CELEBRATING THE ANCIENT OF DAYS

I watched till thrones were put in place, and the ANCIENT OF DAYS was seated; His garment was white as snow, and the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was a fiery flame, its wheels a burning fire – Daniel 7:9

Today, I celebrate the Ancient of Days, the Venerable Sovereign of the Universe. Daniel’s depiction of his heavenly vision tries with limited human vocabulary to describe His Eternal Majesty, sitting on a flaming throne with wheels of fire, hair like pure wool, and clothing white as snow. He is the Ancient of Days because He existed before days were, before time began: “Indeed before the day was, I AM HE; and there is no one who can deliver out of My hand; I work, and who will reverse it?” (Isa.43:13). He is never dry, desolate, or isolated; never lacking in followership: “A fiery stream issued and came forth from before Him; a thousand thousands ministered to Him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him…” (Dan.7:10).

I tremble in awe of the Ancient of Days who created days, nights – the entirety of time – and dwells in Eternal Now! He self-exists outside of Time. He commands the “four winds of heaven” and before Him all thrones kowtow (v. 2, 9). Psalm 90:1-2 testify: “Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.” This title is perhaps so precious it is found only thrice in Scripture (v. 9, 13, 22). It refers to the Triune God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; first, the Father on the throne, and then the Son, who came to receive dominion, glory, and the Kingdom (v.14)!

The Ancient of Days is the Eternal and Supreme Judge of all, beyond whom there is no room for appeal. He says, “I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God” (Isa.44:6). The New Testament confirms beyond the shadow of doubt that the Son of God is the Ancient of Days, as much as the Father is. Describing none other than the Lord Jesus Christ, Revelation 1:14-15 provides a corollary of Daniel’s vision of the Ancient of Days: “His head and His hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and His eyes like a flame of fire; His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace; and His voice as the sound of many waters.” I celebrate the Ancient of Days: His impeccable purity, incomparable holiness, penetrating Vision, firm foundation, absolute refinement, and awe-inspiring Voice.

I reverence the Judge of the Universe, who gives and takes away dominion as He pleases. He will soon return to pronounce judgement on the world. He will ultimately vindicate the saints of the Most High in judgement and cause us to possess the Kingdom (v.22). The Ancient of Days is my Father; therefore I have no fear, no anxiety, no worries, no regrets, and no qualms. My times are safe and my destiny secure in His eternal hands. Nothing can touch me but that which His providence permits. Even if I do not know what tomorrow holds; I definitely know who holds my tomorrow – the Ancient of Days!