Scripture:
Daniel 7:13-14
Thu, 10 August 2023

Behold, a Son of Man…

Observation:

What significant observations can you make about “the one like a son of
man” in Daniel’s vision?

Deeper Reflection
Daniel saw in his vision “one like a son of man” coming and was presented before the Ancient of Days (v.13). The description “one like a son of man” means that this being “appeared to be simply a mortal human being”32 . Elsewhere in the Old Testament, this phrase “son of man” “often distinguishes mere mortals from God”33 – as in “God is not man…nor a son of man” (Num 23:19). But Daniel saw in this figure “something more to his humanity than merely God appearing in human shape”34 , like God appearing to Abraham with His two angels as “three men” (Gen 18:1-2, 22). Daniel saw in this being both human and divine traits combined in one person.This son of man comes “with the clouds of heaven” (v.13), which is “a clear symbol of divine authority”35 . In the Old Testament God alone rides on a cloud chariot: “Behold, the LORD is riding on a swift cloud” (Isa 19:1; see also Psa 68:4; 104:3). And the Ancient of Days gives to this son of man authority, glory and sovereign power (v.14). But this authority and sovereignty are not simply the kind that God gives to human kings like Nebuchadnezzar (see Dan 5:18), for “all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him” (v.14, NIV). And he is given an everlasting and indestructible dominion (v.14), “a sovereignty which belongs to God Himself ”36 .The God-man in Daniel’s vision who shares our humanity and also endowed with “the fullness of undiminished deity”37 is Jesus – “the Son of Man…coming with the clouds of heaven” (Mk 14:62).
32 Iain M. Duguid, 117 33 Iain M. Duguid, 117 34 Iain M. Duguid, 117 35 Iain M. Duguid, 117 36 Iain M. Duguid, 117 37 Iain M. Duguid, 117
Application:

What does the vision of the “one like a son of man” mean to me?

Prayer:
Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for Outreach/Missions/New Life leaders: To have a fresh vision of the glory of the Son of Man
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self
 

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Daily Devo
Daily Devotional Journal
Scripture:
Matthew 28:16-20; John 3:34-36
Tue, 3 October 2023

The One with Supreme Authority

Observation:

Why did Jesus say to His disciples, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me” (v.18)?

Deeper Reflection
Verse 18 could be said to be the central premise of Christian discipleship and disciplemaking: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me [i.e. Jesus].” Jesus’ authority is clearly in focus when we read the accounts of His teaching and miracles. For example, when Jesus taught the crowds about God’s Kingdom and its radical righteousness (Matt 5-7; 7:28-29), healed a man of paralysis and terrible pain (Matt 8:5-10, 13), stilled a great windstorm out at sea (Matt 8:23-27), cast out many demons from two men (Matt 8:28-32) and forgave a paralytic’s sins (Matt 9:1-8).“All authority in heaven and on earth” means that Jesus’ authority is supreme and all-encompassing. There is no realm of creation nor sphere of life that lies outside of His authority. Whoever has the highest authority has the final say. The words of the One who has the final say must count the most in any major decision that we make. For a Christian, the Lord Jesus has the final say in all of one’s major life questions about meaning, purpose and direction.Based on His authority, Jesus gave the Great Commission to all His disciples in every nation and generation, commanding them to “make disciples of all nations” (vv.19-20). As such, we are to respond in reverent fear and obedience to Jesus. At the same time, we can walk in full confidence as we go about doing our part in fulfilling the divine mandate, strengthened and comforted by the fact that Jesus is always with us by His Spirit until His Second Coming when we will see Him face to face.
Application:

How does the fact that Jesus has “all authority in heaven and on earth” affect the way I receive His commands and the way I conduct my life?

Prayer:
Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for pastors and staff: To follow and obey Jesus Christ as their ultimate leader and the Head of the Church, so that their lives and works will bring glory to God alone
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self

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