29th June 2023
Ancient words
“In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power…and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.”
Daniel 7:13-14 (NIV)
The word ancient means ‘belonging to the very distant past’. We immediately begin to think of past civilizations, cultures and events that have taken place long before we were born which are recorded in history. But not everyone thinks of Genesis 1:1 where it is stated ‘In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.’ And John 1:1-4, 14 reveals that even before creation the Word existed: ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.’ The Word is revealed to be Jesus Christ and John continues: ‘Through him all things were made…In him was life…The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.’
Our planet earth was specifically mentioned for a specific purpose, as we read in Isaiah 45:18: ‘For this is what the Lord says—he who created the heavens, he is God; he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it; he did not create it to be empty but formed it to be inhabited—he says “I am the Lord, and there is no other. I have not spoken in secret…” ’
God created human beings, male and female, in His image, and put them in the garden of Eden. It was a beautiful garden in which they walked and talked with their Creator God and had a very close and loving relationship with Him. Our parents Adam and Eve were created perfect and without sin, but Satan, the adversary of God and humanity, deceived them and they were persuaded to disobey God’s command. Their sin separated them from God and they were cast out from the glorious garden of Eden.
Our salvation was conceived in the mind of God the Father, who is referred to as the ‘Ancient of Days’ in the header scripture. Our Saviour Jesus was ‘slain before the foundation of the world’ (Revelation 13:8 KJV), for God knew humanity would fail to obey Him. Writing to the Corinthians, Paul explains, ‘…that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them.’ (2 Corinthians 5:19). Furthermore Paul writes, ‘Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ… For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will…’ (Ephesians 1:3-5).
That is why for me it is so real when I hear or sing the hymn Ancient Words: They are the words of eternal life.
Prayer
Abba Father in heaven, thank you for these powerful words preserved for us in the Holy Bible, revealing from ancient times our salvation in Christ. In his name, Amen.
Study by Natu Moti
About the writer:
Natu Moti is a deacon in the Birmingham congregation of Grace Communion International.
Local congregation:
Gracecom Birmingham
All Saints Church
George Road
Birmingham B23 7QB
Local congregational contact:
David Gibbs
Email: birmingham@gracecom.church
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church