GOVERNOR AMONG THE NATIONS

What a contrast between the worm of verse 6 and the Governor of verse 28. It should thrill the heart of every believer that our Lord Jesus Christ is exalted to the highest place. This title is one of many He bears in the heights of glory.

Throughout history, the Lord has been active among the nations of the world behind the scenes. This can be confirmed by observing the history of Israel. In some cases even pagan nations and rulers were unknowingly instruments of God’s purposes in the chastening of His people.

The book of Daniel shows that both in Daniel’s days, as in the case of Nebuchadnezzar, and in the days described in Daniel’s prophetic vision, God sets up and destroys kingdoms. This is true in our own day.

Christians may be pleased when pro-Christian governments or politicians are elected and disappointed when anti-Christians are put in power. While this writer happens to believe that Christians are at liberty to exercise democratic rights extended to them as citizens in the matter of voting, if they so desire, ultimately the Lord is in control. I cite the example of Paul exercising his rights as a Roman citizen. But the best thing a believer can do as a citizen of heaven is to pray, as the apostle exhorts us to do, 1 Tim. 2. 1-4; Phil. 3. 20.

There is coming a day when the Lord will be seen to be ruling over the nations of the earth. Psalm 47. 7-9 and Zechariah 14. 9 are among the many references in scripture that confirm this. It is interesting to notice that even in the eternal state the nations of the earth maintain their distinctive character, Rev. 21. 24.

In our present age, however, His kingdom functions in the hearts of believers according to the Lord in the parables of Matthew chapter 13. Our main objective now is not conversion of nations or to use political means or power to convert people. Rather, our business is the preaching of the gospel to all the world. He is saving people ‘out of every kindred, and tongue and people and nation’.

Our duty is to be loyal to Him in the day of His rejection, but one day we will reign with Him over the earth, Rev. 5.10.