Jesus, the Son of Man

Read Daniel 7-8
 
Daniel 7:13-14 As my vision continued that night, I saw someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence. 14 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. His rule is eternal – it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed.
 
THIS scripture is a glimpse of heaven. It reveals some of the Father’s and the Son’s glory. Recall “son of man” was a phrase in the Hebrew language to define a representative of people before an authority. God often called Ezekiel, “son of man” because he represented Israel before God.
Now, “son of man” transforms into an exalted, eternal title. The Ancient of Days, who is the eternal God, bestows “Son of Man” on the one who comes into his presence. All authority, glory, and sovereign power will be his to forever rule all kingdoms. All will worship him. “Son of Man” can only be the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who will represent all mankind before the holy God.
   Why is the Son of God also called Son of Man? In fact, Jesus most often identified himself as the Son of Man, even to the point this title condemned him: Matthew 26:63 Then the high priest said to him, “I demand in the name of the living God—tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.” 64 Jesus replied, “You have said it. And in the future you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.” 65 Then the high priest tore his clothing to show his horror and said, “Blasphemy! Why do we need other witnesses? You have all heard his blasphemy.”
   To the Jewish rulers, it was blasphemy for Jesus of Nazareth to align himself with the image of Daniel’s vision. The Jews condemned Jesus under God’s law that instructed the guilty party to be stoned. Apparently the Jews desired a more horrible death than even stoning for the Christ. Yet, it is the cross through which Jesus is the Son of Man.
   Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice, resurrection and ascension, qualifies Jesus to be mankind’s representative before he Father. Second, Jesus now sits on the Father’s right hand to intercede for us in prayer before the Father. Third, Jesus is the Son of Man because we worship him. Fourth, Jesus will come in glory to judge: Matthew 25:31 “But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne.”  “Son of Man” is Jesus’ affirmation of Daniel’s visions fulfilled.
   Knowing God’s visions is knowing God. These visions may seem – and  are – not easy to comprehend. But they have great meaning to God’s plan to save you into heaven. God’s visions to Daniel revealed real world nations rising and falling. They explain the spiritual warfare of Satan’s rule opposing God’s church. And the visions proclaim the majesty of the Christ, who has come and the Christ, who will come. Matthew 24:27 “For as the lightning flashes in the east and shines to the west, so it will be when the Son of Man comes.”
          Be prepared for the things God has told you.