Presented Before the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7:13)

 


Thursday, May 29, 2025


Psalm 93

Daniel 7:9-14

John 14:12-29


Observance: Ascension Day


Presented Before the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7:13)


I saw in the night visions,

and behold, with the clouds of heaven
    there came one like a son of man,
and he came to the Ancient of Days
    and was presented before him.



Today is Ascension Day, and I really think we in the church ought to celebrate it more enthusiastically. We have managed to make Christmas and Easter – the Incarnation and the Resurrection – two big festivals for which the government has given us time off work. But what about the next part of the story, when the risen Christ ascended into heaven, and was given all authority and dominion by the Father? Perhaps I have just answered my own question. Do we know of any government that likes to admit they do not have the final word?



When Christ ascended into heaven, Daniel saw “one like a son of man”, meaning that it was the incarnate Christ. The pre-existent and eternal Word of God came into human history, took on human flesh, and then took it back with him into his heavenly glory. He is now the God-Man, and is to be forever.



This gives us no end of fuel for reflection and meditation. That Christ is somehow glorified yet also in human flesh – what a wonder. Yet it is also our great hope and assurance. Because the office of Christ is the office of intercessor: continually defending our case before heaven and earth, as we are the people who have been given to him.



When Christ was presented to the Ancient of Days, he presented not only himself, but all the people who are in him. He is our source of life, as well as the defender of our cause, as well as our representative. In him, we also have been presented before the Ancient of Days, and in him we share in his authority.



When have you sensed being “in” Christ? What was your spiritual state? How might you perform the duties of this day “in” Christ?



Son of Man, Son of God, Eternal Word of the Father: your authority and dominion are from everlasting to everlasting. Keep us ever in you, that we may sense the fullness of your grace, and know what it is like to be accepted by heaven and earth.

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