Daniel 2:24-49
Tuesday, 18 May 2021
“In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which will never be destroyed … it will itself endure forever.” -Daniel 2:44
The Book of Daniel is a prophetic book that reveals God’s plan for the world and foretells the coming of the Messiah. In today’s reading from Daniel 2, God revealed the meaning of King Nebuchadnezzar’s vision through Daniel.
The King had a vision of a statue with a head of gold, chest and arms of silver, belly and thighs of bronze, legs of iron and feet of iron and clay (Daniel 2:31-32). The statue was smashed by a rock and the wind blew away the broken pieces of the statue without leaving a trace, while the rock became a huge mountain that filled the whole earth (Daniel 2:34-35). The vision represents the rise and fall of the earthly kingdoms that history indicates to be the Babylonian Empire, the Medo-Persians kingdom, Greece under Alexander the Great and the Roman Empire. The rock that was not cut from human hands represents Jesus Christ – the ‘Rock of Ages’ who will in His Second Coming forever destroy the kingdom of Satan and establish the Kingdom of God on earth.
What are the characteristics of the Kingdom of God seen here?
Instituted by God: “… the God of heaven will set up a kingdom…” In contrast to the earthly kingdoms, this glorious kingdom is established by God Himself. The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief corner stone (Psalm 118:22) – Jesus Christ Himself (Ephesians 2:20), who came to save mankind from sin and set His rule and reign among us.
Indestructible: “…a kingdom that will never be destroyed…” Unlike the earthly kingdoms that fall and are soon forgotten, the Kingdom of God will never be destroyed. Daniel saw a vision of this indestructible kingdom when the Son of Man was presented before the Ancient of Days: “And to Him (the Messiah) was given dominion (supreme authority), Glory and a kingdom, that all the peoples, nations, and speakers of every language should serve and worship Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion which will not pass away; and His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed.” (Daniel 7:13-14)
Absolute Kingdom: “…nor will its sovereignty be left for another people…” The kingdom of God will not co-exist with other kingdoms. At the second coming of our Lord, all other kingdoms will be destroyed and God’s rule will be absolute.
Eternal Kingdom: “… it will itself endure forever.” The kingdom of God is an everlasting kingdom that will reign for eternity and there will be no end to it. (Revelations 22:3-5)
How can we be part of this glorious kingdom?
Since the time of John the Baptist and during Jesus’ earthly ministry, the call has been given to all people:“The kingdom of God is at hand: repent and believe the gospel.” (Mark 1:15) Jesus further emphasizes, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless a person is born again [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified], he cannot [ever] see and experience the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)
God has revealed to us His plan for the world and given us a choice today. The choice we make now will determine our eternal destiny. Therefore do not make light of the gift of salvation, but understanding the price Christ paid to save us from our sin and eternal separation to God, let us chose Him over everything else the world has to offer.
Quote for the Day: Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you. (2 Peter 1:10-11)