December 14 | Daniel 7:13-14, 27

Terry Starr
Dec 14, 2024
3 min read

DAILY READING

REFLECTION

EVERLASTING KINGDOM

By Terry Starr

The people of Israel loved God and were waiting for a Lord and Savior. They were seeking a King, a mighty warrior, one who would come to earth with all power, sovereignty and glory. A mighty warrior coming on a stallion, leading an army to conquer all of their oppressors and set them free. But God sent His Son to a common woman who gave birth in a manager in a stable. A lowly, humble birth.... not one fitting a King. No wonder most of the people of Israel rejected this baby as the Son of God. Jesus walked the earth as a carpenter, preacher and teacher. He was a man in fully human form who shared about God and His story.

The second coming of Christ will be the triumphant entry of a King with trumpets blaring and in a blaze of glory. The King Jesus will establish His Everlasting Kingdom and will rule over all the earth with His Holy people as part of His dominion. All the rulers and people of the earth will worship and obey Him.

An Everlasting Kingdom... the concept of an eternal kingdom is a challenging one for our human minds. The God who is the "Ancient of Days" tells us that Jesus is given all power, authority and glory and will have an eternal kingdom. God's people will be part of this Holy Kingdom, and will worship and rule with Christ forever. We will be spending eternity in His presence, worshipping and praising Him! What a glorious hope. And all of the rulers of this earth will worship and obey Him.

But we seek a King today. A Savior--someone who will fix our problems, take away our troubles, and give us the peace and hope for our minds and souls.

God gives us everything we need in Christ. Jesus is given all of the power, sovereignty, and glory of God Himself. He comes to give us hope and peace, knowing that we will be part of His eternal Kingdom.

God's holy people who serve and worship Him will be given eternal life in His everlasting kingdom. Our omnipotent and holy God who reigns with "sovereignty, power and greatness" loves us so much that He sent His only Son to carry the sin of this world on his back to the cross. Jesus is given all power, authority and sovereignty over all nations and people. Jesus who is given everlasting dominion over all of creation invites us to live in His everlasting kingdom.

Isaiah 9:6-7

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.

He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever."

Can we truly understand His sovereignty and power? God has dominion is over all the earth and He will reign forevermore. He invites us to live in His everlasting kingdom through Christ. God has given us the free gift of eternal life through Christ who was given all power and authority. His everlasting kingdom is ours for the taking. The only way to know and understand this glorious gift from God is to accept Christ as our personal Savior and to live for Him.

"Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be handed over to the holy people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey him.' " DANIEL 7:27

PRAYER

LORD JESUS, We thank you for coming into the world to save us. May we worship you every day of Advent as we wait to celebrate your birth. Help us to understand the depth of your love and your power and glory. Open our hearts and minds to the true meaning of your gift of everlasting life in your kingdom. We pray that we will set aside the busyness of the season and spend dedicated time with you in prayer and in the Word. Bless our lives with your love, joy and peace as we worship you and focus on YOU above the activities of this world. We long to be with you in your everlasting kingdom forever. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

TERRY STARR

I am a longtime member of UALC, along with my husband Alan. We raised our four children here and have seven grandchildren. At God's calling, I started a non-profit named Divine Dignity, which gives free hygiene to our neighbors in need while sharing God's love. I retired as an administrator from the UA Schools after 25 years.

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