the man and the beasts
"As the visions during the night continued, I saw One like a Son of Man coming, on the clouds of heaven." —Daniel 7:13
The writer of the book of Daniel believed that history is not so much human as beastly. Our rulers have been like lions, bears, leopards, or monsters (see Dn 7:3ff). In their power, they were often inhuman. Of course, all governments give the impression of being human, but they don't always act that way (see Dn 7:8). Their behavior shouts their inhumanity as they manipulate the masses, oppress the poor, kill children in the womb, and put power and productivity above human dignity.
As we live on in this world's system, we get used and abused. We wish there was a way out. The good news is that there is one Ruler (see 1 Tm 6:15) Who will respect us in accord with our human dignity. He calls Himself the Son of Man (see Dn 7:13). He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords (Rv 19:16). He is Jesus Christ.
He was severely opposed by the beastly system. Although He was completely innocent, He was tortured, crucified, and murdered. He was treated so inhumanely that one could hardly tell He was human (Is 52:14). Yet in fact He is not only human but divine.
Only God will respect our human dignity. In thanksgiving and love, give your life to Jesus, Son of Man and Son of God.
Prayer: Father, I decide to end this year no longer living for myself but for Jesus.
Promise: "The heavens and the earth will pass away, but My words will not pass." —Lk 21:33
Praise: The Martinez family keeps a jar of "thanksgivings." They write thanksgivings to God on slips of paper and place the papers in the jar. Periodically, they gather to read the thanskgivings and praise the Lord for His goodness.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, March 22, 1997
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 26, 1997