Dominion – authority, sovereignty, an empire, control.
“Son of Man” in Scripture is a title and description of Jesus Christ. When studying both the Old and New Testaments, this becomes clear. So, it is evident who this passage in Daniel is referring to.
Jesus Christ is “The Son of Man.” God the Father is “The Ancient of Days.” In this text, the Old Testament’s use of the phrase “the clouds of heaven” to describe a “coming” of Jesus Christ is seen. Similar language is used in the New Testament to describe Jesus’ coming in judgment in the events leading up to and including what transpired in 70 A.D. Important to understand is the New Testament’s use of Old Testament language when studying Eschatology.
In this vision, the Son of Man comes up to the Ancient of Days and is given dominion. It doesn’t stop there. He is given dominion, glory, and a kingdom. It is said that all (all-encompassing, in totality) peoples, nations, and tongues will serve Jesus Christ.
This dominion is further defined as one that will be everlasting. This means that it is not only permanent, but it comes from a word in Hebrew that was used to describe something concealed or hidden that would be revealed later or over time. The Kingdom of Christ, at the time of Daniel, would not have been apparent to the initial audience in the same way it is to us now, because much has transpired since then.
Christ has already come to earth, died, been buried, and risen again, but also ascended to heaven and inaugurated His kingdom. His Kingdom grows gradually as Christ defeats His enemies and brings the entire world into obedience to Himself through the power of the gospel.
Notice that His Kingdom can’t be taken away, He can’t be defeated, and can’t be removed from His throne. His Kingdom will never be destroyed. It is revealed gradually and continually grows over time and will be everlasting. Forever and ever will be the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.
Applying This God Centered Letter
- Do you live in obedience to Your King?
- Are you living like a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven?
- In what ways do you or your local church need to shift your worldview to better impact the world for the Kingdom?
Praying This God Centered Letter
Lord Jesus, the Kingdom is Yours! Thank you for saving me and placing me into Your Kingdom! You have dominion! You alone have the power! I exist to serve and worship You! Help me to demonstrate Kingdom living in all that I do!
