Scripture Reading: Daniel 7:1-14, Psalm 104:1-5, Mark 14:61-62
I studied political science and economics in college, fascinated by the theories and stories about what helps a people group flourish. I loved mining history for themes, looking for answers to complex questions about political sovereignty, democracy or authoritarianism, and individual versus collective rights. Ultimately I found the questions too small, even at a global and historical scale, because my root assumption was that humans could get it right. The truth, really, is that the only path to human flourishing is through restoration of our right relationship with God, which He accomplished through the person and work of Jesus.
After Israel had split in two following a civil war and the northern kingdom had been conquered by Assyria, the violent conquering Babylonians decimated Judah, taking its people (including young Daniel) captive. Daniel had to navigate life in a new society, growing in power through his relationship with the king while also remaining faithful to God. Themes of power, sacrifice, integrity, violence, and fear run deep through this book. And yet Daniel knew, because of his unshakeable faith in the one true God, that the ultimate answers to peace, prosperity, and human flourishing wouldn’t be found in the political realm.
Daniel 7 opens with a prophetic vision that turns the world’s vision of power on its head. Daniel is, as he says in verse 15, anxious and alarmed, by the vision of four winds (Daniel 7:2) and four beasts (v.3). The beasts are wild: a lion with eagle’s wings and the feet of a man, a bear eating three ribs, a leopard with four wings and four heads, and a fourth beast with iron teeth and ten horns. When I read passages like this in Scripture, I can feel anxious and alarmed or certainly confused. But God’s Word is true, Daniel really had this vision, and I can start by asking the Holy Spirit to help me read, understand, and apply these complicated words.
Daniel was living in exile, his life marked by bad kings and violent governments, wicked and corrupt rulers, and devastated homelands. In the vision, the winged-leopard beast received dominion, and Daniel knew how such power was wielded to crush, confuse, and to catastrophize. But then he saw thrones set in their place, where the Ancient of Days took his seat. The beast that had dominion was killed and the remaining beasts were subdued and allowed to live for a time. The Ancient of Days, the name used by Daniel to describe God, will rule forever. Human nature, driven by insatiable lust for power, will never deliver a dominion of flourishing. But the Ancient of Days, Christ, who sits “at the right hand of power” (Mark 14:62), will rule over the new heaven and the new earth, perfectly, forever.
Written by Melanie Rainer
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46 thoughts on "The Ancient of Days and the Son of Man"
I’m late today but these scriptures just gave me comfort because God is in control. He is working where we cannot see to accomplish His will.
I’m praying for all of you!
I love this!
Daniel, Chapter 7:10 …
“The court was convened
and the books were opened.”
This line causes me to shiver.
What will be my measure when
the books are opened?
I pray to be completely known & understood.
I pray to be eternally forgiven & loved.
I pray to be made whole & new in His presence.
Though the visions in Daniel are confusing & frightful.
I will steady my gaze upon the victorious One.
Psalm 104:5 NLT
He established the earth on its foundations;
it will never be shaken.
.
Daniel 7:14
14 He was given dominion
and glory and a kingdom,
so that those of every people,
nation, and language
should serve him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion
that will not pass away,
and his kingdom is one
that will not be destroyed.
.
SONG SHARE:
How Great Is Our God
by Chris Tomlin (with writers Ed Cash & Jesse Reeves)
Partial lyrics-
The splendor of a King
Clothed in majesty
Let all the earth rejoice
All the earth rejoice
He wraps Himself in light
And darkness tries to hide
And trembles at His voice
Trembles at His voice
…
Age to age He stands
And time is in His hands
Beginning and the end
Beginning and the end
.
Love, hugs, and prayers!❤
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MERCY, praying your procedure was successful and you are recovering!❤
Perfectly, forever! I love that I am “not” in control! Our Ancient of Days “is” and I trust Him!!
Amen!
Amen!
pretty heady stuff
I’m so thankful that even in the worst of days, the worst of times, we dont need to be afraid! Our God rules and He will reign forever!
Blessed Assurance, Erica!
I had asked for prayers that probate go through for my brother’s estate because it has been over a year in the courts! Just yesterday we got notice that the bank is trying to foreclose on his house (now my nieces’ house) because we haven’t paid the mortgage, meanwhile we have had a buyer since January but just can’t close because we don’t have the letters of testamentary. My lawyer is going to reach out to the court today to see if he can get them to move it along. Prayers appreciated!
Praying this is sorted out today!
Continued prayers Tami – that God would grant favor to your nieces.
Praying for Gods favor on this situation.
Agreeing here in prayer! There has to be a waiver in place with your contract to sell being held up due to legalities! Also:Praying God moves in a way that will strengthen your nieces’ desire to know Him more!
❤❤❤
Praying thus is settled by the court today, Tami.
Praying too for a quick resolution.❤️
I am just catching up on yesterday’s comments. Rhonda I am praying for you. You are carrying a lot with your family and my heart goes out to you and everything everyone is dealing with. Praying for Brayden to come to Christ – I mean how amazing is God? He puts you in jail ministry as you shepherd your loved ones in jail! I am praying that gives them ears to hear you:) Also praying for your dad and sister and her family, and your friend. Finally for YOU! Strength to persevere and continue to fight the good fight.
