Daniel 7:13-14

The kingdom of the Son of man.

In contrast with the brutal godless kingdoms, we have here a description of the higher final kingdom—its origin, character, and destiny.

I. ORIGIN .

1 . It comes from above. Divine providence inaugnrates it, and heavenly principles inspire it. Christ and his kingdom are from above ( John 8:23 ).

2 . It is in intimate relations with God. The Son of man "came to the Ancient of days," and was brought "near before him." The source of the power of Christ is his oneness with the Father ( John 10:30 ), his dependence on the Father ( John 5:19 ), and his obedience to the Father ( Psalms 40:7 ; Hebrews 10:7 ).

3 . It is a gift of God. The ether kings seized their power. To the Son of man a dominion is "given." Christ does not conquer the world by force. He receives his kingdom through the influence of God's grace and providence on men ( John 18:36 ).

II. CHARACTER .

1 . It is a true dominion. Christ came to save the world by ruling over it. He is King as well as Redeemer. He claims obedience and more thorough submission than the greatest earthly despot can exact, viz. the submission of the heart ( Colossians 3:23 ).

2 . It is typified by "the Son of man ," and therefore:

3 . It is glorious. Christ was of humble earthly origin, and his kingdom came in obscurity ( Luke 17:20 ). Thus it was apparently inglorious when compared with the pomp of worldly monarchies. But it has God's glory, the beauty of holiness. This glory is soon in its principles and in its achievements, triumphing over sin and securing the peace and blessedness of obedience to God's will ( Colossians 1:27 ).

III. DESTINY .

1 . It is to be universal. The greatest human monarchies were limited in extent. Christ's is to be world-wide.

2 . It is to be everlasting. Other kingdoms are temporary, and subject to final destruction. The kingdom of the Son of man is indestructible and everlasting.

HOMILIES BY H.T. ROBJOHNS