DANIEL-AN ANCIENT BOOK FOR MODERN TIMES

Much of the book of Daniel focuses on the theme of world rulership, a subject that is of paramount concern today.  Almost everyone will agree that we live in difficult times. On a daily basis, news reports  bombard us with grim reminders that human society is sinking into a quagmire of perplexing problems-and this despite remarkable achievements in science and technology. 

Consider this: Man has walked on the moon, but in many places  he cannot stroll on the streets of his own planet without fear.  He can furnish a home with all sorts of modern conveniences , but he cannot stem the tide of broken families. And he can bring about the information  age, but he cannot teach people to live together  peacefully.  Hugh Thomas, a professor of history, once wrote:  "The spread of knowledge and education has taught mankind little in the way of self-control and less in the art of living with other men." 

In an attempt to establish a measure of order in society, men have organized themselves under a wide variety of governments.  None of them, though, have been exempt from the truthfulness of King Solomon's observation: "Man has dominated man to his injury."  (Ecclesiastes   4:1; 8:9)  Of course, some rulers  have had notable ideals. Nevertheless, no king, president, or dictator can eradicate sickness and death. No human can restore our earth to the Paradise that God purposed it to be.

Yet, the Creator is both willing and able to do such things.  He does not need the permission of human governments to accomplish his purpose , for to him "the nations are as a drop from a bucket; and as the film of dust on the scales they have been accounted."  (Isaiah 40:15)  Yes, Jehovah is Sovereign Ruler of the universe.  As such, he has authority far above that of human governments. It is God's Kingdom that will replace all human rulerships, to mankind's eternal blessing. Perhaps  nowhere is this made clearer than in the Bible book of Daniel.

Next time: DANIEL-GREATLY BELOVED BY GOD

From the Book: PAY ATTENTION TO DANIEL'S PROPHECY! 1999