Year of the Bible: Part Eight of TwelveSample

The Last King Standing

Daniel continued to exercise God’s gift of prophecy when he wrote this passage. Clearly, this “Son of Man” has supernatural ability and authority over everything. He also came as a king, riding a cloud from heaven, and can sustain His royalty forever. Some have said the Son of Man was an angel or even a representation of God’s people. “Son of Man” was a loose term in Daniel’s time, but Jesus gave a concise explanation.

Jesus quoted this passage when He referred to himself as the "Son of Man,” which meant He was the prophesied Messiah (in Matthew 26:64, for example). “Son of Man” referred to the humanity of people, but it also implied the humanity of the Messiah. The Old Testament used the term both ways; later in the New Testament, it was commonly understood as a reference to the Messiah. When Jesus referenced Daniel's prophecy, His audience would have clearly understood what He was saying.

We cannot forget that this hopeful prophecy was written while God’s people were in captivity. The Babylonian Empire dominated kingdom after kingdom. Hearing this prophecy must have been encouraging for God’s people at the time. By faith, they knew that the Son of Man would be their saving Messiah. By faith today, we know that Jesus is the Son of Man, and when He returns, He will be the last King standing.

Question: Soon enough, Jesus will return and be the last King standing. When you realize this, how does it make you feel and why?

Prayer: Ask the Lord to assure you of His return even if you already feel assured. It never hurts to be reassured of His loving and eternal plan for us in His kingdom. Inevitably, the joy of gratitude will follow.