Daniel’s vision of the end reveals the majesty of the Ancient of Days and universal authority of the reigning Son of Man to come. As Daniel looked, he saw thrones being placed, and the Ancient of Days holding court! He took his seat, whose clothing was white as snow, and hair like pure wool. His throne was fiery flames, and its wheels were burning fire. A stream of fire issued and came out from before him, perhaps signifying holiness and fury, with untold majesty in his possession. His regal presence is attended to by a “thousand thousands” who serve him, and “ten thousand times ten thousand” standing before him and his court, where he sat in judgment and the books were opened. Daniel attempts to depict an unimaginable number as he seeks to express the absolute glory and splendor of the Ancient of Days.
Similarly, he asserts the universal authority of the Son of Man. Daniel observed in the night visions, with the clouds of heaven there came one like “a son of man,” who came to and was presented before the absolutely supreme Ancient of Days. To this Son of Man was given “dominion and glory and a kingdom,” which Daniel details specifically to mean that “all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him.” This one who appears as a human, as a man, in this grand vision, also possesses universal glory, kingdom authority, and dominion. Daniel says that “his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.” His rule is everlasting (it will never pass away), and his kingdom rule shall never be destroyed (diminished, contested, or opposed).
Daniel’s prophetic vision is history “written from the front.” We know from his vision that one will be presented to the Ancient of Days, the king of absolute majesty and splendor, whose dominion will never end, and whose kingdom shall never be destroyed. This is the inheritance of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who is destined to rule and reign forever in a new heavens and earth. Be assured that he who won the victory on the Cross shall indeed reign forever with the Crown. Glory to his name.
Invocation: Our Prayer of Acclamation
O God of power and might, your Son shows us the way of service, and in him we inherit the riches of your grace. Give us the wisdom to know what is right and the strength to serve the world you have made, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
(Conference of Bishops, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, p. 344)>
Call to Worship
Blessed are you, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And blessed is your Kingdom, both now and forever, Amen.
Te Deum Laudamus
You are God: we praise you; you are the Lord; we acclaim you; you are the eternal Father: All creation worships you. To you all angels, all the powers of heaven, Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you. The noble fellowship of prophets praise you. The white-robed army of martyrs praise you. Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you; Father, of majesty unbounded, your true and only Son, worthy of all worship, and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory, the eternal Son of the Father. When you became man to set us free you did not shun the Virgin’s womb. You overcame the sting of death and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. You are seated at God’s right hand in glory. We believe that you will come and be our judge. Come then, Lord, and help your people, bought with the price of your own blood, and bring us with your saints to glory everlasting.
Praise and Thanksgiving (songs and prayers)
Gloria Patri
Glory be to the Father, And to the Son and to the Holy Spirit: As it was in the beginning, Is now, and ever shall be, World without end. Amen, amen.
Lectionary Readings for the Day
Psalm: Ps. 93 OT: Dan. 7.9-14 Gospel: John 18.33-37 NT: Rev. 1.4b-8 (Click here for all readings)
Reflection: Silence and/or Journaling
*In the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds, the term catholic refers to the Church’s universality, through all ages and times, of all languages and peoples. It refers to no particular tradition or denominational expression (e.g., as in Roman Catholic).
Prayers of Confession
Let us now confess our sins to God and receive mercy and grace to help in our time of need.
Assurance of Pardon
Having faithfully confessed and renounced your sin, Christ also has been faithful to forgive your sins and to purify you from all unrighteousness. It is certain, that there is One who has spoken to the Father in your defense, Jesus Christ, the Righteous One who is the atoning sacrifice for our sins and for the sins of the whole world. His grace and peace are with you now. Amen.
Petitions and Supplications, Ending with The Lord's Prayer
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
--Matthew 6.9-13 (KJV)
Doxology (and/or closing song)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him all creatures here below;
Praise Him above ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
~ 404 (The Book of Common Worship, p. 394-395)
Affirmation from the Psalms
When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, [4] what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? [5] Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. [6] You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet, [7] all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, [8] the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas.
~ Psalm 8.3-8
Pray without Ceasing - Flash Prayer for the Day
Come, Lord Jesus Christ, and take dominion over the inheritance given to you by the Father!
Let God Arise! Seasonal Focus
The One Given Dominion
Daniel 7.9-14