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 7:14 ESV

Also ministering during the 70 years of captivity, Daniel lived a significant portion of his life in the foreign land of Babylon. As one of the most promising young men of Israel, he was taken to the king’s city in order to be groomed into a valuable citizen for the Babylonian Empire. Many will immediately recall some of the trials of Daniel and his friends (such as the lion’s den and the fiery furnace); however, as a prophet, Daniel also receive stunning visions from the LORD.

One such vision is found in chapter 7. In verses 9-10, Daniel envisions the throne room of the Ancient of Days (the LORD), and it is glorious. But another person enters in verses 13-14. Daniel sees a person “like a son of man” approach God and receives “dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him.” Even though son of man is often used (especially in Ezekiel) as a phrase for humans, this Son of Man seems to be far more than merely human.

It is no accident that Jesus often called Himself the Son of Man. As the offspring of Abraham and David who would both rule and bless the nations, He fulfills the role of being given an eternal dominion so that all nations and tongues would serve Him. Jesus’ kingdom of disciples is an everlasting kingdom that cannot be destroyed (Matt. 16:18) and that encompasses people from every nation on earth (Rev. 7:9).

As a disciple in Jesus’ kingdom, do you intentionally seek to make disciples of all nations? What are specific things that keep you from devoting yourself to the Great Commission (Matt. 28:16-20)?