WHO RULE’S THE EARTH ? Daniel 7 :13-14

In the seventh chapter of Daniel we see a parallel with his vision in chapter two. The head of gold and the lion refers to Babylon. The silver and Bear refers to Medo-Persia. The Brass and leopard refers to Greece. The iron and clay feet in chapter two refers to Rome just as the dreadful and terrible beast in chapter seven. All of these kingdoms were destroyed. There rulers were all destroyed and their thrones destroyed. Their authorities were all gone. The question to who rule’s the earth may be very simple; we would ask who rules the universe? This is still very limited to the One we are talking of. Because He has been given authority in heaven as well.

Let’s read our text again “ I continued watching in the night visions, and I saw One like a son of man
coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was escorted before Him. He was given authority to rule, and glory, and a kingdom; so that those of every people, nation, and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will not be destroyed.”

Daniel is placed in heaven to give us a picture of what will happen when the son of man ascended to the right hand of the Father in heavenly places. “The son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven to the Ancient of Days”. And Acts 1:9-10 speaks of Jesus being taken in a cloud to heaven. So Daniel was giving a prophecy of the ascension of Jesus in the text.

    1.       All peoples and languages should serve Him

The text does not say all peoples would serve Him. It is subjunctive. The son of man would have a universal sovereignty, though not all in that sovereignty would be obedient subjects. We still have disobedient subjects today. Regardless of the disobedience of some people on earth, Jesus is still sovereign. The church is just a part of the universal kingdom of Jesus. All nations and languages are part of this kingdom reign.

   2.       For the benefit of Christians who are the church

Ephesians 1:20-22 “He demonstrated this power in the Messiah by raising Him from the dead and seating Him at His right hand in the heavens — far above every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And He put everything under His feet and appointed Him as head over everything for the church”

Jesus is far above all principality, above all rulers or personalities, above powers and dominion. This is what ascension means. That Jesus is ruling from heaven over all. Paul adds that “to or for the church”. Jesus is head over all things for the sake of the church. As Christians, we should be encouraged that the reign of Jesus is for the sake of the church; for the benefit of Christians who are the church. What a glorious gift from the bridegroom to the bride!

If Jesus and His authority is above all things and we are seated in heavenly places with him (Eph 2:6) then we should rejoice that we in Christ have authority over principalities, powers and dominion. What is making you so afraid when you are with the king? Is it a virus? Job? Sickness? Witches? What should frighten you my friend? Rethink again and stand up like a kingdom citizen.

   3.       For the glory of God, the Father

Philippians 2:9-11 “For this reason God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow —of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth —and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

The sovereign rule of Jesus is for the benefit of Christians and most importantly for the glory of God the Father. Jesus’ authority (name) is above every authority. Above those in the material world (“those on earth”). His rule is over all angels in heaven (“those in heaven”) and over Satan and demons (“those under the earth”)

Jesus’ present sovereign rule is beyond the church. Philippians 2:9-11 is not talking of something that is in the future. Paul is talking of something that is present. After Jesus’ final coming the earth and Satan with his demons will be eternally destroyed (Mt 25:41). Just like in Daniel 7, Philippians 2 says every tongue should confess Jesus. However, all are not submissive today. Whether they submit or not Jesus is still their king and they will one day submit. Unfortunately, it will be too late for their redemption.

Hebrews 2:8 says we do not see everything under Jesus now. At this time it may seem that things are out of control in regards to kingdom reign of Jesus. But when He comes again, it will be clearly manifested when He brings judgment upon all who have opposed Him.

His kingdom is everlasting. It is sure and steadfast and would not pass away like the kingdoms of Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome. Jesus’ kingdom originates from heaven. No power on earth can influence this kingdom. My friend, are you living a kingdom life or you are one of those disobedient subjects under the kingdom reign of Jesus? Reconsider your ways before it becomes too late. You still have the time to get on your knees and confess Jesus Christ as your Lord, saviour and king.

Shalom NHN