What lessons can we learn from the "dominion" given to the beast? The Verse in Focus “After this, I looked, and there was another, like a leopard, with four wings of a bird on its back. It had four heads, and dominion was given to it.” (Daniel 7:6) Observations About the Dominion • The beast receives its authority; it does not seize it on its own. • The giver is God Himself, the ultimate Sovereign (cf. Daniel 2:21; Romans 13:1). • The dominion is real, global in scope, yet temporary (Daniel 7:12; Revelation 13:5). Why Would God Grant Such Dominion? • To execute His larger redemptive plan, even through unrighteous rulers (Proverbs 21:1). • To expose human pride and the futility of kingdoms that oppose Him (Psalm 2:1-5). • To refine and purify His people through trial (Daniel 11:35; 1 Peter 1:6-7). Lessons for Us Today God Remains on the Throne • Evil may look triumphant, but its power is on a leash held by the Lord (Job 1:12). • Every kingdom outside Christ eventually crumbles (Daniel 2:44). Dominion Without Submission Breeds Oppression • The beastly nature symbolizes any regime that rules apart from God’s law. • Power divorced from righteousness inevitably persecutes the saints (Revelation 13:7). Temporary Trials, Eternal Hope • Forty-two months in Revelation 13:5, “a season and a time” in Daniel 7:12—both stress limits. • Our suffering has an expiration date; Christ’s kingdom does not (Revelation 11:15). Call to Persevering Faithfulness • Daniel 7:21-22 shows saints “possess the kingdom” after enduring conflict. • Revelation 13:10 exhorts, “Here is the perseverance and faith of the saints.” Christ Holds the Final Dominion • “His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away” (Daniel 7:14). • He returns as “King of kings and Lord of lords” (Revelation 19:16). Practical Takeaways • Trust God’s sovereignty when ungodly powers rise. • Refuse compromise with systems opposed to Christ, even when they seem invincible. • Cultivate endurance; trials are temporary training for eternal reign (2 Timothy 2:12). • Proclaim the gospel—God’s answer to every beastly kingdom. Looking Ahead Dominion given to the beast reminds us that history is not spiraling out of control; it is unfolding exactly as foretold. The same prophetic word that predicted temporary beastly rule assures us of the unshakable reign of Jesus—and of our place in it. |
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