God's Sovereignty Amidst the Beasts of Empire

Devotional

Day 1: The Everlasting Kingdom of the Son of Man

Daniel’s vision reveals that, despite the rise and fall of terrifying empires, ultimate authority and dominion are given to “one like a son of man,” whose kingdom is everlasting and will never be destroyed. This kingdom is not built on violence or fear, but on justice, peace, and the unifying reign of God over all peoples. In a world where political powers seem overwhelming and unchangeable, God’s people are reminded that their true allegiance is to a kingdom that outlasts every earthly power, and to a King who rules with love and righteousness. [23:23]

Daniel 7:13-14 (ESV)
“I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.”

Reflection: Where do you see yourself tempted to put your hope in earthly powers or systems? How can you intentionally shift your allegiance to the everlasting kingdom of Jesus today?

Day 2: The Beasts of Empire and the Call to Discernment

Daniel’s vision of the four beasts rising from the chaotic sea is a vivid picture of the dehumanizing and destructive nature of empires that value power over people and fear over compassion. These beasts represent not only ancient kingdoms but also the ongoing temptation in every age to trust in systems that promise security but ultimately devour and oppress. God’s people are called to name these “beasts” in their own context, to discern where power is misused, and to resist aligning with anything that stands in opposition to God’s justice and compassion. [34:05]

Daniel 7:2-8 (ESV)
Daniel declared, “I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the great sea. And four great beasts came up out of the sea, different from one another. The first was like a lion and had eagle’s wings. Then as I looked its wings were plucked off, and it was lifted up from the ground and made to stand on two feet like a man; and the mind of a man was given to it. And behold, another beast, a second one, like a bear. It was raised up on one side. It had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth; and it was told, ‘Arise, devour much flesh.’ After this I looked, and behold, another, like a leopard, with four wings of a bird on its back. And the beast had four heads, and dominion was given to it. After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, terrifying and dreadful and exceedingly strong. It had great iron teeth; it devoured and broke in pieces and stamped what was left with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns. I considered the horns, and behold, there came up among them another horn, a little one, before which three of the first horns were plucked up by the roots. And behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things.”

Reflection: What “beasts” or systems in your life or community tempt you to trust in power, security, or status instead of God? How can you name and resist them this week?

Day 3: The Comfort of God’s Sovereignty in Chaos

Apocalyptic visions like Daniel 7 are not meant to terrify, but to comfort God’s people by revealing that, even in the midst of chaos, suffering, and uncertainty, God remains on the throne. The poetic and impressionistic images pull back the curtain to show that earthly turmoil is not the ultimate reality—God’s reign is. This heavenly perspective offers stability and hope, assuring believers that no matter how overwhelming the “beasts” of this world may seem, they do not have the final word. [45:46]

Revelation 21:1 (ESV)
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.”

Reflection: When you feel overwhelmed by chaos or uncertainty, what practices help you remember that God is still on the throne? How can you seek God’s comfort and perspective today?

Day 4: The Subversive Way of the Son of Man

Jesus, identifying himself as the “Son of Man,” embodies a radically different kind of kingship—one that rejects the tools of empire such as violence, manipulation, and self-promotion. Instead, his kingdom is marked by humility, service, and self-giving love. While earthly kingdoms strive for greatness through domination, Jesus teaches that true greatness is found in serving others and laying down one’s life. This challenges us to examine our own desires for power and to follow the way of Christ, who conquers not by force, but by sacrificial love. [51:41]

Mark 10:42-45 (ESV)
And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Reflection: In what specific ways can you choose to serve others today, following the example of Jesus rather than seeking your own advantage?

Day 5: Security and Peace in the Reign of Christ

When our hope is placed in the “beasts” of this world—whether political outcomes, wealth, reputation, or power—we are left anxious and insecure, for these things are unstable and ultimately turn on us. But when our hope is in the Son of Man, who reigns forever, we find true security and peace. Jesus gives up his throne so that we might have life, inviting us to live free from the anxieties of worldly systems and to rest in the assurance that his kingdom has already triumphed. [54:37]

Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel anxious or insecure? How can you entrust this to Jesus today and rest in the peace of his everlasting reign?

Sermon Summary

The Book of Daniel, and especially chapter 7, offers a vision that speaks directly to our world—a world dominated by the headlines of politics, power, and the rise and fall of empires. Daniel’s vision, given during the Babylonian exile, is not just a strange dream of beasts and thrones, but a profound revelation about the nature of earthly power and the ultimate sovereignty of God. The four beasts rising from the chaotic sea represent the empires of Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome—each more terrifying and powerful than the last. These empires, like all human systems that exalt themselves, are depicted as beastly: they devour, dehumanize, and claim to rule history.

