Daniel 7:14, Revelation 18:1-4

This week we explored how nations rise and fall throughout history—and discovered God’s ultimate plan to establish His everlasting kingdom above all earthly powers.

Sunday – “Tower Builders: When Human Ambition Challenges God” (Ghana)

In the historic coastal fortress of Elmina, Ghana, tour guide Samuel Mensah showed students how human kingdoms inevitably fail. Standing where slave traders once claimed divine blessing for their cruelty, Samuel explained how Nimrod’s cities and Babel’s tower represent humanity’s ongoing attempts to create security apart from God—towers of pride that always eventually crumble.

Monday – “The Courage to Be Set Apart” (Romania)

In a remote Transylvanian village, textile artisan Elena Dragomir preserved traditions through Communist persecution. “God doesn’t call us to be different just to be difficult,” her grandfather taught her. “He calls us to be a living invitation.” Like Abraham leaving Ur’s comfort for an unknown land, we learned that standing apart isn’t for isolation but demonstration—showing the world a better way.

Tuesday – “The King We Demanded vs. The King We Need” (Philippines)

On Manila Bay’s shore, elderly fisherman Mang Carlos shared wisdom gained during martial law years. “We thought, ‘Now we have a king who will solve all our problems,'” he recalled. But like ancient Israel demanding a king “like other nations,” Filipinos discovered the bitter cost of rejecting God’s governance for human authority. His conclusion? “God often gives us what we demand, even when it’s not His best for us.”

Wednesday – “Upside-Down Leadership: When the Greatest Serves” (Chile)

Against the backdrop of Chile’s Andes Mountains, Miguel Acuña explained how his pastor challenged Pinochet’s dictatorship not through political alignment but through radical service. “When power and position become our goals, we’ve already lost our way,” Miguel shared with a young seminary graduate. Just as Jesus overturned the Roman concept of leadership, this church demonstrated that true greatness comes through serving others, not dominating them.

Thursday – “When Being Different Makes You a Beacon” (New Zealand)

Under the star-filled sky of New Zealand’s Dark Sky Reserve, Māori astronomer Dr. Sarah Williams revealed how stars guide travelers only when they remain distinct from darkness. “Light doesn’t have to be overwhelming to be effective,” she explained. “Even a single star can guide a lost traveler home.” We discovered that God established Israel—and later His church—not as an exclusive club but as beacons drawing others from darkness to divine light.

🔥 Personal Reflection:

  • Which story from this week speaks most directly to challenges you’re facing in your own life?
  • Where might God be calling you to stand apart from worldly systems and values?
  • How can you be more effective as “light to the nations” in your specific circumstances this week?

🙏 Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for showing us throughout history that while human kingdoms rise and fall, Your kingdom stands forever. Whether we find ourselves building towers like Nimrod, demanding kings like Israel, or adopting worldly leadership models, forgive our tendency to reject Your perfect governance. Help us stand apart not in judgment but as beacons drawing others to Your light. Make us servants rather than power-seekers, faithful witnesses rather than worldly compromisers. As we see the nations raging around us, anchor our hope in Your coming kingdom that will never be destroyed. In Jesus’ name, Amen.