The Courtroom That Held Its Breath

On July 11, 2022, NASA released the first deep-field image from the James Webb Space Telescope — a photograph of galaxy cluster SMACS 0723, showing thousands of galaxies swirling in a patch of sky no larger than a grain of sand held at arm's length. Scientists at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland stood in stunned silence. Some wept. The sheer scale of what they were seeing overwhelmed every category they had for comprehension.

Daniel saw something far more staggering. In his vision, the Ancient of Days took His seat — His garment white as snow, His throne ablaze with flames, wheels of burning fire beneath it. A river of fire poured forth from His presence. Ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him. And then the court sat in judgment, and the books were opened.

This was no bureaucratic proceeding. This was the Almighty revealing that every empire, every tyrant, every beast-like kingdom that has ever terrorized the earth operates on borrowed time. The books were already written.

And then, riding on the clouds of heaven, one like a Son of Man approached the throne — and received dominion, glory, and an everlasting kingdom. Not seized by conquest. Not won by election. Given by the Ancient of Days Himself.

If a photograph of distant galaxies can bring a room of scientists to tears, how much more should we tremble and rejoice that the throne of the Most High is occupied — and that His Kingdom will never be destroyed.