Daily Readings - Fri Dec 01 2017
Daniel
1In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel saw a dream and visions of his head as he lay in his bed. Then he wrote down the dream and told the sum of the matter.2Daniel declared, "I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the great sea.3And four great beasts came up out of the sea, different from one another.4The first was like a lion and had eagles' wings. Then as I looked its wings were plucked off, and it was lifted up from the ground and made to stand on two feet like a man, and the mind of a man was given to it.5And behold, another beast, a second one, like a bear. It was raised up on one side. It had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth; and it was told, 'Arise, devour much flesh.'6After this I looked, and behold, another, like a leopard, with four wings of a bird on its back. And the beast had four heads, and dominion was given to it.7After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, terrifying and dreadful and exceedingly strong. It had great iron teeth; it devoured and broke in pieces and stamped what was left with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns.8I considered the horns, and behold, there came up among them another horn, a little one, before which three of the first horns were plucked up by the roots. And behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things.9As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames; its wheels were burning fire.10A stream of fire issued and came out from before him; a thousand thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him; the court sat in judgment, and the books were opened.11I 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.12As for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was taken away, but their lives were prolonged for a season and a time.13I 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.14And 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.
Luke
29And he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree, and all the trees.30As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near.31So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near.32Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place.33Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are presented with vivid imagery from Daniel and a parable from Luke, both pointing us toward the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom. Daniel's vision, set during the Babylonian exile, describes four beasts symbolizing the rise and fall of earthly empires. The fourth beast, with its terrifying appearance, represents oppressive power, but it is ultimately destroyed. This vision culminates with the Ancient One, a symbol of God, judging the beasts and granting dominion to the son of man, a figure representing the Messiah and God's people. This vision reassures us that despite the turmoil of history, God's sovereignty will prevail.
In Luke, Jesus uses the parable of the fig tree to teach about recognizing the signs of the kingdom of God. Just as leaves signal the approach of summer, certain events will herald the nearness of God's kingdom. Jesus emphasizes the enduring nature of his words, which will outlast even heaven and earth. This parable invites us to stay vigilant and attentive to the signs around us, trusting in the fulfillment of God's promises.
Both readings converge on the theme of God's kingdom and our response to its signs. Daniel's vision calls us to trust in God's ultimate triumph over earthly powers, while Luke's parable encourages us to remain faithful and attentive, knowing that God's word endures. As we navigate our daily lives, let us stay rooted in faith, recognizing the signs of God's presence and trusting in the eternal nature of His word. May we remain vigilant and hopeful, awaiting the full realization of God's kingdom.