Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 (NRSV)
Read Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 on biblegateway.com
Verse 9As I watched, thrones were set in place, and an Ancient One took his throne, his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames, and its wheels were burning fire. Verse 10A stream of fire issued and flowed out from his presence. A thousand thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood attending him. The court sat in judgment, and the books were opened. Verse 13As I watched in the night visions, I saw one like a human being coming with the clouds of heaven. And he came to the Ancient One and was presented before him. Verse 14To him was given dominion and glory and kingship, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not pass away, and his kingship is one that shall never be destroyed.
Devotion
What are we to make of these "night visions" of the prophet Daniel? For the ancient Hebrews these were words that caused both anxiety and provided hope. Indeed, for 21st century Christians these words evoke similar feelings. Of course, we see these verses through the lens of our Christian faith. Thus, we see Jesus as the "one like a human being" given everlasting dominion and glory. Therein lies our hope, that the Savior of the current world will also be the king of the everlasting kingdom.
And that future promise offers us hope in the present that no matter what we face—trials, tribulations, and difficulties—the King of Kings is with us. The children of God take comfort in knowing that we have a Savior who knows what we deal with on a daily basis and walks with us as we face whatever comes our way.
Prayer
King of Kings, help us to remember that you are our hope and our salvation now and for all eternity. Amen.