ADVENT DEVOTIONAL | Day 18 | The Quiet Kingdom of the Son of Man

READ
13 “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. 14 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 one that shall not be destroyed.
Daniel 7:13-14

REFLECT
In the birth of Christ, this prophecy in Daniel began its fulfillment as the “son of man” was given dominion and glory and a kingdom that would not pass away and not be destroyed. However, that kingdom did not come in the triumphant power that other kingdoms have. Even in Jesus’ birth, he was not surrounded by the pomp and valor that accompanied the birth of an heir, the future hope of a nation. Instead, Jesus’ birth was humble, meek, and unimpressive.

Even now, it sometimes seems as if Jesus’ kingdom has not prevailed, and that his dominion has come and gone. The era of Christianity’s geopolitical dominance in the world is long gone. Injustice and wickedness continue to prevail. Like a far off cloud over the sea, or a partially covered ray of sun, the kingdom of God often feels distant and dim. When compared to the kingdoms of history past and present, Jesus’ kingdom will always fall short according to human standards.

But as distant or dim as his kingdom may seem, he is not without authority and dominion in the world. The one who was born to set captives free has continued to break the bonds of sin for the last 2,000 years. The one who was born to bring justice has broken into human history as his Church cares for the oppressed and upholds the dignity of all life. The one who was born to bring peace tears down walls of division and hostility as his followers embrace the love and forgiveness of their king.

Like a partially torn fence, Jesus’ kingdom has continued to break into the world, poking holes in this earthly kingdom’s defenses. But eventually, his kingdom will prevail at his return, and his dominion will be full and final. Just as our king came as an obscure child, so his kingdom will continue to break into human history through an obscure people, carrying out the powerful, ironic witness of our king’s meekness and humility.

RESPOND

• How does it feel like Jesus’ Kingdom is distant and dim in your life and surroundings?
• How have you seen Jesus’ Kingdom breaking through, even in small and distant ways?
• How can your life be a powerful witness of the inbreaking Kingdom of God today?

Written and picture by Dr. Clark Fobes