Forever
READ: Daniel 7:13-14
When Tim was a junior, he became captain of the basketball team. He ruled the team in most aspects of the game, both on and off the court. Over the summer, Ben, one of Tim’s teammates, went to numerous camps and practiced every day. Going into their senior year on the team, Ben was named captain. Tim “ruling” the team did not last forever, just like nothing on this earth lasts forever.
Unlike Tim and Ben “ruling” the team for one year, Jesus rules His kingdom forever. Jesus came to earth as a human and gained people’s respect. He was not intimidating like a bully nor did He act like one. In today's text, Daniel says, “His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.” Daniel also says that all people of all time and all nations will acknowledge God's rule forever.
At times in life you may feel let down and not good enough because others may seem to be much higher and more dominant in life than you are. Just remember that nothing lasts forever nor is as important as our goal of heaven and God’s rule, which does last forever.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: Have you ever in one way or another “ruled” a team or group? How did it feel? What can you do to remember that earthly things are not as important as our goal of heaven? How can you show your thanks to God for all that He has done for us regarding our salvation?
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS: Thank God for giving up Himself here on earth so that we may enjoy His everlasting rule in heaven with Him. Also, ask Him to help you when you are having a bad day or things are just not going right, to remember that earthly things and problems don’t even begin to compare with the eternal wonder and joy we will have in heaven above. Pray to God and ask Him to help you share this news with all people so that they too may have this wonderful gift.