If you think about it, the book of Daniel really covers both ends of the spectrum. The first 6 chapters provide, through the lives of Daniel and his friends, some of the best of the best when it comes to “easy-to-grasp” lessons about deciding to live for God no matter the consequences and about the power of God which is able to deliver and thus, make known His mighty Name . . . lessons so profound, yet so simple, even children get it. And then you get to the latter portion of Daniel and the simplicity gives way to the complexity of visions and images and revelations of the end times . . . stuff which learned men have sought to understand and map out for generations upon generations. And as I venture on to this holy, prophetic ground this morning, though I may not get all the rising and falling of kingdoms and the counting of days and times, one think I do get . . . Jesus wins and we win with Him!

Here’s what caught my eye . . . and stirred my heart . . . concerning this “win / win” reality that awaits . . .

“Then to [the Son of Man] 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 the one which shall not be destroyed. . . But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever. . . the Ancient of Days came, and a judgment was made in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for the saints to possess the kingdom. . . Then the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him.” (Daniel 7:14, 18, 22, 27)

Now I know it’s not about me . . . or about us, His saints . . . but about the glory of God, the Ancient of Days (7:9) . . . and about His blessed Son, He who is called the Son of Man. It is about God’s ultimate plan . . . and the Son’s ultimate reign. But, that the saints of the Most High have a part in the eventual outcome of history, is something recorded clearly in these Scriptures . . . for our understanding . . . for our encouragement . . . and for our anticipation.

There is coming a day when Jesus will reign . . . He will be given dominion and glory and a kingdom . . . and those who have owned Him as Lord and King will possess that kingdom with Him. That there will be a time of rebellion and tribulation before that day when Jesus is enthroned is evident. But that He will be enthroned is just as clearly proclaimed. And when He comes into that kingdom . . . so will His people.

And I think of what it will be like when He reigns upon this earth. For sure, He now reigns in the lives of His people . . . those who are redeemed by His precious blood . . . those, who recognizing their sin and the need for a Savior, have, by His grace and through their faith, been forgiven their sin and brought into His forever kingdom. But that kingdom, which is now established in the hearts of the people of God, will one day be manifest physically for all to behold. A time when the Son of Man is enthroned and reigns “face to face” . . . all peoples serving Him . . . enjoying the peace that His dominion brings . . . rejoicing in the communion that sin has for so long interrupted . . . living as life was intended . . . the best of the best . . . joy inexpressible . . . I can only imagine.

Oh, to anticipate that glorious day when Jesus reigns . . . when with Him we shall possess the kingdom . . . talk about your “win / win” situation!