The One That Wins

Read: Daniel 2

It will crush all these kingdoms into nothingness, and it will stand forever. Daniel 2:44

IN WORD

Couched in Daniel’s prophecy is a curious statement. The Kingdom of God will crush all other kingdoms and bring them to an end. From the sequence of the dream, it seemed as if the Roman Empire would give way to the Kingdom of God as soon as the stone hit the statue. But the Roman Empire lasted several centuries longer before giving way to other kingdoms in its place. Since then, governments have risen and fallen, battled and prospered, traded and talked, and shifted their territories like desert dunes in the wind. In other words, Jesus came, and life goes on as usual.

Or does it? Like the mustard seed in the garden or the yeast in the dough, hasn’t the Kingdom of small beginnings made a significant difference? Has any other government salted the earth the way the government of Jesus has? Or given people a choice between the fallen human condition and radical renewal? Or offered eternal life to its citizens? No, only the Kingdom of God has made such bold claims, and only the Kingdom of God has compelled people to make a choice between the here and now and the “here and now plus there and then.” And only God’s Kingdom can promise its citizens the power to overcome even the worst this world can dish out.

IN DEED

Never confuse your loyalties. In this time of overlap, when the kingdoms of earth and the Kingdom of God coexist, we may be able to function well in both. But in some sense, the eternal Kingdom will crush all others. It’s an inclusive victory, as the kingdoms of this world become the Kingdom of our God (Revelation 11:15), but it’s a decisive one too. Temporary governments and impostor leaders will not continue their reign. Only Jesus will head the Kingdom government, and His reign lasts forever. Every day will offer you opportunities to choose between kingdoms, and sometimes it will be an either-or choice. Influence and support your leaders when you can, but above all, side with the good, the true, the beautiful, and the forever. In the end, it alone will remain.

ADDITIONAL READING: Revelation 11:15

Ten million buds are forming . . . all next summer is at work in the world, but is unseen by us. And so the Kingdom comes.

HENRY WARD BEECHER