“I saw in the night visions,
and behold, with the clouds of heaven
there came one like a son of man,
and he came to the Ancient of Days
and was presented before him.
And to him was given dominion
and glory and a kingdom,
that all peoples, nations, and languages
should serve him;
his dominion is an everlasting dominion,
which shall not pass away,
and his kingdom is one
that shall not be destroyed.”
Throughout history, kingdoms and empires have risen and fallen.
The ancient Egyptians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans all wielded tremendous power. Their rulers commanded armies, conquered nations, and shaped the lives of millions of people. Many of them seemed invincible in their day.
Yet none of their kingdoms lasted.
In Daniel 7, God gives Daniel a vision of four terrifying beasts rising out of the sea. Each represents a kingdom that would exercise power over the earth. The beasts are frightening, destructive, and hungry for more power.
Then the scene changes.
Daniel sees the Ancient of Days seated upon His throne. This is a reference to God the Father. The earthly kingdoms that seemed so powerful are brought before Him for judgment. Their authority is temporary, but God’s authority is eternal.
Then Daniel sees someone else approaching the throne.
He describes Him as
“one like a son of man,”
coming with the clouds of heaven. This figure is given dominion, glory, and a kingdom so that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His kingdom will never be destroyed.
For people living under the power of earthly empires, this was an extraordinary promise.
The kingdoms of this world would not have the final word. God would establish a kingdom that would never end.
Centuries later, Jesus began His public ministry, and one of the titles He most frequently used for Himself was
“the Son of Man.”
At first, that might sound like a simple way of emphasizing His humanity. And Jesus certainly is truly human. But the title also points us back to Daniel’s vision.
Jesus is the Son of Man who receives everlasting dominion and glory.
Yet there is something surprising about how He exercises His authority.
During His earthly ministry, Jesus didn’t gather an army to overthrow Rome. He didn’t establish a palace in Jerusalem or demand that the nations bow before Him. Instead, He healed the sick, welcomed sinners, cast out demons, cared for the outcast, and proclaimed the coming of God’s kingdom.
Then He allowed Himself to be arrested, condemned, and crucified.
During His trial before the high priest, Jesus referred directly to Daniel’s vision, declaring that they would see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.
The One standing before them as a prisoner was the very One who would reign over all creation.
After His resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven and took His place at the right hand of the Father. His kingdom is already established, even though we do not yet see its fullness.
That can be difficult to remember.
We look around and see wars, political turmoil, injustice, and suffering. Powerful people sometimes seem to do whatever they want without consequences. The world often appears to be governed more by ambition and selfishness than by righteousness.
But Daniel’s vision reminds us that appearances do not tell the whole story.
Jesus reigns even now.
His kingdom does not depend upon election results, military strength, or economic stability. And because His kingdom is everlasting, nothing in this world can bring it to an end.
One day, Christ will return in glory, just as He promised. Every earthly kingdom will give way before Him, and His reign will be fully revealed. Every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord!
For those who belong to Christ, that day is not something to dread. The One who will come as Judge is the same Savior who gave His life for us. Through faith in Him, we already belong to His kingdom. This will be a day of great joy and celebration.
For those who are not in Christ, however, this will be a day of dread and terror. Whether powerful or weak, famous or unknown, everyone will stand before The Ancient of Days and the Son of Man. Even those who seemed untouchable in this earthly life, will not be able to stand, unless they have been saved by faith in Jesus.
So whatever uncertainty tomorrow may bring, we can face it with confidence. The future is not ultimately in the hands of earthly rulers or the powers of this world.
It belongs to Jesus.
And His kingdom will never end.
Let’s pray…
Lord Jesus,
You are the Son of Man to whom the Father has given all authority and an everlasting kingdom. When the world around me seems uncertain or frightening, remind me that You are reigning even now. Forgive me when I place too much hope or fear in earthly powers. Strengthen my faith in Your promises, and help me to live as a citizen of Your kingdom as I await Your glorious return.
Amen.
As part of your devotion time, I encourage you to also pray for at least some of the following:
After praying for these people, you may want to finish your devotion time with the Lord’s Prayer…
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. They will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and every. Amen.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Kurt
