The Exalted Son of Man: A Message of Hope for All Nations
In a world often dominated by fear, uncertainty, and division, there’s a powerful message of hope that transcends all boundaries – the good news of Jesus Christ, the exalted Son of Man. This truth, rooted in ancient prophecies and fulfilled in ways beyond human imagination, offers a perspective that can transform our outlook on life and the world around us.
At the heart of this message lies a profound revelation from the book of Daniel. In a vision that must have seemed utterly implausible at the time, Daniel saw “one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven.” This figure approached the Ancient of Days and was given authority, glory, and sovereign power. What’s remarkable is that this wasn’t a description of someone coming from heaven to earth, but rather ascending to the Father’s right hand.
This vision finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus repeatedly referred to himself as the “Son of Man” – a title that, at first glance, might seem humble but carries immense significance. It’s a claim to be the one Daniel saw, the one who would ascend to the throne of God and rule over all nations.
The implications of this truth are staggering. It means that right now, at this very moment, Jesus Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father, ruling and reigning over all creation. This isn’t a future event we’re waiting for; it’s a present reality that should shape how we view the world and our place in it.
But what does this reign look like? It’s not characterized by political dominance or military might. Instead, the power and glory of Christ’s reign are seen in the calling of people from every nation to be part of His kingdom. This is the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham that through him, all nations would be blessed.
The Gospel of Mark gives us a glimpse of how this plays out. Jesus speaks of the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory, sending out his messengers to gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens. This isn’t about the end of the world, but about the new covenant being opened to all peoples.
This message would have been shocking to its original hearers. For centuries, the people of God had been largely confined to the nation of Israel. Now, Jesus was proclaiming a kingdom that would encompass people from every tribe, language, and nation. It’s a vision that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the book of Revelation, where John sees “a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.”
What does this mean for us today? First and foremost, it should strengthen our faith in difficult times. When we look at the world around us, it’s easy to be discouraged. Kingdoms rise and fall, nations clash, and the future often seems uncertain. But the message of Christ’s reign reminds us that there is a kingdom that will never be shaken, a King who cannot be dethroned.
This truth should also inspire us to action. If Christ is gathering people from all nations, we are called to be part of that work. This involves prayer – recognizing that the spread of the Gospel is ultimately a spiritual battle that requires divine intervention. It also involves sharing – opening our mouths to proclaim the good news, trusting that God can use our simple words to call people to Himself.
For parents, there’s a particular charge to press the claims of the Gospel upon their children. In a world full of competing voices and ideologies, we have the privilege and responsibility to share the life-changing truth of Christ with the next generation.
As we reflect on these truths, we’re invited to shift our focus. Instead of fixating on the problems in our lives or the issues in our culture, we’re called to fix our eyes on Jesus, the exalted Son of Man. This doesn’t mean we ignore the challenges around us, but rather that we face them with a different perspective – one rooted in the unshakeable reality of Christ’s reign.
The message of the exalted Son of Man is also a reminder of God’s incredible mercy. No one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. Just as God called us out of darkness into His marvelous light, He can do the same for those who seem furthest from His kingdom. This should fuel our prayers and our evangelism with hope and expectation.
Finally, this truth calls us to worship. When we grasp the reality of Christ’s reign and the scope of His saving work, our natural response should be one of awe and adoration. We join with that great multitude from every nation, crying out, “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
In a world that often feels chaotic and unpredictable, the message of the exalted Son of Man offers an anchor for our souls. It reminds us that no matter what happens in the kingdoms of this world, there is a King who reigns supreme. His kingdom is advancing, His purposes are being fulfilled, and He is calling people from every corner of the globe to be part of His eternal plan.
As we go about our daily lives, may we carry this truth with us. May it shape our perspective, fuel our prayers, and inspire our actions. And may we live as citizens of this unshakeable kingdom, bearing witness to the reign of Christ in all we do. For truly, as Daniel saw and as history continues to prove, the kingdom of our God will endure forever, and people from all nations will come to worship before His throne.