Thank you so much my sweet friend! I have not felt the greatest (I never get sick-but am!lol) with headache for the 4 day now!
Praying that something can get settled through the bank today! That is truly frustrating!
Amen
This is a wonderful reminder to not put our faith in man. Whether it be on a small or global scale. God is in control of whatever happens even when everything feels uncertain.
yes, amen! It all really comes back to that.
Amen.
Happy Thursday ladies! Finding encouragement in Daniel’s faith through various seasons of his life. Lord, help us to keep You at the center of our lives. To You alone be all glory, dominion, and power forevermore. Amen.
♥️
Amen
“His dominion is an everlasting dominion
that will not pass away,
and his kingdom is one
that will not be destroyed.”
.
The evils of this world will not last. The Ancient of Days and the Son of Man have everlasting dominion. In other words, God wins.
.
RHONDA J – praying for you and your family and for Sherry
.
THERESE – continued prayers for Joann
AMEN, sister! One of our kids’ favorite songs when they were young was “The Champion” by Carmen! ❤
The Ancient of Days
.
All authority, glory and power
.
all nations worshiped Him
.
His dominion is everlasting
.
His kingdom will NEVER be destroyed
.
We get to be included in that everlasting kingdom!
– – –
This is one of my favorite songs by CityAlight, Ancient Of Days
.
Verse 1
Though the nations rage
Kingdoms rise and fall
There is still one King
Reigning over all
So I will not fear for this truth remains:
That my God is the Ancient of Days
.
Chorus
None above Him, none before Him
All of time in His hands
For His throne it shall remain and ever stand
All the power, all the glory
I will trust in His name
For my God is the Ancient of Days
.
Verse 2
Though the dread of night
Overwhelms my soul
He is here with me
I am not alone
O His love is sure and He knows my name
For my God is the Ancient of Days
.
Chorus
None above Him, none before Him
All of time in His hands
For His throne it shall remain and ever stand
All the power, all the glory
I will trust in His name
For my God is the Ancient of Days
.
Verse 3
Though I may not see
What the future brings
I will watch and wait
For the Saviour King
Then my joy complete standing face to face
In the presence of the Ancient of Days
.
Chorus
None above Him, none before Him
All of time in His hands
For His throne it shall remain and ever stand
All the power, all the glory
I will trust in His name
For my God is the Ancient of Days
– – –
@Rhonda – what heavy burdens you are carrying concerning all your family. I am so sorry for your dad’s pain, pain is so hard to live with, and for your sister’s loss that must still be so fresh on her heart. Prayers for all your family that are suffering in different circumstances and for you my dear sister and friend. Praise God they have a prayer warrior loved one like you. ❤️
– – –
Blessings to all my SRT sisters today – Hugs, you are loved and prayed for! ❤️❤️❤️
(heart)
I shared that verse, too. ☺Thank you for the love and prayers, Sharon! I can use them this week! ❤❤❤
Will take a listen to this song!
Amen❤️
I had tears just reading the phrase, Ancient of Days. Thank you, Lord, for Your word.
.
MICHELLE P ❤️
RHONDA J ❤️ praying for Brayden, that he will continue in the Bible study and reading the Bible for himself, that the Lord will make clear to him the truth and his need for salvation. Praying for provision when he is released, for housing, food and job. Praying for you, sister, and all that you and your family are dealing with – relief of pain for your dad, your sister’s heart that is broken in so many places, your nephew enduring the time in prison (praying he has access to Bible study, for salvation, for protection) and Sherry, as she goes through the mouth surgery- praying for the Lord’s comfort and healing.
TERESA COOPER DONLEY ❤️ God bless you for maintaining contact with your cousin! No doubt it means more to him than words could ever express. Praying he holds tight to his salvation, no matter the circumstances and challenges. I had a family member that was in prison for many years and we exchanged letters monthly. He was deeply involved in the Bible study ministry and outreach until his release and expressed his gratitude regularly until he passed away.
SHARON JERSEY GIRL ❤️ ‘the habit of praying … the time is now’ Amen!
THERESE ❤️ continuing to pray for Joann, thankful she was willing to visit with the group – that had to be a hard thing to be face to face with an activity she used to enjoy. Please let her know the prayers continue, for her adjustments, medical needs, care facility and Medicare. So glad you shared!
MERCY ❤️
B ❤️
CEE GEE ❤️
Amen to these beautiful prayers! ❤❤❤
❤️
❤️
We are living in exile now but just different circumstances. Help us Jesus to keep our eyes on you. May our faith be strong. Help us when we are weak. Help me to be like Daniel. Amen.
♥️
How true is this statement, Ladies: ‘the ultimate answers to peace, prosperity, and human flourishing would not be found in the political realm’ and I will add nor in the educational realm or the social justice realm. Human nature will never deliver a culture of flourishing – only our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ ruling at the right hand of God the Father will do this when He sets up His eternal kingdom, making all things new and perfect forever!!
Come Lord Jesus! And in the meantime, keep us focused on You with an unwaivering faith like Daniel. Amen.
‘Human nature will never deliver a culture of flourishing’ and ‘keep us focused on You with an unwavering faith’ ❤️ Amen.
Amen!
Well said, Sally! ❤
❤️
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