Mark 5:1-20; 2 Samuel 13; Daniel 7
One of the most amazing views from our location in Rwanda is the sunrise. When you wake up, you see the land shrouded in a haze. Through the mist, off in the east, rows of hills have a deep purple tinge from the beginnings of the light. City lights that shined through the night to guide the inhabitants, start to blink off as a deep orange glow appears at the top of the farthest mountain. As it spreads out, the orange glow is joined by a beautiful purple just beneath. The clouds are highlighted against the brightening sky. A rooster crows to herald the entrance of the sun which starts to peek over the mountain. After a short time, the sun’s orange globe makes a grand entrance, spilling light over the whole countryside.
As amazing as this grand entrance is, Daniel experienced an even greater “grand entrance” in his vision in the seventh chapter. He watched as one like a son of man entered the throne room of heaven and appeared before the ancient of days. Even more important than the entrance, though, was the purpose of the entrance. “He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.” (Daniel 7:14)
It is ironic that, as Daniel thought about the vision, he was disturbed and needed someone else to interpret the dream for him. And what an amazing interpretation it was. In short, it was a grand view of the future of the world. The end result was that God would win. No matter what all the coming kingdoms would do, no matter how great they seemed by the world’s standards, God would be in control. This vision occurred during the reign of Belshazzar. It’s a flashback to a time before Daniel 6. Perhaps, this knowledge gave him the strength to stand up to Belshazzar when God wrote on the wall. Perhaps this knowledge gave Daniel the fortitude to pray when he knew that praying would end up with him playing dances with lions.
It’s also a bit ironic that while I’m the writer in the family, my daughter Elizabeth helped with the wording of the first paragraph. No person holds all the truth and knowledge needed to be successful in the Kingdom of God. Daniel needed help in an area for which he was known to be an expert. There is no shame in consulting with others about God’s direction. At the same time, because we know the end of the story, that God and His people are victorious, we can have strength to face whatever difficulty may come our way. Dare I say that the worst affliction this world can hand out to us is death? What is that death compared to the surpassing joy of our relationship with God. I can walk with God because of the death of Jesus Christ; I have a home in heaven because of God’s grace. If that’s true, then what can any person do to me that could take away that joy? Stay strong today, follower of Christ. Whether the threat against you be minor or great, God wins. If God wins, then those who are “on His team” win also. Victory is ours, not by our might or cleverness, but by the mighty power of God!
Oh Lord, what an amazing promise I have of victory. Remind me of that promise with every sunrise, every person I meet, and every difficulty I face. Thank You for the victory that I have in Jesus Christ. Help me to share that victory with others and invite them to the celebration.