A masterwork on biblical prophecyA masterwork of core teaching on biblical prophecy from Dr. David Jeremiah

Learn More

Living in the Age of Signs

Online Destination

Today’s Audio Devotion:
Be Glad!

One of the biggest surprises in studying Ecclesiastes is noticing how many times this book tells us to enjoy life. The Lord has given us so many blessings during our lifespan! It’s a shame to miss them. He hasn’t called us to a morbid existence. We may never have a perfect day, and world events will always be chaotic. But God wants us to eat and drink and be glad in Him. 

John Calvin said, “There is not one blade of grass, there is no color in this world that is not intended to make men rejoice.” If you’re perplexed about difficult issues, take a moment to transfer them to the Lord’s stewardship and look around for a blessing. Even a blade of grass or a blue patch of sky is a cause for thanksgiving. Be glad!

The heart overflows with gladness and leaps and dances for the joy it has found in God…. You will have as much joy and laughter in life as you have faith in God.
Martin Luther

Some 2,600 years ago, God gave King Nebuchadnezzar a dream. In this dream, the king saw a five–part statue made of five different metals (see Daniel 2). Each section represented an empire, beginning with Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon. Four of these empires have already risen and fallen in history—a clear fulfillment of Daniel's prophetic interpretation. The fifth and final empire indicates a future Europe—a ten nation coalition that will unite under the Antichrist's rule.

You can read about the King's dream and Daniel's interpretation in Daniel 2, but let's take a quick visual look at what you will find:

The Colossus
  1. King Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon

    Daniel's words to the king are clear. "You are this head of gold" (Daniel 2:37–38).

  2. Medo–Persian Empire

    The Medo–Persian Empire conquered Babylon in 539 BC and remained in power for approximately two hundred years (Daniel 5:28).

  3. Grecian Empire

    Greece's Empire succeeded the Medo–Persians (Daniel 8:21).

  4. Roman Empire

    When the Grecian empire was conquered by Rome, all the lands and peoples of the previous kingdoms were assimilated into the Roman Empire through the strengths of the "iron legions of Rome" (Daniel 2:40).

  5. Future European Coalition

    This empire has not yet risen. Daniel foretells a time when the Roman Empire—Europe—will consist of ten kingdoms or leaders. The future Roman Empire will be present on the earth when God sets up His earthly kingdom (Daniel 2:44).

This is a Sample Title

1:37 / 3:48