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| HOUSE OF SEALTHIEL - CONSTRUCTION December 01, 2019 |
“Consider the fig tree and all the other trees.
When their buds burst open, you see for yourselves
and know that summer is now near;
in the same way, when you see these things happening,
know that the Kingdom of God is near."
LUKE 21:29-31
The concept of the Kingdom of God holds significant spiritual and theological meaning. In the Bible, Jesus often spoke about the Kingdom of God, emphasizing its nearness and calling people to repentance and belief. While the physical world may change and eventually cease to exist, the truth and wisdom found in His words endure forever. It’s a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of divine truth and the reliability of God’s promises.
Jesus told his disciples a parable: “Consider the fig tree and all the other trees. When their buds burst open, you see for yourselves and know that summer is now near; in the same way, when you see these things happening, know that the Kingdom of God is near. Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away. (Luke 21:29-33)
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel” (Mk 1:15). This statement highlights that the Kingdom of God is not distant but is immediately accessible. It invites us to turn away from our old ways and embrace the good news of God’s reign. In Luke 17:21 Jesus tells us that the Kingdom of God is within us. It’s not merely a physical place but a spiritual reality. When we align our hearts with God’s will, His kingdom becomes present in our lives. Matthew 4:17 declares, “The kingdom of heaven has come near.” Jesus inaugurated this kingdom during His earthly ministry. It’s not just a future hope; it’s a present reality where God’s rule is established on earth. In summary, the Kingdom of God is both a future hope and a present reality. It calls us to live in alignment with God’s purposes, seeking His reign in our hearts and actions.
In this prophetic vision, Daniel sees the Son of Man, a divine figure who receives authority and rulership from God. The Son of Man is granted dominion, representing His sovereignty over all creation. His glory shines forth, revealing His divine nature. The global impact of His reign transcends cultural and linguistic boundaries. The Son of Man’s dominion is eternal. Unlike earthly kingdoms that rise and fall, His kingship remains unshaken. It’s a promise of hope and stability.
In the vision I, Daniel, saw during the night, the four winds of heaven stirred up the great sea, from which emerged four immense beasts, each different from the others. The first was like a lion, but with eagle’s wings. While I watched, the wings were plucked; it was raised from the ground to stand on two feet like a man, and given a human mind. The second was like a bear; it was raised up on one side, and among the teeth in its mouth were three tusks. It was given the order, “Up, devour much flesh.” After this I looked and saw another beast, like a leopard; on its back were four wings like those of a bird, and it had four heads. To this beast dominion was given. After this, in the visions of the night I saw the fourth beast, different from all the others, terrifying, horrible, and of extraordinary strength; it had great iron teeth with which it devoured and crushed, and what was left it trampled with its feet. I was considering the ten horns it had, when suddenly another, a little horn, sprang out of their midst, and three of the previous horns were torn away to make room for it. This horn had eyes like a man, and a mouth that spoke arrogantly. As I watched, Thrones were set up and the Ancient One took his throne. His clothing was snow bright, and the hair on his head as white as wool; His throne was flames of fire, with wheels of burning fire. A surging stream of fire flowed out from where he sat; Thousands upon thousands were ministering to him, and myriads upon myriads attended him. The court was convened, and the books were opened. I watched, then, from the first of the arrogant words which the horn spoke, until the beast was slain and its body thrown into the fire to be burnt up. The other beasts, which also lost their dominion, were granted a prolongation of life for a time and a season. As the visions during the night continued, I saw One like a son of man coming, on the clouds of heaven; when he reached the Ancient One and was presented before him, He received dominion, glory, and kingship; nations and peoples of every language serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not be taken away; his kingship shall not be destroyed. (Daniel 7:2-14)
Jesus, in the New Testament, identifies Himself as the Son of Man. Ultimately, this vision of Danile points to the eternal reign of Jesus Christ, who brings redemption, justice, and restoration. His kingship is unassailable, and His love extends to all peoples. God is always present, whether we feel it or not. Praising Him helps us sense His presence. Psalm 140:13 says that the righteous praise His name and live in His presence.
“Mountains and hills, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. Everything growing from the earth, bless the Lord; praise and exalt Him above all forever. You springs, bless the Lord; praise and exalt Him above all forever. Seas and rivers, bless the Lord; praise and exalt Him above all forever. You dolphins and all water creatures, bless the Lord, praise and exalt Him above all forever. All you birds of the air, bless the Lord; praise and exalt Him above all forever. All you beasts, wild and tame, bless the Lord; praise and exalt Him above all forever.” (Daniel 3:75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81)
Praising God holds immense spiritual significance and plays a vital role in our faith journey. When we praise God, it lifts our spirits. Psalm 42:5-6 reminds us that even in discouragement, we can put our hope in God and praise Him. Worship energizes us by shifting our focus from troubles to Jesus. Sometimes we face issues we can’t figure out. Worshiping God brings us into His presence, where solutions emerge. Praise opens our hearts to divine guidance. As God becomes bigger in our view, our problems diminish. We choose whether our problems or God will be big.
Praise is a weapon against spiritual battles. It shifts our focus from problems to God’s power. Victory comes as we magnify Him. In summary, praising God is an act of faith, a source of strength, and a way to encounter His presence. Let us continue to lift our voices in worship!
Pericope:
VI: The Teaching Ministry in Jerusalem
THE LESSON OF THE FIG TREE
Luke 21:29-33
II: Daniel's Vision
VISION OF THE FOUR BEASTS
Daniel 7:1-28
I: Daniel and the Kings of Babylon
THE FIERY FURNACE
Daniel 3:68-81
Reflection Source:
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