November 19, 2024
The Son of Man - Part 2
Daniel 7:9-10
11/19/2024
9 As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient
of days took his seat; his clothing was white as
snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his
throne was fiery flames; its wheels were burning
fire.
10 A stream of fire issued and came out from before
him; a thousand thousands served him, and ten
thousand times ten thousand stood before him; the
court sat in judgment, and the books were opened.
(ESV)
Last Sunday's Old Testament lesson was from the book of
Daniel. He wrote of a vision of the final judgment.
As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of
days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow, and
the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was
fiery flames; its wheels were burning fire. A stream
of fire issued and came out from before him; a thousand
thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten
thousand stood before him; the court sat in judgment,
and the books were opened.
The vision shows God the Father, the Ancient of Days, coming
as the righteous judge. His pure white clothing and hair
represent His holiness, while the flames purify the surroundings
of the judgment scene.
Countless angels are before the throne, just as Jesus had
spoken through Saint Matthew. Every person who ever lived will
stand before the throne as the charges and verdict are read.
Jesus, as recorded by Saint John, explained the standards by
which all people will be judged. ``Whoever believes in him is
not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already,
because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of
God.''[1] The faith which holds to Jesus Christ as our Redeemer
from sin and eternal death is, itself, a gift of God as the Holy
Spirit calls us by the Gospel, and marks us as God's own child
through the Sacraments.
May our Lord open our hearts and minds to His grace, love,
and mercy so that we may not fear His coming, but rejoice in our
salvation. Amen.
____________________
1. John 3:18 (ESV)