“The Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will and sets over it the lowliest of men.”
Daniel 4:17
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon made this statement. The exalted ruler of the grandest empire of his time was given this prophecy and then seven years of madness to learn the truth of it. When his mind was restored, the king concluded:
“Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble.”
Daniel 4:37
There are many valuable lessons here but in these days of political division and national unrest it is essential that we remember there is only One all-sovereign Ruler. Only One. Just a few chapters later Daniel the prophet saw this glorious vision:
“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. 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
When Jesus called himself the “son of man,” he was not being self-effacing, he was saying, “I am the fulfillment of Daniel’s prophecy. I am the King.” Paul summed it up this way:
“For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.”
Colossians 1:16-18
Not only are there no human authorities to rival King Jesus, there are no spiritual rulers in His class either. Jesus is the Almighty Creator, the All-Sovereign Ruler, the Preeminent, All-Glorious Lord of all things.
“In these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.”
Hebrews 1:2-3
Jesus “upholds the universe by the word of his power.” You and I exist because Jesus continues to speak us into being. Every atom of the cosmos exists only because Jesus wills it to. He not only created this universe, He keeps it pulsing with life moment by moment. That is the extent of the sovereignty of King Jesus. He has no rival. He has no equal.
So let’s not stress so much about the election and the economy. Let’s trust in our Sovereign King and stay busy about His business. There are people to reach with the love and grace of Jesus. So many are looking for hope in these troubled times. This Sunday we will be reminded that Jesus is the only Savior, so we should trust Him 100%; and Jesus is the only Lord, so we should obey Him 100%. He is the One! Fix your hope and joy in Him alone!