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Tuesday, November 26, 2013

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Daniel 2:31-45
Daniel 3:57-61
Luke 21:5-11

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the last and only kingdom

"The God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed or delivered up to another people; rather, it shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and put an end to them, and it shall stand forever." —Daniel 2:44

The U.S. government will collapse as countless governments and dynasties throughout history have collapsed. It's just a matter of time. In fact, the heavens and earth will pass away (2 Pt 3:10, 12). There will be no more Grand Canyon, Pacific Ocean, California, Himalayas, Australia, Africa, Philippines, North America, etc. Every building will pass away (see Lk 21:6) as well as the sun, moon, planets, stars, and galaxies. Skyscrapers and whole skylines will collapse as if they were castles made of sand. All human bodies will die and decompose except for those living when Jesus returns (1 Thes 4:17).

We should not react to the certainty of almost total destruction with despair or depression, but rather with thanksgiving and commitment to Jesus, the King of kings and the King of the only kingdom that will last. How foolish and useless to be involved in anything other than Jesus' kingdom! What a privilege we have to be commanded by King Jesus to seek first His kingdom (Mt 6:33), pray for His kingdom to come (Mt 6:10), and sell all to purchase His kingdom! (Mt 13:44, 46) "Wherefore, we who are receiving the unshakable kingdom should hold fast to God's grace, through which we may offer worship acceptable to Him in reverence and awe" (Heb 12:28).

Prayer:  King Jesus, I give all to accept Your invitation to live forever in Your kingdom.

Promise:  "The great God has revealed to the king what shall be in the future; this is exactly what you dreamed, and its meaning is sure." —Dn 2:45

Praise:  Sister Mary celebrated fifty years as a Franciscan.

Reference:  (For related teaching, order our leaflet, Seek First the Kingdom.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, May 22, 2013

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