Until “That Time”

In Daniel 1–6 we have seen several stories from the life of Daniel and his three friends who were taken from their home in Judea to live in exile in Babylon. While in Babylon, Daniel interprets dreams for the kings of Babylon. These dreams demonstrate how God is sovereign over all kings and kingdoms, and these kingdoms will one day be replaced by God’s everlasting kingdom. In Daniel 7–12, there is an interesting shift. Now Daniel is the recipient of dreams and visions about the future, and he is unable to interpret them. So, the angel Gabriel interprets the visions for him. These four visions are about a succession of different future kingdoms depicted as beasts, each beast symbolizing the arrogance of each ruler and kingdom. God promises to overthrow all these kingdoms and set up His kingdom and rescue His people. This promise fills all believers throughout time with hope! God is in control and reigns over every ruler and nation. The end of all things is inevitable, but God is control of all history. How, then, should God’s plan for the future affect the way we live now? Daniel 12 gives Daniel (and us) some instructions. We must live with expectancy!