Uplook – September 2023 — Grace & Truth Magazine
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A Future Glory
But the saints of the Most High [places] shall receive the kingdom, and they shall possess the kingdom forever, even to the ages of ages. —Daniel 7:18 JND
How wonderful and encouraging that little word “but” is to the one who is attentive to God’s Word. Daniel had received a vision (v.1), and in a nutshell he gave its interpretation (vv.17-18). Four empires, or kings, would rise “out of the earth” (v.17) – an indication of their moral origin. In verse 3 we have the same kingdoms arising out of “the sea.” This is not a contradiction but a confirmation of the real nature of these kingdoms. The sea is tossed about by the wind blowing from any direction, just as the world system is troubled and torn apart by political and violent powers. Out of these situations, kingdoms arise. There are four mentioned in this chapter.

The last one is the Roman Empire, which will present itself in the last days and in particular after the Church has been taken up. Already we are witnessing the rise and formation of this fourth and revived beast. He will “change seasons and the law” (v.25). No doubt, this refers to the times and laws practiced again by the Jews during the tribulation period.

But what about today when the believers in the Lord Jesus are still on earth? We feel and experience the change of times and laws. God’s ordinances and directions are being changed by man to make room for his desires. Most rapidly, the way is being paved for the manifestation of the beast, the head of the Roman Empire.

Yet, the Spirit of God directs us to the future: “But the saints of the Most High shall take the kingdom.” The light of this brilliant future shines now on the path of the believer. One day all who loved the Lord will enjoy that kingdom on earth. The saints of the Old Testament, all who form the Church of the Living God in the present day, and those who will follow the Lamb during the tribulation, wait and expect the establishment of His kingdom, which never will end. What an incentive to continue in faith! And, from other Scriptures we know that the Church will have a unique and special place in that kingdom: she will be the Lamb’s wife and reign with Him over the earth.

By Hugo Bouter (adapted)