Monday, April 2
Daniel 7:13-14
Prophecy given: “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.
Acts 1:8b-11
Prophecy reaffirmed but not yet FULFILLED: “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After [Jesus] said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
Devotional:
Daniel was gifted by God to understand visions and dreams. In the vision of Daniel 7 he was given a glimpse into the future–a time when Jesus Christ (the Ancient of Days) was coming into His everlasting kingdom. Did Daniel totally understand what he saw? No, but some of it was explained (Daniel 7:15-22) so both he and others could understand. The bottom line is this: one day Jesus Christ will come in the clouds and receive the kingdom that will never end (Heaven). All those who have trusted Jesus as their Savior will possess the kingdom with Jesus. In Acts 1:8b-11, we are given a reminder of God’s promise that Christ will come on the clouds. Just as Jesus left this earth, so He will return. The BIG question is this: are you ready? You are if you have received Jesus as your Savior. You aren’t if you haven’t. There is still time to prepare, but no one knows just how much time. Don’t put off asking Jesus for forgiveness. Don’t delay in receiving Him into your life as your Savior. Enter now into living the life you were meant to live. Once life is over it is too late. Yet today, His saving grace is still available.
God has given us prophesy to prepare us. May we prepare to meet the Lord! Spend time today meditating on what it means to be prepared. Think about how ready you really are (or aren’t).
-Pastor Ken