Yet, the vision does not end with the beasts. Thrones are set, and the Ancient of Days—God Himself—takes His seat in judgment. The message is clear: no matter how powerful or enduring human empires may seem, they are not ultimate. God reigns above all, and His judgment is final. Into this scene comes “one like a son of man,” to whom is given everlasting dominion, glory, and kingship over all peoples and nations. This is a kingdom that is both unifying and eternal, in stark contrast to the divisive and temporary kingdoms of this world.

This vision is not meant to terrify, but to comfort. Apocalyptic literature, like Daniel 7, pulls back the curtain to reveal a deeper reality: that God is on the throne, even when chaos and violence seem to rule. It reminds us that our hope and security are not found in the shifting powers of politics, wealth, or status, but in the everlasting kingdom of God. Jesus, who called Himself the Son of Man, embodies this new kind of kingship—not by seizing power, but by laying it down, not by devouring, but by giving Himself for others. Every earthly power eventually turns on its worshipers, but the kingdom of the Son of Man offers true peace and security.

We are called, then, to align our lives not with the beastly ways of empire—power, violence, manipulation—but with the servant-hearted way of Christ. Our loyalty is to the God who judges with righteousness, and our worth is found in His kingdom, not in any earthly system. In a world filled with beasts, we can live with peace, knowing our true King has already won.

Key Takeaways

1. The Beasts of Empire: Daniel’s vision exposes the beastly nature of all empires—ancient and modern. When any system or nation exalts itself above God, it inevitably dehumanizes, devours, and values power over people. This is a warning to recognize and resist the ways in which we are tempted to trust in or align ourselves with such powers, remembering that every beast eventually turns on its worshipers. [34:05]
2. Apocalyptic as Comfort: Apocalyptic literature is not meant to terrify, but to comfort the afflicted. It pulls back the veil to show us that, despite the chaos and violence of the world, God is still on the throne. This heavenly perspective gives us stability and hope, reminding us that what we see is not all there is—God’s ultimate reality is one of justice, peace, and everlasting reign. [45:46]
3. The Subversive Kingdom: The kingdom of God, as revealed in Daniel 7, is both unifying and everlasting. Unlike earthly kingdoms that divide and fall, God’s kingdom brings together all peoples and endures forever. Our allegiance to this kingdom calls us to transcend political and national loyalties, seeking first the justice and peace of God’s reign. [30:27]
4. The Son of Man’s Way: Jesus, identifying Himself as the Son of Man, offers a radically different model of kingship. He does not conquer by force, but by sacrificial love; He does not build His throne by taking life, but by giving His own. This challenges us to reject the tools of empire—power, violence, manipulation—and instead embrace the servant-hearted way of Christ in all our relationships and pursuits. [51:41]
5. Where True Security Lies: Every earthly power—be it political, economic, or personal—promises security but ultimately breeds anxiety and disappointment. Only in the everlasting kingdom of the Son of Man do we find true peace and worth. When our hope is anchored in Christ, we are freed from the anxieties of the world and empowered to live with courage and compassion, even in the midst of beastly times. [53:36]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:50] - Call to Worship from Daniel
[04:00] - Greeting and Community Connection
[10:46] - Confession and Assurance
[12:11] - Offering and Worship through Song
[15:15] - Introduction to Daniel 7
[20:46] - Daniel’s Vision: The Four Beasts
[23:23] - The Son of Man Receives the Kingdom
[27:24] - Empires, Power, and the Human Condition
[30:27] - The Unifying and Everlasting Kingdom
[32:18] - The Sea as Chaos and the Source of Beasts
[34:05] - Naming the Beasts: Empires through History
[38:49] - Apocalyptic Literature Explained
[43:28] - Pulling Back the Veil: Ultimate Reality
[45:46] - Comfort for the Afflicted
[46:42] - God’s Judgment over Empires
[47:18] - The Bible and Politics: Theology before Ideology
[48:15] - The Servant Heart of God’s Kingdom
[49:05] - Israel’s Reversal and God’s Righteousness
[51:41] - Jesus as the Son of Man
[53:36] - Where Our Hope and Security Lie
[55:14] - Living with Peace in a World of Beasts
[57:38] - Prayers and Community Sharing
[59:05] - Benediction and Announcements

