Names of Jesus Series: Episode 17 Jesus the Ancient of Days

Hello, my walking friend! I hope you are getting into a good rhythm – both a walking rhythm and a spiritual one. Just think of all the good you are doing for yourself by taking these short, brisk walks with Jesus. 

Today is the 17^th episode in the names of Jesus series. This name for Jesus might be a little less familiar to you. If so, I hope you will find it interesting and rewarding to hear today’s message. Today we are reflecting on Jesus, the Ancient of Days.

Our verse to meditate on today is Micah 5:2 NIV:

“But you, Bethlehem Ephratha, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”

In this verse, the prophet Micah is speaking about Jesus. I don’t often think of Jesus appearing old, how about you? But here’s how John described him in the Book of Revelation: 

The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire.

Only three times in the Bible is there a reference to the Ancient of Days specifically and all three times are in the book of Daniel and Daniel 7:22 speaks specifically of Jesus:

…until the Ancient of Days came and pronounced judgment in favor of the holy people of the Most High, and the time came when they possessed the kingdom. 

So even though it may be hard for us to imagine, one of Jesus’ names is the Ancient of Days.

Take a little time now to meditate on Micah 5:2:

“But you, Bethlehem Ephratha, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”

Did Jesus reveal anything special to you as you meditated on the verse? 

Here’s what Jesus revealed to me as I studied and meditated on this verse:

When you imagine Jesus walking with you, do you see a young, fit man? Perhaps, in your mind, he has a dark beard and tanned skin and he is wearing a rope-belted robe and sandals. I imagine that when Jesus walked among us, this is what he looked like. But, dear friend, we need to remember that Jesus is not bound by time, the way we are. He has always existed. In fact, he revealed himself to the prophet Daniel as the Ancient of Days, the same way he did to the apostle John. He loves us and he wants us to see all of him that we are able to see. 

The vision Daniel had revealed the eternal nature of Jesus and his role as the ultimate judge. When you think of a wise man, do you think of someone who has lived a long time? Maybe someone with a long, white beard and little regard for outward appearances? Jesus is that wise judge, the Ancient of Days, who looks at the heart of his image bearers. He is the Alpha and Omega. He was there at creation and he will come back again to judge creation. But you, friend, don’t need to be afraid. If Jesus is your Lord and Savior, then you are his beloved. How can he judge his beloved in any other way except with love and mercy? That is why his heart yearns for all to come to him for salvation. He doesn’t want any to perish. Instead, Jesus wants all to come to him with a repentant heart. Today, as you walk with Jesus, I hope you will have a greater picture of who he is. 

Let’s take some time to meditate again on Jesus, the Ancient of Days, and what that means to us. 

You are now at the halfway point of your walk. If you need to be back in 10 minutes, this would be the time to turn around and head back.

Now I am going to pray for us:

Dear Jesus,

It’s true that, in my mind, you look like the actors I have seen portray you in movies and on television. I admit it is easier to imagine you as someone relatable to me. Thank you for opening my eyes to see that you are so much more than I can imagine. Thank you for reminding me you are the Ancient of Days. You were there in the beginning and you are coming back again in glory to judge the living and the dead. I know in my heart you are a righteous judge, good and faithful, and I know that your heart is for all to spend eternity with you in heaven. Jesus, help me to remember to pray for those who haven’t accepted your gift of salvation yet. Help me have a heart like yours. Please continue to reveal to me all that you are. Today, as I walk with you, I will see you as the wise one that you are, the Ancient of Days. Thank you, Jesus, for walking with me, always. Amen.

Here are some questions for you to consider:

Is it hard for you to imagine Jesus the way he revealed himself to Daniel or John, as a man with white hair? Why do you think Jesus gave us these different images of himself? Take time to consider that now.

How often do you think about Jesus’ second coming? When you think about it, what emotions do you feel? Why do you think you feel what you do? Take time to consider your response now.

Do you feel comforted knowing that it will be Jesus, your beloved, who will be your judge? Think of your answer now.

Before we wrap up, listen to today’s verse one last time. Micah 5:2:

“But you, Bethlehem Ephratha, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”

Is there anything else you would like to talk to Jesus about? Remember, he is right there with you, walking with you, and he is eager for you to share all that is on your heart and mind with him. Take some time to talk to Jesus now.

Good job, my walking friend! Another 10 minutes of walking with Jesus! If you have been along for the whole series so far, that means you have meditated on 17 names of Jesus. Give yourself a pat on the back! Thank you for taking this time to walk with me – and more importantly, with Jesus. 

For more Walk with Jesus resources, including the Walk with Jesus 21 day scripture, devotional, and guided prayer journal book for walkers, go to WalkwithJesusDevotional.com. The October edition focuses on the names of Jesus and is a part of this series. You will find the URL for this book and other resources in the podcast show notes. 

 I hope we can walk together again tomorrow, friend. In our next episode we will consider another name of Jesus – Jesus the King of the Jews. Until then, God bless you as you walk with Jesus.