Read: Daniel 7:1, 9-18
Thrones were placed, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. (v. 9)
Halfway through, the book of Daniel dramatically changes tone. It goes from a straightforward account of Daniel’s adventures in exile to a collection of chaotic visions. Daniel isn’t two different stories. It’s the same story told from two different vantage points: heaven and earth.
Daniel lived at the prophetic intersection of the material realm of earth and the spiritual realm of heaven. The apocalyptic passages of the Bible provide glimpses into that otherworldly realm. Apocalypse means “revelation,” and what God reveals are the spiritual forces at work behind the scenes of our reality. Daniel was alarmed at the beastly entities exposed by his vision.
Nothing in human life is spiritually neutral. This world is a battleground in which all things either oppose or assent to the authority of God. The apocalyptic passages of the Bible can alarm us. We don’t want to face the spiritual ugliness lurking behind the glittering edifices of our entertainment industries or economic systems. But we must keep in our sights the image at the very heart of Daniel’s vision. Presiding over all is the Ancient of Days. He grants “one like a son of man” (v. 13) everlasting glory and dominion on earth; his kingdom will supplant all earthly kingdoms and uproot all earthly evils (v. 14). How remarkable that Daniel was given a preview of the Savior we know by name. How comforting to know our Savior has conquered the powers of sin, death, and hell. His everlasting kingdom will prevail.
As you pray, thank God for his authority over all other powers.
About the Author
Ben Van Arragon is the Minister of Worship and Leadership at Plymouth Heights Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He preaches and teaches the Bible in church, online, and anywhere else he has the opportunity.
