SEPTEMBER 11 – Reading 254

by John Christian Pra | September 11

“WHAT IN THE WORLD IS HAPPENING?”
(Daniel 4:1-37; Ezekiel 29:17 – 30:19; 2 Kings 25:27-30; Jeremiah 52:28-34; Daniel 7:1-28)

“And behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.” – Daniel 7:13-14

Have you watched the news lately? If you have, you’re probably asking yourself (and God), “What in the world is happening right now?” Chaos, wars, earthquakes, crime, immorality, brokenness. These are the stories that seem to dominate our cultural vision, yet none of this is new to history. In fact, throughout all history there was this recognition that the world felt chaotic and unpredictable. 

At this time, Daniel was living in a superpower nation called Babylon under a tyrannical king called Nebuchadnezzar. In one moment, it looked like Babylon would completely destroy the people of God, but then God begins to share His perspective with Daniel through a vision. And within this vision, Daniel sees that God is reigning above all the nations and rulers and powers of the world. God is not asking the same questions we are. God knows exactly what is happening in the world. 

In this heavenly vision, Daniel sees a picture of Jesus, “one like a son of man”, who is given authority over everyone and everything. While Nebuchadnezzar conquers and creates chaos, Jesus still reigns victorious and in control. 

What’s happening in the world? Is it ruled by unpredictable chaos leading towards meaningless destruction? Or is it Jesus’ victorious reign making all things new here on earth? Choose carefully which story you choose to believe. It might just change everything. 

Reflections:

• How are the inputs of your life (news, tv shows, podcasts, social media) informing the story you believe?

   

• What ways are you seeing God actively at work in the world around you?

   

Application: 

• Begin to ask God to reveal to you the active ways He is working in the world and begin to write them down.

   

• Find those places where God is working and join Him in that work. At your church, in your home, at your job, on your campus.

Closing Prayer: 
Ancient of Days, I come before you recognizing that you are God and I am not. I repent today of believing the story that the nations are in control and the chaos rules. I choose today to see things from your perspective. Jesus, you reign above all things. Bring peace to my soul as I recognize your authority to rule and reign and give me strength to join you wherever you are working. You are good and you are in control. I submit myself to you, Jesus! Amen.