Kingdoms vs. the Kingdom

Kingdoms vs. the Kingdom

Daniel 2:44 (NASB)

44 “In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which will never be destroyed, and that kingdom will not be left for another people; it will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, but it will itself endure forever.”

    Besides his scientific expertise, Sir Isaac Newton (d. 1727) was an historian. He wrote a lengthy book—The Chronology of Ancient Kingdoms Amended—that outlined the chronology (rise and fall) of six ancient kingdoms: Greek, Egyptian, Assyrian, Babylonians and Medes, Israelite, and Persian.

    We could add more kingdoms to the ones Newton wrote about; the pages of history tell of many. There is something in the nature of man that wants to create a kingdom and rule over it—probably a vestige of man’s commission to rule over God’s kingdom on earth (Genesis 1:28). But all such human kingdoms have been temporary. Their failure should serve as a reminder that a permanent, eternal Kingdom is coming—first for a thousand years on earth (Revelation 20:1-4), then on the new earth for eternity (Revelation 21:1-3).

    Do not be discouraged at man’s failed attempts to govern himself. Instead look for the coming of the One whose government will know no end (Isaiah 9:6-7).

    D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones said, “History can be understood only in terms of God’s kingdom.”