There was a significant vision seen by the prophet Daniel that to a great degree determined the nature of the kingdom of God which Jesus preached. In Daniel's vision in chapter 7 of the book of Daniel he saw "one like a Son of Man" who approached the Ancient of Days. The Ancient of Days then gave to the Son of Man "dominion, glory and a kingdom, that all the peoples, nations and men of every language might serve Him." As we look at Jesus' message in the New Testament it is not difficult to see how the expressions the "Kingdom of God" and the "Son of Man" are related.
The "Son of Man" held a special place in the preaching of Jesus. Much of Jesus' preaching was oriented to Daniel's prophecy of the Son of Man. According to Daniel, the Son of Man had been invested with authority. It was with this authority that Jesus stood before his listeners and the religious rulers of his day, boldly and unashamedly, declaring that he was the Son of Man. Any Jew in Jesus' day would understand that when Jesus referred to himself as the Son of Man, he was in essence asserting his messiahship. Though Jesus does not solely base his message of the kingdom of God on Daniel's vision, nevertheless, this vision provides a foundation that to a great extent determines the nature of the good news of the kingdom of God which he preached.
So, what does Daniel's vision and Jesus' message of the Son of Man have to do with you and me today? It is interesting to note that in Daniel's vision someone (perhaps an angel) interpreted this vision for Daniel (v18). This person said, "the saints of the Highest One will receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom, for all ages to come." In the book of Luke chapter 12 Jesus picks up on this thought and says to his followers, "Do not be afraid little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom." It seems very clear from Daniel's vision and Jesus' teaching that our God and Father desires that we receive and possess the kingdom of God.
This is what this blog is all about: revealing the message of the Son of Man and the Kingdom of God which is the foundation for us as believers to receive and possess God's kingdom. We will endeavor to instruct about the nature of God's kingdom with a practical application how you and I may receive and possess the kingdom of God as promised to us by the Father.
The "Son of Man" held a special place in the preaching of Jesus. Much of Jesus' preaching was oriented to Daniel's prophecy of the Son of Man. According to Daniel, the Son of Man had been invested with authority. It was with this authority that Jesus stood before his listeners and the religious rulers of his day, boldly and unashamedly, declaring that he was the Son of Man. Any Jew in Jesus' day would understand that when Jesus referred to himself as the Son of Man, he was in essence asserting his messiahship. Though Jesus does not solely base his message of the kingdom of God on Daniel's vision, nevertheless, this vision provides a foundation that to a great extent determines the nature of the good news of the kingdom of God which he preached.
So, what does Daniel's vision and Jesus' message of the Son of Man have to do with you and me today? It is interesting to note that in Daniel's vision someone (perhaps an angel) interpreted this vision for Daniel (v18). This person said, "the saints of the Highest One will receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom, for all ages to come." In the book of Luke chapter 12 Jesus picks up on this thought and says to his followers, "Do not be afraid little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom." It seems very clear from Daniel's vision and Jesus' teaching that our God and Father desires that we receive and possess the kingdom of God.
This is what this blog is all about: revealing the message of the Son of Man and the Kingdom of God which is the foundation for us as believers to receive and possess God's kingdom. We will endeavor to instruct about the nature of God's kingdom with a practical application how you and I may receive and possess the kingdom of God as promised to us by the Father.
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