The Man From Heaven (Daniel 7)
One like a son of man came with the clouds of heaven to confront the four beasts that Daniel saw rise from the sea to cause havoc on earth. This man approached the Ancient of Days and was given a kingdom, which unlike the kingdom of the beasts will never be destroyed. Strangely in the interpretation of the dream given to Daniel the followers of the son of man replace him. (v. 25)

When God became that son of man he demonstrated a commitment to those he had made that was unbreakable. In his unjust trial and execution men threw all the venom of the four beasts at him. That he withstood all this shows the depth of his humanity. He is so committed to his rescue mission that he hands its prosecution over to representatives of those who attacked him. They in their turn may have to face the fury of the beasts.

Healthcare mission attempts to demonstrate the humanity of Jesus. When his followers offer care in his name to those who are sick or otherwise down and out they become liable to face the fury of the beasts. Those who engage in such mission must genuinely be his disciples for they will not overcome this opposition in their own strength. Like Daniel they may be deeply troubled but they can know they are contending for his everlasting kingdom.

With thanks but no blame to Hugh Williams, Regius Professor of Hebrew at the University of Oxford for his bible readings at the CMF Swanwick Conference April 2001.