Kingdoms Rise/Fall, God Prevails
BRD REFLECTIONS:
(Daryl Tay, PTM Between Ministry)
READ:
OBSERVE:
Daniel 8 contains Daniel’s vision (8:1-14) and the interpretation of that vision (8:15-27). Several portions of the text stand out to me. First, Daniel prophesied that the Medo-Persian empire (represented by the ram) would be overthrown by the Greek empire (represented by the goat), led by Alexander the Great. Second, Daniel’s prophecy includes a “little horn” that will rise up into power, using deceit and cunning (8:25). While scholars link this persona to Antiochus IV, a Hellenistic king who brought devastating persecution against God’s people, the horn can also be associated with the blasphemy of God’s truths and persecution of God’s people. Even as the “little horn” comes to power, God’s sovereignty is not undermined. The text states that even the “little horn” will be broken, but not by human hands (8:25). Finally, Psalm 26 is a Psalm of David. Broadly, the Psalmist believes that though evil may prevail in certain seasons, God will vindicate in His time (26:1), and God will redeem those that persist in walking in integrity (26:9-12).
APPLY:
These texts continue to speak to the Church today. As I pen this, two wars rage on in the East and West. Even though kingdoms rise and fall, God will stand sovereign over history. Throughout the globe, there are leaders with questionable values and morals currently sitting in positions of power. It is common to see those that are crafty and manipulative get ahead of those that insist on doing things right. This can lead some to conclude that, either “God is not real” or “God is distant and does not care”. Both these texts seem to encourage me that these statements can not be farther from the truth. God in His right timing, will bring justice. God cares and He remains sovereign. God Himself will vindicate the righteous. He will redeem those that have persisted in integrity.
DO:
I will persist in living with integrity. Even when no one sees, I will constantly ask myself, “will God be delighted with what I did or how I chose to do it? Will God be delighted with my inner life – my heart and my thoughts?” I will invite the Holy Spirit to examine me regularly, to reveal any blind spots that I may have about myself.
PRAY:
Dear God, today You have reminded me that though kingdoms come and go, You prevail. I confess to You the times that I have failed to trust You, the times that I have cut corners to get ahead. I commit our broken world and society into Your hands, asking that You bring more of Your shalom peace, Your justice and Your light into every darkness. Use Your church to be Your agents of righteous justice and peacemakers out there. In Christ’s name I pray, Amen.
