Tag: Son of man
Thankful for Christ’s Return!
Scripture reading for December 25th: 3rd John, Jude, Revelation 1-2
Key Scriptures: Jude 20-21; “But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith, and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.”
Revelation 1:7 “Look, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of Him. So shall it be! Amen.”
Both Jude and John, author of the Revelation, encouraged the church to watch and be ready for the return of the Lord Jesus. For those who believed on Jesus Christ and were cleansed by His blood, Christ’s return would bring eternal life and the riches of God’s presence forever! For the world and the unsaved of the earth, Christ’s return with the clouds of believers would be a cause for mourning as they would know the judgment of God was at hand!
Visions of Christ’s return: “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven.” (Daniel 7:13) “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on Me, the One they have pierced, and they will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for Him as one grieves for a firstborn son.” (Zechariah 12:10)
Thankful for the Son of Man!
Scripture reading for June 21st: Psalms 79-83
Key Scriptures: Psalm 80:17-19 “Let Your hand rest on the Man at Your right hand, the Son of Man You have raised up for Yourself. Then we will not turn away from You; revive us, and we will call on Your Name. Restore us, O Lord God Almighty; make Your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.”
The psalmist prayed for God to bring revival and restoration to His people. The key was the Man at God’s right hand! This person was a “Son of Man” that God raised up for His purposes! The psalmist desired God’s smiling face to look upon him and all God’s people. This would result in salvation! What a prayer a thousand years before Jesus Christ came to earth!
Thankful for God’s Man at His right hand: “For the law appoints men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever. The point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, and who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by man.” (Hebrews 7:28-8:1)
The Glorious Appearing!
Scripture reading for October 10th: Titus 2
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Titus 2: 11-14 “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope–the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good.”
God’s great grace, extended to all who will repent and believe, has appeared to all men. This grace is the forgiveness of all sin and guilt and a gift of eternal life with an immediate down payment through the indwelling of God’s Holy Spirit. This grace teaches us to say “NO!” to ungodliness and worldly passions. We now choose to live life in the newness of God’s Spirit and are ever conscious of the immanent return of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our “blessed hope” motivates us to be found pure and holy and doing what He has commanded!
Observations for over-comers: Over-comers live in expectation of the immanent appearing of our glorious God and Savior, Jesus Christ! “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was One like a Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.” (Daniel 7:13-14)
Beware of worldly ambition and pride!
Scripture reading for January 28th: Matthew 20
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Matthew 20:25-28 “Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave–just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
Some of the first disciples had a desire for a position of glory in Christ’s kingdom. They were thinking in worldly terms that position means power. They wanted to be in charge and have control. However, Jesus explained that greatness had a real cost–drinking from the cup that He would drink from! This cup meant enduring suffering and eventual death for God’s purposes to be fulfilled.
Those who aspired to greatness were not condemned but admonished concerning the cost! Jesus set an example for His followers then and now. He was a servant-leader who set an example of serving. He ultimately laid down His life for His own followers that they might have what they needed for eternal life. Followers must also have a servant’s heart and be willing to sacrifice even their own lives for the cause of the kingdom of heaven. The proud in heart will never be exalted!
Observation for over-comers: It is not wrong to strive to be great in God’s kingdom but we must also count the cost and be wary of pride! Jesus is our example of real greatness–He alone sits on the throne of God! “Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence, and do not claim a place among great men; it is better for him to say, “Come up here,” than for him to humiliate you before a nobleman.” (Proverbs 25:6-7)
Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord!
Scripture reading for December 18th: Revelation 14
God is merciful and full of compassion for all He has made. He does nothing by judgment unless he warns the people created in His image. In this chapter we find God sending angels to proclaim the “eternal gospel” to all who live on the earth. The first angel proclaimed, “Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come. Worship Him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.” (Revelation 14:7) God called out to all men to honor and worship Him. He identified Himself as the Creator of the heavens and earth! A key belief of our day is evolution–a denial of a God who created and the substitution of time and chance for Him. Men will do anything to deny God so that they may do as they please.
