Articles
God Rules In The Kingdoms of Men
God Rules In The Kingdoms of Men
The book of Daniel tells us about Nebuchadnezzar, one of the greatest kings that ever lived (from a worldly viewpoint). He had risen to power and quickly dominated and extended his rule over all of the Middle East from what we now know as Pakistan, through Iraq and Turkey, Israel, and Egypt. There were no laws except what HE made. He had power, money, and fame. But he wasn't God.
Into this picture steps God. God can control even thoughts and dreams of people. He causes the king to have a dream and then He reveals the meaning of that dream through Daniel. The meaning of the dream was a profound lesson: God rules in the kingdoms of men, EVEN the most powerful kingdoms of men.
God is God overall. God is from everlasting to everlasting. God is the King of Kings and the Lord of lords. He is worthy of all honor, glory, power (authority), and praise for He is God. He raised up kings and He deposed kings. As Mary said: "He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate…" (Luke 1:51-52). He used kingdoms for His purposes and He brought judgments upon kingdoms.
He had raised up Pharaoh to show His power over him. He made Saul to be king and then took the kingdom from him and gave it to David. Many years later Jesus told Pilate that he would have no authority at all except by the permissive will of God (John 19:10-11).
Masters need to learn that they yet have a master over them (Eph. 6:9). Kings need to learn that there is a king over them. It seems like this lesson could be taught again and again. We can even yearn that some of the people in authority today would experience such.
We are told as Christians to do several things in relationship to kings and kingdoms. First, we are to pray that such would rule in a way that allows "that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way" (1Tim. 2:1-4). Second, we are to honor and obey them (Romans 13:1-2; 1Peter 2:13; Titus 3:1). [Yes, we all know there is a limit as stated in Acts 5:28-29 that we would not be compelled to be ungodly or dishonor God in such obedience to earthly kings].
God HAS stepped into the world and ruled. Today, God has set His son upon the throne and Jesus now has all authority in heaven and upon earth (Matt. 28:18). He is king of kings and Lord of lords (Rev. 17:14). There will come a day when every knee will bow and acknowledge that He is LORD. Let us serve our King faithfully.
Hugh DeLong
