Thanks to God’s help, Daniel was able to tell King Nebuchadnezzar what he had dreamed and then interpret that dream as well. He said there would be four kingdoms, all of which gave an impression of strength, but would fall. However, at the same time, God was establishing his own kingdom, which would last for ever.

Through the years, people have wanted to identify the four kingdoms, and there have been lots of candidates. That is not the point of the dream. The point is that when God establishes his kingdom, it will endure. History is in God’s hands. Through the centuries, there has been a long succession of seemingly all-powerful kingdoms. They were militarily strong, they shaped powerful cultures and they dominated their people’s thinking. It was inconceivable that they could ever come to an end, but they did. Nebuchadnezzar’s dream revealed that God’s kingdom is greater than any human kingdom and will ultimately win. No one should despair when facing up to one of the world’s empires. Strong as they might seem, God’s kingdom is greater.

As we look at the problems of our modern world, these words should be an encouragement to us. There is much that is commendable about our world, but much that is oppressive and broken. When we pray the Lord’s Prayer, we pray for the coming of the kingdom of God, and we should do so with confidence and conviction. As we live in line with God’s will, we see his kingdom slowly but surely emerging here on earth as it is in heaven. However terrible the day’s news, we should not despair, because the kingdom that God is establishing will last forever.

In what way does it encourage you to know that history is in God’s hands?

Loving Father, I worship you because history is in your hands. I thank you that your kingdom is coming here on earth as it is in heaven. Amen