The third angel John saw announced: “If anyone worships the beast and his image and receives his mark on the forehead or on the hand, he, too, will drink of the wine of God’s fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of His wrath. He will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. The smoke of their torment rises for ever and ever. There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and his image, or for anyone who receives the mark of his name.” (Revelation 14:9-11) God clearly warns those on earth of the eternal punishment coming to those who worship the beast or receive his mark. This punishment involves smoke, burning sulfur, and complete lack of rest day or night–forever!
“Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes, says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds follow them.”” (Revelation 14:13) John was told specifically to write this statement of blessedness! Those who die in Christ rest and will surely be blessed and rewarded!
The coming of the Son of Man!
Scripture reading for February 26th: Mark 13
As Jesus and His disciples were leaving the temple for the last time, the disciples were admiring the beautiful buildings. Jesus remarked that, “Not one stone will be left upon another, every one will be thrown down.” (Mark 13:2) This shocked the disciples and they asked Jesus when this would happen and what would be the signs that this prophesy would be fulfilled. Jesus proceeded to warn them about their need to be watchful and the signs to come!
“Watch out that no one deceives you.” (Mark 13:5) Jesus warned them that deception would come and many would fall for the false instead of waiting for Him. Many would claim to come as the Christ. Wars and earthquakes, conflict with nations, and famines would precede the coming as the ‘beginning of birth pains.’ (Mark 13:8)
“Brother will betray brother to death and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. All men will hate you because of Me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” (Mark 13:12-13) Times would become perilous for disciples of Jesus. Persecution and hatred would be normal for His followers before the end and His return. Jesus warned them in advance!
“But in those days, following that distress, ‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’ At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And He will send His angels and gather His elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.” (Mark 13:24-27) We who believe in Jesus Christ long for that Day!
Losing to win!
Scripture reading for February 19th: Mark 8
“He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that He must be killed and after three days rise again. He spoke plainly about this, but Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him.” (Mark 8:31-32) After performing another notable sign, the healing of the blind man, Jesus began to question His disciples about who people said He was. He then asked them who they thought He was. Peter had answered, “You are the Christ.” (Mark 8:29) Jesus then began to teach them about His mission of suffering and death. Peter, thinking that He would stop Jesus or impress Him, began to rebuke Him!
Jesus was teaching His followers that fulfilling the mission of God was the way to true victory! We can’t just have it our way and think the way men do. Peter was guilty of playing into Satan’s hand and often so are we! When we only want the blessings of following Christ, but reject or rebuke Jesus when He asks us to lay our life down for Him we are thinking like mere men. In God’s economy the way to real life is to give up our worldly thinking and think like Jesus! He was sold out to do God’s will and we are the benefactors of eternal life!
“If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:34-36)
A panorama of the future!
Scripture reading for September 3rd: Daniel 7-9
Daniel saw the four winds of heaven stirring up a great sea and out of the sea came four great beasts. The first was like a lion and the second looked like a bear. The third beast was like a leopard and the fourth beast was something terrifying. It had iron teeth and ten horns on it’s head. It was devouring it’s victims and crushing them. (Daniel 7:4-7) These beasts corresponded to the dream of Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 2 and represented the kingdoms that followed that time, starting with Babylon, the lion, and moving to Persia, the bear. The leopard was Greece and the ferocious beast was the Roman Empire of Jesus’ day. (Revelation 13:1-4)
Daniel saw another horn, a little horn that came up among the ten horns of the last beast. This horn had eyes like a man and a boastful mouth. (Daniel 7:8) Many commentators think that this horn represents the evil ruler of the last days that will be known as ‘Antichrist’. (Revelation 13:5-7)(2nd Thessalonians 2:8-10)
Next, Daniel’s attention focused on thrones that were set in place. One came and took His seat whose name was the “Ancient of Days”. This Ancient One had clothing that was brilliantly white and hair that was white like wool. His throne was ablaze with fire and full of wheels of fire, and a river of fire was flowing out before Him. There was a host attending Him that could not be numbered. This Ancient One was the judge in a court and there were books present that were opened. (Daniel 7:9-10) (Revelation 20:11-12)
As Daniel watched, the last beast that the little horn had come from was slain and thrown into the blazing fire. Then, suddenly, before Daniel was one like a ‘Son of Man’ coming on the clouds of heaven. (Mark 13:26) He approached the Ancient of Days and was given glory, authority, and power over all nations and men. All worshiped Him in an everlasting kingdom that would never end! (Daniel 7:11-14)(Revelation 5:11-13)
Daniel’s visions are an amazing panorama of history from his day down to the second coming of Jesus Christ, the Son of Man! Be encouraged today that the Ancient of Days is in charge! The evil world system will be destroyed and the Ancient of Days will reign forever!
