Catholic Meditations
Meditation: Daniel 7:2-14
If you’ve studied any history, you know that the authority held by a monarch is meant to be passed down from one ruler to the next, not taken by force.
This transfer of power typically happens in a coronation ceremony. In many cultures, the coronation ceremony reflects the belief that the power to rule comes from God—or at least from a source higher than themselves. Here in Daniel, we see the ultimate coronation. The figure of “the son of man” receives “dominion, glory, and kingship” from none other than his heavenly Father (Daniel 7:13,14).
Daniel’s author saw this “son of man” as an apocalyptic ruler who would bring justice to the earth. With Spirit-inspired hindsight, we know him as Jesus, who has power over all creation (Ephesians 1:21-22). Contrast Jesus’ power with that of the four beasts that precede him in Daniel’s vision. These four animals signified the empires of Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome. In spite of their great might, these dynasties eventually crumbled. Like many governments, they fell because their rulers became greedy and tyrannical, caring more about their influence than about their subjects. Clearly, that’s not how Jesus rules his people!
What about us? As Christians, we are “heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17). That means we share in Jesus’ authority and in his commission to build his kingdom here on earth. It is a high calling, and with it comes a high dignity. We are children of Almighty God! Filled with the power of the Spirit, we can do even greater things than Jesus himself did (John 14:12)!
Today and every day, remember who you are in Christ. United with him, you have enormous potential to transform your family, workplace, and community. You have the mind of Christ to bring wisdom where there is confusion and comfort where there is anxiety. You have the anointing of Christ to bring healing, love, and mercy where there is hatred and division. Put yourself in his hands today, and call on his power to help you live a life pleasing to him. Then, you can accomplish more than you ever thought possible.
“Lord, I thank you that you have made me a little lower than the angels! May I never forget that I carry your name. Help me to shine your light into every situation.”
(Psalm) Daniel 3:75-81; Luke 21:29-33
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