When you think of an epic battle, what comes to mind? I think of basically any Avengers movie – the good guys versus the bad guys colliding on a battle field, duking it out to see who can come out on top. The side that wins has ultimately proven that they are better, more powerful, and the winner. Whether real or fictitious, most of the great battles of all time are truly epic with stories to share and names of heroes to pass down through the generations.
This scripture in Daniel 7 paints a wild, prophetic picture of the greatest battle of all; the battle for our souls. On the side of the enemy, the side of evil, condemnation, fear and destruction, there are four beasts: one like an eagle lion, another like a freaky bear, one that looked like a leopard with wings, and another with horns all over. These creatures are prophetic images that represent how evil and chaos have been taking jabs at God and His creation since Adam and Eve took that first deadly bite of forbidden fruit. Because the evil in our world seems to be at every turn, it’s so easy to get caught up in the way the world has turned out. To be consumed with fear, hurt, pain, and sin. But, after Daniel describes the line up of scary and deadly competitors waging war on the side of the enemy, he looks over to see God’s army.
Scripture says “thousands upon thousands served Him” and “ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him”. Alright, this vast number on God’s side seems promising! But more important than the number of those in God’s presence and on His side, is the simple act of what God does. God on His own is army enough – He doesn’t need anyone to stand with Him. You see, He has had a plan. But He also had a perfect time for this plan to take place. And so, while the enemy began to fight, while they sharpened their swords, loaded and shot their cannons and wreaked havoc over the earth, God was patient in initiating His battle plan. He waited . . . and He waited . . . and He waited . . . and then, when the time was perfect, He cracked His knuckles, winked and said ‘watch this’ (or at least, that’s how I picture it happening). Daniel 7:9 says that He set the throne in place and sat down. That’s it. He took a seat!
God set the thrones in place, “and the Ancient of Days took his seat.” And just like that, it’s over. God is so powerful that the most epic battle of all times is won by Him literally existing and deciding to take back creation and redeem what had been so carelessly disregarded and broken. After He takes a seat, Daniel describes “one like the son of man coming with the clouds of heaven.” Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension to the right hand of the Father is the wonderfully flawless battle plan that was enacted when the Father took His seat. The whole plan and victory laid out beautifully in Daniel 7, long before it actually happened. It didn’t matter if the enemy read Daniel 7 or heard of this plan beforehand because there is only one way this ends when you serve the God who created everything and reigns over all . . . and that is with a big “W” on your score card.
This scripture has been on my mind and heart all week. It has strengthened me and brought a new song of worship to my lips. The God we serve is all powerful and worthy of our whole life and all of our worship.
What kinds of battles are you facing this week? As you step towards whatever trials, frustrations, fears, or pains you have rearing their ugly, beastly faces at you, remember whose side of the battle you are on; picture God taking a seat on the throne of thrones and let His power and authority wash over you and bring you peace.
“ . . . the holy ones [that’s you and me!] of the Most High will receive the kingdom and possess it forever, yes, forever and ever.”
Daniel 7:18
Refined Joy 