I was reading Daniel 7:9-14 and Psalm 2 this morning during my prayer time. I like listening to the news and looking around at our world. In looking, I see so much upheaval, chaos, and disorder. I am politely avoiding some of the ongoing news of the political musings aimed at a new presidential election (mostly because being a Canadian I am not allowed to vote and so it is not on my radar screen like it is for most of you).  I saw a news clipper where the leader of North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, suspended all funerals and weddings as he prepares the country for the first Workers Party of Korean Congress in the last 36 years. The purpose appears to be his anointing as the party leader and a demonstration of his resolve against the United States, that they have nuclear power and the resources to do what they want. Sounds a little bit like self promotion, but, whatever…
The reason I love Daniel 7 and Psalm 2 is that in spite of the boasting of world leaders and the arrogance of (all) nations, the Lord is firmly on the throne and guiding the events of His design and purpose to their designated purpose and end. He is still and always will be in control and very much involved in our lives especially for those who claim to be Christ-followers. Listen to some of these contrasts:

Why are the nations in an uproar, And the peoples devising a vain thing? The kings of the earth take their stand, And the rulers take counsel together Against the LORD and against His Anointed: “Let us tear their fetters apart, And cast away their cords from us!”  He who sits in the heavens laughs, The Lord scoffs at them. Then He will speak to them in His anger and terrify them in His fury: “But as for Me, I have installed My King Upon Zion, My holy mountain.”  (Psalm 2:1-6 NAS)

I watched as thrones were put in place and the Ancient One sat down to judge. His clothing was as white as snow, his hair like purest wool. He sat on a fiery throne with wheels of blazing fire, and a river of fire was pouring out, flowing from his presence. Millions of angels ministered to him; many millions stood to attend him. Then the court began its session, and the books were opened. (Daniel 7:9-10 NLT) (speaking of God Himself).  

And then the great statements out of Isaiah 40:

Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, And are regarded as a speck of dust on the scales; Behold, He lifts up the islands like fine dust. Even Lebanon is not enough to burn, Nor its beasts enough for a burnt offering. All the nations are as nothing before Him, They are regarded by Him as less than nothing and meaningless. (Isa 40:15-17 NAS)

God is the supreme creator and ruler of all things. The issue is not if we are right and other people are wrong; none of us is right and God alone is right. He has been gracious enough to call us to Himself and redeem us through the shed blood of Christ. He has given all authority to the Son in heaven and on earth. We can live with unswerving confidence, clarity and conviction about the gospel. This is His mission in the world and our commitment to walk with Christ, to live by the power of His Spirit and to trust implicitly the wisdom of His Word is His gift to us and His way of glorifying Himself. Our relationship with Him is about living life, not promoting a religion.
I want to encourage you who know Christ as your own personal Savior to have a renewed sense of the surpassing value of Christ and our amazing privilege to enjoy Him now and spread the good news of Christ to all who know Him and those who do not. God will never fail in His purpose and we have the enormous privilege to be part of His story. We are richly blessed and it is nice to know, regardless of circumstances, that He always leads us in His triumph (2 Corinthians 2:14-17).
Have a wonderful week – stand firm in the Lord!

Pastor Brad