Daniel's terrifying vision seems like a nightmare. Weird creatures, horns, teeth, and violence all combine to strike fear into the heart. But these are all symbols of earthly powers - the empires that arrogantly lord it over others and take to themselves the honor and worship meant only for God. It can seem like violent powers rule the earth - we can think in our own century of dictatorships and empires that have hurt so many. But the vision goes on to show that God is the only true power. The Ancient One and the one like a human being symbolize God. The violent and unjust powers come to an end and are judged. The vision encourages us to have faith and not lose heart. Despite the injustice, fear, and violence in the world in the end God alone will reign. The vision tells us to fear nothing and not be overwhelmed by the world.

So when is it going to happen? The folks in the times of the New Testament thought that it was going to happen any day. They expected a completely transformed world within their lifetime. But two-thousand years have passed and we must adjust our thinking. In a sense, each day is the coming of the Lord. Each day we are given opportunities to love and serve and to make the world a better place. We can live each day as our last and be prepared to meet him today - that is what it means to dwell in God's kingdom. We can be sure of one thing: God's word always endures and never fails or passes away.