Thursday Devo
Scripture:
Daniel 7:19-22
19 Then I wanted to know the true meaning of the fourth beast, the one so different from the others and so terrifying. It had devoured and crushed its victims with iron teeth and bronze claws, trampling their remains beneath its feet. 20 I also asked about the ten horns on the fourth beast’s head and the little horn that came up afterward and destroyed three of the other horns. This horn had seemed greater than the others, and it had human eyes and a mouth that was boasting arrogantly. 21 As I watched, this horn was waging war against God’s holy people and was defeating them, 22 until the Ancient One—the Most High—came and judged in favor of his holy people. Then the time arrived for the holy people to take over the kingdom.
19 Then I wanted to know the true meaning of the fourth beast, the one so different from the others and so terrifying. It had devoured and crushed its victims with iron teeth and bronze claws, trampling their remains beneath its feet. 20 I also asked about the ten horns on the fourth beast’s head and the little horn that came up afterward and destroyed three of the other horns. This horn had seemed greater than the others, and it had human eyes and a mouth that was boasting arrogantly. 21 As I watched, this horn was waging war against God’s holy people and was defeating them, 22 until the Ancient One—the Most High—came and judged in favor of his holy people. Then the time arrived for the holy people to take over the kingdom.
Commentary:
The Interpretation of the Vision. As in ch. 2, many interpreters have identified the four beasts of ch. 7 as Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. The beasts in general show the present world order as an ongoing state of violence and lust for power that will continue until the final coming of God’s kingdom. The fourth beast will be different from those before it in power and duration, and its 10 horns are 10 kings or kingdoms (7:24). A little horn will grow up afterward and overpower three (if 10 signifies “completeness,” then three represents “some”) of the kings, which may refer to specific kings. As for the “little” horn (v. 8) who made war with the saints and prevailed over them (v. 21) and who shall wear out the saints (v. 25), many take this to represent the Antichrist, whom they expect in the end times. Other interpreters think there is not enough precise data to identify the little horn. It is clear, however, that this king will blaspheme against God (Dan. 7:25), oppress the saints (vv. 21, 25), and try to abolish the calendar and the law (v. 25), which govern how God’s people worship.
Questions:
- In the last days there will be great SUFFERING for the BELIEVER. They will have to endure great persecution. Some believe that all believers will have to endure the seven years of tribulation, while others think Jesus will return before it begins. But Matthew 24 and Daniel 7 talk about a great tribulation that believers will have to endure BEFORE the Son of Man returns. While it might not be very fun to imagine us having to endure this kind of persecution, it very well could be a reality for us and for our families. Do you have a faith that is ready to endure actual physical suffering? What would need to change in your life today in order for you to be prepared for suffering later?
- Spiritual maturity and growth happen slowly, over time. And it also doesn't happen by accident. It takes intentional, consistent effort. It takes spending time daily praying and studying the Word. It's much like working out. Going to the gym a couple of times a year, or even once a week, isn't going to produce much results. Instead, it takes small investments of time and energy over a long period of time to get where you want to be. The fact you are doing this devo says a lot about you! But how consistent are your investments of time and energy? How can you "up your game" to ensure you continue to grow spiritually and are ready for whatever is to come in this life?
Pray:
- That you would develop a faith that can sustain you through persecution.
- That you would develop a discipline that will help deepen your faith.
This Week's City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
1. Who is Jesus? I believe Jesus is God because Jesus said He is God and proved it by rising from the dead and appearing to His disciples, His brother James, 500 others at one time and Paul.
(Mark 3:21; John 8:58, 10:30-33, 14:9-11; Acts 9:1-6; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8; Colossians 1:15-20; Hebrews 1:2-3; James 1:1)
(Mark 3:21; John 8:58, 10:30-33, 14:9-11; Acts 9:1-6; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8; Colossians 1:15-20; Hebrews 1:2-3; James 1:1)
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