The Son as Judge!
Scripture reading for May 8th: John 5:24-47
“I tell you the truth, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. I tell you the truth, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself. And He has given Him authority to judge because He is the Son of Man.” (John 5:24-27)
Jesus plainly told the Jews who were persecuting Him for healing on the Sabbath that He came from the Father and all His miracles were a result of seeing the Father at work. He further instructed them that whoever would hear His word and believe in the Father would have eternal life. Those who did not believe would be condemned and remain in death. God The Father was a life-giver and Jesus Christ was given the ability to speak life to those who would hear Him. Life was a characteristic of Jesus and the Father. This word for life is ‘zoe’, life eternal and complete.
Jesus went on to tell these people about a time coming in the future. “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear His voice and come out–those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned. By Myself I can do nothing, I judge only as I hear, and My judgment is just for I seek not to please Myself but Him who sent Me.” (John 5:28-30) Like God, Jesus will have the power to give life to the dead. At a specific time in the future, all the dead will hear Jesus voice calling them to life. Some will rise and be condemned. (Revelation 20:11-14) Some will rise and be rewarded with eternal life. (Daniel 12:2-3) (John 5:28) The Son will judge as He hears the Father declare the truth concerning each one from the Books of heaven.
These glimpses of the eternal role of Jesus Christ should bring reverence and a desire to be found doing good. We should honor the Father and the Son! Today might be the day of resurrection!
The Son of Man (Adam)
Scripture reading for March 19th: Luke 3:23-38, Psalms 62:1-12, Proverbs 11:18-19
To most people, Bible genealogy is boring reading. But Luke was careful to include a genealogy for Jesus through Joseph that went all the way back to Adam. He wanted to show that Jesus was the Son of Man as well as the Son of God. This genealogy has some interesting insights for us that will help us with our faith and give us encouragement.
The Bible contains lots of names and often the names have great significance. For starters, God knows our name! He deals with us as individuals and not as a number among billions. God also has a record of offspring and has kept that record for us to show us that Jesus, the second Adam, can be traced to the original Adam! (Roman 5:18-19) As the first Adam brought sin to all men through his disobedience, so through the obedience of Jesus Christ, righteousness was brought to all who would believe! God had a plan that He brought forth through succeeding generations that culminated with the birth of His Son, Jesus Christ!
Another interesting observation about the genealogy in Luke is the flow of the story of Jesus through promises made and recorded. Noah obeyed God and built an ark that carried him and his three sons and their families to safety. (Genesis 6:18-22) Through them the promised redeemer would come since all others on earth were destroyed! Abraham was told that through his son, Isaac, all families of the earth would be blessed! (Genesis 12:3) This promise was repeated to Isaac’s son Jacob in the next generation and recorded for us! (Genesis 28:14) God’s developing story line is captured here in the flow of individuals through the stage of history as recorded by the Bible.
Jesus was of the tribe of Judah, a son of Jacob. This line brought forth the second king of Israel, David. God told David that from him would come a King that would rule forever! (2nd Samuel 7:12-13) One of David’s offspring several generations later was Zerubbabel, the governor of Jerusalem, who helped rebuild the temple. (Zechariah 4:6-10)
God’s plan is again confirmed as we look at this special list of names. The question for us is this: Is our name written in God’s book? We must be born again by faith in the Son of Man to be in the Book of Life!