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Daniel 7:1-14 (ESV) —
> 1 In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel saw a dream and visions of his head as he lay in his bed. Then he wrote down the dream and told the sum of the matter.
> 2 Daniel declared, “I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the great sea.
> 3 And four great beasts came up out of the sea, different from one another.
> 4 The first was like a lion and had eagle’s wings. Then as I looked its wings were plucked off, and it was lifted up from the ground and made to stand on two feet like a man; and the mind of a man was given to it.
> 5 And behold, another beast, a second one, like a bear. It was raised up on one side. It had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth; and it was told, ‘Arise, devour much flesh.’
> 6 After this I looked, and behold, another, like a leopard, with four wings of a bird on its back. And the beast had four heads, and dominion was given to it.
> 7 After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, terrifying and dreadful and exceedingly strong. It had great iron teeth; it devoured and broke in pieces and stamped what was left with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns.
> 8 I considered the horns, and behold, there came up among them another horn, a little one, before which three of the first horns were plucked up by the roots. And behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things.
> 9 “As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of Days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames; its wheels were burning fire.
> 10 A stream of fire issued and came out from before him; a thousand thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him; the court sat in judgment, and the books were opened.
> 11 “I looked then because of the sound of the great words that the horn was speaking. And as I looked, the beast was killed, and its body destroyed and given over to be burned with fire.
> 12 As for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was taken away, but their lives were prolonged for a season and a time.
> 13 “I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him.
> 14 And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.

Observation Questions

What are the four beasts that Daniel sees in his vision, and what do they represent according to the sermon?
What is the significance of the “Ancient of Days” taking his seat and the court being set in Daniel’s vision?
How is the “one like a son of man” described, and what is given to him in the vision?
According to the sermon, what is the purpose of apocalyptic literature like Daniel 7?

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says that empires are described as “beastly” because they devour, dehumanize, and value power over people. Why do you think God chose to reveal empires in this way to Daniel?
The Ancient of Days judges the beasts and gives authority to the Son of Man. What does this say about where ultimate power and security come from?
The “Son of Man” receives an everlasting kingdom that is unifying and eternal. How does this contrast with the kingdoms of the beasts, and what does it reveal about God’s vision for humanity?
The sermon says apocalyptic literature is meant to comfort the afflicted, not terrify. How does seeing God on the throne change the way we view the chaos and violence in our world?

Application Questions

The sermon warns that every “beast” (empire, system, or power) eventually turns on its worshipers. Are there “beasts” in your own life—things you trust for security or identity—that might actually be devouring you? What would it look like to name and resist them?
Jesus, the Son of Man, rules not by force but by sacrificial love. In what specific relationships or situations are you tempted to use power, manipulation, or control instead of the servant-hearted way of Christ? What would it look like to lay down power in those moments?
The vision in Daniel 7 calls us to align our lives with God’s everlasting kingdom, not with the “beastly” ways of empire. Are there areas where your loyalty is more to a political party, nation, or ideology than to Christ? How can you shift your allegiance in practical ways?
The sermon says that apocalyptic literature “pulls back the curtain” to show us that God is still on the throne, even when the world feels chaotic. When was the last time you felt overwhelmed by the news or events in the world? How might remembering God’s sovereignty change your response?
The kingdoms of this world promise security but breed anxiety. What is one practical step you can take this week to anchor your hope in Christ’s kingdom rather than in money, status, or politics?
The Son of Man’s kingdom is unifying and everlasting. Is there a relationship in your life that is divided or broken? How could you pursue unity and peace in that relationship as a citizen of God’s kingdom?
The sermon says, “When you know the Son of Man reigns, you live with peace in a world filled with beasts.” What is one area of your life where you need to experience this peace? How can your group pray for you in this area?

Sermon Clips

Empires may come and strut and rage and flex. Empires will do their best. But in the end, God sits in judgment on those empires. Human politics is not ultimate. No matter how powerful they appear to be, the beast is not in charge. [00:46:42] (26 seconds) #GodJudgesEmpires

We can never use the tools of empire. We can never use power and violence and manipulation and wealth and deceit in order to pursue the goals of God's kingdom. [00:47:57] (17 seconds) #RejectEmpireTools

Jesus comes as the Son of Man to show us a different kind of kingdom. He doesn't win by seizing power, but by laying it down. He doesn't devour his people. He gives himself up for them. At the cross, he is trampled by the beast of Rome, yet in the resurrection, his way is vindicated, and he's given an everlasting kingdom. [00:53:58] (25 seconds) #KingdomThroughSacrifice

``Every other king will take your life in order to build their throne. Jesus gives up his throne in order that you might have life. And here's the gospel. When you trust in this Jesus, as we sang just a few moments ago, when you trust in this Jesus, his kingdom is given to you. His kingdom is given to you, which means you don't need to be ruled by the beasts anymore. [00:54:23] (33 seconds) #LifeGivenNotTaken

Your worth is not in politics. Your worth is not in any empire of this world. It's not in your resume. It's not in your bank account. It's not in your leverage and clout. It's not in how strong you feel. Your security is in the Son of Man, who lives and reigns forever. [00:54:55] (27 seconds) #WorthBeyondPolitics

When you know the Son of Man, when you know the Son of Man reigns, you live with peace in a world filled with beasts, because your true king has already won. [00:55:22] (15 seconds) #PeaceInTrueKingdom

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