Daniel’s prophetic visions of four great world empires then points to a fifth, the kingdom of God, which will completely replace all those that came before it. This final world government will be led by God Himself, in the person of Jesus Christ.
Daniel’s next vision gives us our first introduction to this new king, five centuries before Jesus was born to the virgin Mary through the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus, referred to here, and by Himself later as the Son of Man, is seen approaching the throne of the Ancient of Days, God the Father. He was being glorified after offering Himself as a sinless sacrifice on the cross for all believers, then being raised to life on the third day as the first-born of many to be freed from the sting of death.
13 “I was watching in the night visions.
Behold, One like a Son of Man,
coming with the clouds of heaven.
He approached the Ancient of Days,
and was brought into His presence.
14 Dominion, glory and sovereignty were given to Him
that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will never pass away,
and His kingdom is one that will not be destroyed. Daniel 7:13-14 (TLV)
There is a parallel passage in the New Testament book of Revelation in which the glorified Christ is also seen approaching God the Father’s throne in heaven after His victory over sin as the sacrificial Lamb of God. He is given a throne and full authority to reign over all of heaven and earth, with His followers becoming a kingdom of priests, or kohanim in Hebrew.
9 And they are singing a new song, saying,
“You are worthy to take the scroll
and to open its seals.
For You were slain,
and by Your blood
You redeemed for God
those from every tribe and tongue
and people and nation.
10 You have made them for our God
a kingdom and kohanim,
and they shall reign upon the earth.”
11 Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders—their number was myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands. 12 They were chanting with a loud voice,
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,
to receive power and riches
and wisdom and might
and honor and glory and blessing!”
13 And I heard every creature in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea and everything in them, responding,
“To the One seated on the throne
and to the Lamb
be blessing and honor
and glory and power forever and ever!” Revelation 5:9-13 (TLV)
After so much suffering that has and will take place at the hands of evil leaders under the influence of dark powers, the coronation of Jesus Christ will bring relief and joy to believers everywhere. Divine kingdom principles of justice, equity, compassion, and love will become the rule, everywhere. Every tear of sadness will be wiped away, and the griefs and heartache of the past will be forgotten, never to return. The final kingdom will bring a new heaven and a new earth for all believers to enjoy, and to serve the Lord in throughout eternity.
Perhaps you are thinking, “I could never be good enough to be a part of that wonderful kingdom”. The Good News is that NONE of us is good enough, but we may rely on faith in the saving power of Jesus Christ to bring us through. He loved us enough to go to the cross for our eternal salvation. All scripture looks to the coming of Messiah and the grace of God, and His loving sacrifice makes all of this possible. His grace is abundant and available through faith to all, no matter our past sins and failures. Jesus was given full authority, glory and power on the clouds of heaven, and is right there to reach out to in a spirit of humble reverence.
Reflection
If you have not yet done so, consider reaching out for the saving grace of God, through Jesus. He has been there all along for each one of us, loving us every moment of our lives, in both good times and bad. He offers us unmatchable comfort and healing for our hurts, and the serenity and peace that comes from complete forgiveness and an eternal future of restoration and rejuvenation. Invite Him into Your heart today and you will never regret such a wise and joyous decision, joyful both on earth and in the courts of heaven.
Jesus, Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on me. I come to You as a sinner who wishes to live a better life and to walk in the light of Your goodness. Heal me through the power of the cross and Your resurrection from the dead. Grant me eternal citizenship in Your coming kingdom so that I may be with You forever. Teach me to serve You and others, for Your glory, today and always. We ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Have a blessed and beautiful day in the Lord today.
Daily Meditations from the Genealogy of Jesus 