Year of the Bible: Part Eight of TwelveSample

One Everlasting Kingdom

Interpretations of this passage vary and have been hotly debated among scholars. Whom do the Kingdoms represent? Whom will the little horn be? These questions circle, and while the answers would be interesting, they miss the main point.

When we read prophetic dreams or see the supernatural represented in God’s word, we can get so curious about what it all means that we get lost in the weeds. The divine kingdom that Jesus will establish will be the end of all suffering. We will see Him face to face and get to enjoy Him forever.

When a person climbs a mountain, they can see many peaks in the distance but not all the valleys between the peaks. Similarly, when a prophet received a word from the Lord, they would often see what was happening on the peaks of the future, but they didn’t always see the valleys in between—this makes interpreting prophecy difficult.

Our forever king was born during the Roman Empire, but He will reign for eternity. We often read scripture and decide whether it means this or that. Then, we create expectations for what should happen. People in the time of Jesus did just that! They expected Jesus to establish a kingdom that overthrew Roman oppression and give them better lives here on earth. They did not understand His full purpose!

Jesus came and died for us. Now, we live in a divine kingdom alongside human kingdoms. We may not call our governments kingdoms anymore, but the church has a king that is over all rulers. Our joy comes from knowing that in the end, no matter what trials we face, we win with Jesus.

Question: Can you relate to the analogy of peaks and valleys we talked about today?

Prayer: Father, I trust that you are working all things for my good. When I, one day, meet you face to face, I know that all the valleys will be worth it. You are my reward, and I trust you!