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. as for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was taken away, but their lives were prolonged for a season and a time. 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. [daniel 7:11-14]
Christ the Conqueror!
what a glorious moment of victory. Christ Jesus gives himself sacrificially for the sake of his bride, defeats the power of sin, death, satan, and hell. now ascended, he is presented before his Father on the great flaming throne, untouched by effects of holy fire because he, too, is perfect in holiness. having accomplished his mission, he has earned the title of Great High Priest because of his suffering and perfect obedience to the Father. and so he was given everything! authority over all things! his beautiful bride to serve him forever! a kingdom that will flourish for all of eternity!
we are given a fresh opportunity every single day to live for this King. our King who reigns now and will reign forever. but we’re so forgetful. we wake up with hearts and minds full of self. self-service. self-righteousness. self-entitlement. self-pity. self-focus. and we wonder why we lack joy.
but praise the Lord that his mercies are new every morning! we have his Holy Word, we have his Holy Spirit, and we have salvation through his blood. grace upon grace. but we have to come. daily come to the throne to receive grace. it’s not a one and done deal.
since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. for we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. [hebrews 4:14-16]
so come to throne of grace this morning, confident in the blood of your Great High Priest. come and find rest from yourself. come and find rest from striving. come and find rest from an empty search for joy. remember his everlasting kingdom, lay down your mindset of self, and choose to live for him today!
come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and i will give you rest. take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for i am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. [matthew 11:28-30]
no other king speaks this way. no other king but our great King Jesus. thank you Lord.
~ arwen eastman