Day 1 – When Empires Fall
Scripture: Daniel 7:13–14
“I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man…”
Reflection:
Daniel lived in exile under Babylon — a beastly empire that seemed invincible. Yet God showed him that no empire lasts. The beasts of power rise and fall, but the true King’s dominion “shall not pass away.”
Our world still runs on control and pride. Nations, companies, even families build towers that eventually topple. Daniel’s vision reminds us that history isn’t random; it’s ruled. Behind the chaos stands the Son of Man, whose kingdom cannot be shaken.
Response:
Take inventory of the “empires” you trust — career, reputation, comfort. What happens when those kingdoms fall? Pray for the faith to see beyond what is visible to the rule of Christ that never ends.
Day 2 – The King Who Became a Man
Scripture: Philippians 2:6-8
“Though he was in the form of God… he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death.”
Reflection:
When Daniel saw “one like a son of man,” he saw something shocking — divine glory wrapped in humanity. Power clothed in weakness. The eternal Word became flesh, not to dominate but to redeem.
Jesus embraced the lowest title: “Son of Man.” Homeless, rejected, crucified — yet never out of control. His humility is not a strategy; it’s His nature. He rules by serving, conquers by dying, and wins by losing.
Response:
Where do you equate strength with control? Ask Jesus to teach you His kind of power — the power of surrender. Confess where pride has replaced trust, and thank Him that divine strength wears human scars.
Day 3 – Our Illusion of Control
Scripture: Proverbs 16:32; John 16:33
“Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty… take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Reflection:
Since Eden, humanity has chased control. We grasp for god-like power and end up anxious and angry when the world resists us. The harder we cling, the more peace slips away.
Jesus exposes the illusion. The One who commands storms also sleeps through them. The One who reigns from heaven was nailed to a cross. True peace doesn’t come from mastering life but from resting in the Master of life.
Response:
Think of one situation this week you cannot fix. Picture handing it to Christ, palms open. Pray, “Lord, I believe You have overcome this too.” Let your surrender become worship.
Day 4 – The Lion Who Found Us
Scripture: Luke 19:10; Revelation 5:5-6
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost… the Lion of the tribe of Judah… a Lamb standing, as though slain.”
Reflection:
We imagine ourselves seeking God, hunting for meaning, chasing faith. But the Gospel flips the story. The Lion is not hunted — He hunts. The Son of Man came searching for us, crossing the universe to claim His prey by grace.
In the end, the Lion became a Lamb, conquering by being conquered. Every breath of faith we take is proof that He found us first.
Response:
Thank God that your faith is not a product of your pursuit but of His. Pray: “Lord, You sought me when I fled from You. Keep me near the roar of Your mercy.”
Day 5 – Peace in the Reign of the Son of Man
Scripture: Daniel 7:14 and John 16:33
“His dominion is an everlasting dominion… take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Reflection:
The Son of Man now reigns — crowned in heaven, scarred on earth. He holds dominion and yet still bears wounds. That means your peace is secure, not because the world is calm but because the King has already overcome it.
When we come to His table, we confess that the One who came with clouds also came to the cross. His dominion is not forced upon us; it’s given for us.
Response:
Spend a few quiet moments repeating this truth: “Jesus, You are in control.”
Then pray:
“Lord Jesus, Son of Man, King of kings, I surrender my anger, anxiety, and fear. Your kingdom cannot be destroyed — make my heart believe it today.”