Read Daniel 7:1-28; 1 John 1:1-10: Psalm 119:153:176; Proverbs 28:23-24
Daniel is a book that is not in order so we are flipping back in time to the time when Belshazzar was king. David had another dream where there was much wind and turmoil. Out of the sea (of humanity) came four beasts. The first was like a lion with eagle’s wings which stood up and walked as a man and had the heart of a man. The second looked like a bear with three ribs in its mouth. This one was told to eat the flesh of the world. The third was like a leopard with four wings like a bird and four heads. It was given authority to rule. The last beast was terrifying and powerful. It had large iron teeth and crushed and devoured its victims under his feet. It had ten horns. One of the horns started growing and uprooted three of the other ones. This horn had eyes like a man and a mouth that boasted.
Then God sat on his seat of judgment and millions of people stood before him. The court was seated and the books were opened.
The beast with the boastful horn was judged and thrown into the fire. The other beasts were stripped of their power but they were allowed to live for an allotted time.
Jesus, then came through the clouds and stood before God. He was given authority, glory and all power. Everyone worshipped him and his kingdom was established forever.
When Daniel asked about the beasts he was told that they represented the lasts four kingdoms that would arise on the earth. The horn that was boasting would be the Antichrist. He would wage war on God and his people until Jesus returns. Then Jesus would set up his kingdom and everyone would worship him. This is Revelation in a nutshell.
First John talks about this Jesus that came to earth as a token of what life will be like when he reigns in the end. His kingdom will be a kingdom of love and light. We will have intimate fellowship with Jesus, our Father, God and each other.
Lord, what a great hope we have before us! Help us to glorify you in our lives.
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