It’s been crazy for so long, it almost doesn’t warrant commenting on how crazy it is. But, if nothing else reminds us (and there’s a lot to remind us), our political rhythms have a way of reminding those with ears to hear of how dark things have become. To be sure, what John says in my 1John reading this morning is so true; the whole world really is under the sway of the evil one (1Jn. 5:19b).

But this morning I’m also reminded — and encouraged — by Daniel. For the prophet calibrates the craziness with a reminder that even now the God of the heavens is at work among the peoples of earth.

“In the days of those kings, the God of the heavens will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, and this kingdom will not be left to another people. It will crush all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, but will itself endure forever.”

(Daniel 2:44 CSB)

A kingdom will be set up, says Daniel to King Nebuchadnezzar. A kingdom which will supplant every other kingdom that’s ever come before it. A kingdom set up by the God of the heavens. The God to whom “wisdom and power belong.” The One who “changes the times and the seasons”; who “removes kings and establishes kings”; who “knows what is in the darkness” as He is the source of all which is light (Dan. 2:21-22). And the kingdom which that God will establish; it’s gonna crush it!

The craziness will come to an end. The self-centeredness will cease. The “every way is the right way” thinking of this world will give way finally to the One who alone is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (Jn. 14:6). And when that kingdom is come, then every knee will bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the Father (Php. 2:10-11). Every tongue! Of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth. ‘Cause when that kingdom comes, it’s gonna crush it!

And while that kingdom in its fullness is yet to come (even so, Come Lord Jesus!), the Spirit reminds me this morning that the kingdom Daniel speaks of has come. That it is now though not yet. That it is here while yet to arrive. And that, even while we wait for that kingdom in its fullness to come, the kingdom which Jesus says has already come, that kingdom is crushing it as well.

For the kingdom which has come brings light into darkness. It redeems captives and sets them free. It rises above the craziness, as its subjects live set apart to the One who Himself has provided entrance into this kingdom through His blood. The kingdom which has come will crush all these kingdoms and bring them to an end. It will triumph over all other kingdoms. It will endure forever.

After Daniel revealed the meaning of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream to him, the Babylonian king could again sleep at night. As the Spirit reminds us of the kingdom Daniel foretold, the kingdom we are experiencing even today, we can sleep at night too. Amidst the craziness, at rest with the King.

By His grace. For His glory.