Master and Commander

“and to Him was given dominion, glory and a kingdom, that all the peoples, nations and men of every language might serve Him.  His dominion is an everlasting dominion which will not pass away;” Daniel 7:14

Master and Commander

Dominion – The Aramaic word sholtana is found only in the book of Daniel.  It is used to describe the power and authority of the king, in particular, the Creator King, ruler of all the earth.  In Daniel’s vision, God gives dominion to one like the Son of Man, the only title that Jesus took on himself.  There is no doubt that Jesus is Master and Commander of all peoples, all nations and all languages.

But if you thought that the idea of dominion was limited to the few occurrences of sholtana in Daniel, you would miss just how powerful and expansive this concept really is.  Sholtana is directly connected with the Greek work kyrios, the word that we translate “Lord” or “Master”.  It is used more than 9000 times in the Greek Old Testament and 717 times in the New Testament.  More than 90% of those occurrences refer to God or Christ as Lord.  There is simply no doubt that the Bible overwhelmingly considers God the absolute Ruler of all that exists.

Think about what this means for the language that we use.  Daniel’s vision sees all languages under the authority of the Son of Man.  That includes us.  What that means is that how we speak of the “Lord” should reflect Who He really is.  Whenever we pray, “Lord” or speak His name, we are invoking His authority, His dominion over us and all that we have.  Whenever we call on His name, but do not honor His dominion, we are guilty of treason in the Kingdom.  There is only one Ruler, and it is not you or me.

Language frames the way we see the world.  It is not just a description of the facts.  Language actually creates what I see as the facts.  My language is not just inconsequential words.  It is a reflection of my worldview and my values.  Consider the difference between speaking of workers as “employees” or as “associates”.  Which is more honoring?  Which focuses on community?  If I do not use the language of dominion when I speak of Jesus, my speaking “Lord, Lord” will do nothing but condemn me.  If Jesus is truly my Master and Commander, I will not hesitate to say so and to acknowledge His authority over me.  No wonder James placed so much important on the power of the tongue.

You are called to extend the language of dominion through your language.  What worldview stands behind “Lord” for you?  Does He reign over every part of your life?  Is He Master and Commander?