God asking Him to meet with you and speak to you.
Bible Reading
As I looked, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took His seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before Him. Thousands upon thousands attended Him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him. The court was seated and the books were opened.
– Daniel 7:9-10
Devotion
In the early verses of Daniel chapter seven, Daniel is given a vision of four beasts that represent four different empires that would rise and fall on the world stage. God lets Daniel in on the inward character and the true nature of these kingdoms. These kingdoms are like wild beasts, carnivorous in nature, and destructive killers every one of them. Then in verses nine and ten, these kingdoms are contrasted with God’s eternal kingdom that has always been and will always be. This heavenly scene is the same scene described in chapters four and five of the Book of Revelation. It is the preparation for the judgment of the Great Tribulation and the second coming of Christ to the earth. Unlike the fate of these wicked empires, God’s eternal kingdom would stand the test of time and would be based on His holiness and righteousness. His kingdom would endure with His Son on the throne for all eternity!
The Big Question
Daniel was alarmed by these disturbing prophecies. Yet God comforted him by allowing him to see beyond time and space and by allowing him to get a glimpse into the future kingdom that awaits those who put their faith or trust in Him. Are you troubled by some of the prophecies found in God’s Word? Do you find comfort and hope as you read the last two chapters of the Book of Revelation? Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me.” (John 14:1)
Conclude your time in prayer and silence reflecting on what God has revealed to you today.