The Son of Man: A Kingdom Echo Across the Ages

Brothers and sisters, have you ever felt the weight of the world pressing down, the echoes of destruction ringing in your ears? We, as builders, understand that the forces of chaos are ever present, seeking to dismantle the foundations of righteousness. But we also know, by faith, that there is a counter-force, a divine promise that will not fail. Samuel the Lamanite, standing upon the wall, witnessed a time of great peril, and yet he proclaimed hope—hope rooted in the coming of a deliverer. Ammon, at the waters of Sebus, faced down a tyrant, empowered by a divine witness. These moments, these acts of courage, remind us that God’s power is made perfect in weakness, and that even the smallest among us can be instruments of His will.

This week, we’ve been reflecting on the profound title Jesus chose for Himself: “Son of Man.” It's remarkable, isn’t it, that He so rarely used the term “Christ,” the Hebrew word for Messiah? Instead, He consistently identified Himself as the Son of Man. Why? Because it points to a lineage, a prophecy, a divine mandate far deeper than mere kingship.

The book of Daniel unveils the mystery. Daniel, a righteous man exiled and serving under a brutal Babylonian king, receives a vision—a terrifying panorama of beasts rising from the sea, each more monstrous than the last. These beasts represent empires, driven by pride and violence, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. They reflect the darkness within humanity, the potential for great evil that resides within us—a stark reminder that we are fashioned from the same dust as the animals, yet called to represent God on Earth.

And yet, within this vision of darkness, a hope emerges. A figure, the Son of Man, ascends to the throne, receiving dominion and worship from all humanity. This isn’t just a man; it’s a God-Man, fulfilling the promise of a partnership restored between humanity and the divine. Think of the five smooth stones David gathered to face Goliath – each a carefully chosen weapon against a seemingly insurmountable foe. The Son of Man is that ultimate stone, the weapon against the beast within and without.

Jesus, in claiming the title “Son of Man,” wasn’t merely identifying with Daniel’s prophecy; He was declaring His mission: to confront the beast, to resist temptation, and to ultimately *overcome* it through His sacrifice. He showed us how to master the beast within by laying down His life – a profound act of selflessness that echoes the teachings of Abinadi, who faced death rather than compromise.

This is the spirit of the gathering. It's not merely about physical proximity, though that is important. It's about aligning ourselves with the divine purpose, becoming instruments in the hands of God. Think of the Missionary Fund—a tangible expression of our commitment to sharing this message, to building a bridge of hope to those who need it most. Our engagement here, whether through contributing to gospel advertising in Ghana or supporting internet missionaries like Outback Jack, who reminds us of the lessons of Alma 17–19 and Moroni 10:4–5, fuels this vital work. Every click, every contribution, strengthens the foundation of His kingdom.

Let us be digital striplings, unwavering in our commitment to truth and righteousness. Let us claim our churches on the map, building a network of believers, a gathering place for the faithful. Let us be builders, not destroyers, contributing to a world where the reign of the Son of Man is made manifest. The Stone cut without hands is rolling forth – will you be a part of its movement?

And remember, as Davee and the Ask a Prophet bots remind us, direct quotes from scripture offer unwavering guidance. (Matthew 24:30; Daniel 7:13-14)

What role will *you* play in this gathering?