Transitions & Changes

We live in an ever-changing world.  There are transitions and changes taking place all around us.  In Daniel 7, Daniel has an intriguing dream about change.  He has a vision of four beasts coming from the sea.  These beasts were stirred up by the four winds.  In scripture, the restless sea is often imagery for the nations of the world.  There is chaos and disorder.  Daniel is troubled by the vision that he has.  He can’t make sense of it.  So he finds one who can interpret his dream. 

​The four beasts represent four kingdoms, the four kingdoms that Nebuchadnezzar saw in his dream.  The sea is the earth.  The lion with the wings of an eagle represented the empire of Babylon.  The bear with three ribs in its mouth symbolized the empire of the Medes and Persians who defeated Babylon. The leopard with four wings represented Alexander the Great and the swift conquests of his army, resulting in the incredible expansion of the kingdom of Greece.  The "dreadful and terrible" beast represented the Roman Empire, as strong and enduring as iron and was like a beast on a rampage.
In Daniel 7: 9-12, the thrones were put into place. The Ancient of Days is seated upon His throne. 

"Ancient of Days" is a name for God that emphasizes His eternality; He is the God who had existed from eternity past, has planned all things, and is working out His plan. Ancient of days speaks to the dignity, endurance, judgment, and wisdom that come with age.  It also speaks to the eternal nature of God.

Kingdoms rise and kingdoms fall.  Nations expand and contract.  One super power gives way to another.  It does not matter who the dominant nation is at the time, it is the Ancient of Days who sits on the throne forever.  In contrast to the short shelf life of world powers, there is One who has always existed and will always exist.  Unlike human and worldly affairs, the Ancient of Days is not limited by time.  Everything around us changes.  Seasons change.  Television shows change.  In the political world, even enemies and allies change.  In a changing world, the Ancient of Days is the same. 

The only real security we have in this world is to place our trust in the Ancient of Days.  God’s wisdom can be trusted.  His judgement is fair.  He is righteous and holy.  Even when we are mistreated, the Ancient of Days is watching.  And because He is watching, we can be confident that HHHe will step in and rule in our favor, so that we can inherit the kingdom and be victorious over the enemy!