In his vision, Daniel saw “someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven.” The prophet Daniel lived a long time before Jesus, so they hadn’t met. But these words clearly line up with Jesus referring to himself as the “Son of Man” in the New Testament. (Here are a few examples: Matthew 26:64; Luke 21:27; John 1:51) Our God is amazing, isn’t he, to have had this all planned out for our own good?
What else do you notice from this Advent theme text? Ponder on that for a moment. I was moved by imagining a peek into heaven as Jesus approached the “Ancient One.” That title sounds so wise and loving, doesn’t it?
We can be moved when we think about how God uses people, including Daniel. It’s a privilege to be used by God in mighty ways, but even small ministries are part of God’s plan. We all have a place to be and a job to do. Expect that your job will change over time. It’s great to try new things that help build this kingdom of God on earth.
In Daniel’s vision, this is the message: Jesus is to be the authority the whole world follows and obeys. When that happens, this prophecy will be fulfilled, which says, “He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him.” If indeed that “He” is Jesus, which I believe it is, then we are still waiting for this to come to pass.
I believe it’s true that people of every race or nation or tongue will one day acknowledge Jesus. Won’t that be great! But until then, we live in a time of grace when more people can come to know and follow Jesus, lest they perish.
I don’t want to rush past the all-inclusiveness here. Jesus’ followers will come from “every race and nation and language.” How wonderful it is to worship in another country and culture! Not many people get to experience that. I’m very grateful. While there are plenty of sacrifices, living my life for Jesus gives so much meaning to my life.
There’s quite a promise here, too. Belonging to God’s kingdom is a forever thing. It’s not going away, ever. No power or force will ever be able to destroy it. This earth we inhabit is not our home. God’s kingdom begins here, but it doesn’t remain here.
It’s cool that Daniel was given that vision from God. He didn’t see it in his day, and we haven’t so far in ours. We can be thankful that Daniel was faithful and knew he was to share this message, giving us all something to look forward to. We know it’s our King Jesus.
Let’s pray. King Jesus, I thank you for stripping yourself of your royal position to put on flesh for me. To think you love me so much to die for me, redeem me, and take my sins upon yourself. I don’t need to feel unprepared to serve you because you will provide all that I need as I need it. Help me to strengthen those around me in your growing Kingdom. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen.
