 “At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book.2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. 4 But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.”
5 Then I, Daniel, looked, and behold, two others stood, one on this bank of the stream and one on that bank of the stream. 6 And someone said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream, “How long shall it be till the end of these wonders?” 7 And I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream; he raised his right hand and his left hand toward heaven and swore by him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time, and that when the shattering of the power of the holy people comes to an end all these things would be finished.8 I heard, but I did not understand. Then I said, “O my lord, what shall be the outcome of these things?” 9 He said, “Go your way, Daniel, for the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end. 10 Many shall purify themselves and make themselves white and be refined, but the wicked shall act wickedly. And none of the wicked shall understand, but those who are wise shall understand. 11 And from the time that the regular burnt offering is taken away and the abomination that makes desolate is set up, there shall be 1,290 days. 12 Blessed is he who waits and arrives at the 1,335 days. 13 But go your way till the end. And you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days.” Meditation Graham Goldsworthy writes, “Biblical prophecy is not so much to inform us of the future but to form us for the future.” Scripture is not a puzzle to solve but revelation to trust, strengthening our hearts to stay awake until Jesus returns. The future promises in today’s reading are present power for all who believe. Daniel’s prophecy is about the end of time, specifically the great tribulation (12:1), the resurrection of the dead (12:2), and the final reward of the just (12:3). All who trust in the Lord have nothing to fear. God’s word is clear- salvation is near! Knowing the end of the story shapes hope for those who trust in Him. As Christ, who is the first fruit from the grave, rose (1 Corinthians 15:20), so all those who have faith in Him will rise. Those whose name is written in the book of life will be granted eternal life, shining as stars. Paul picks up this promise because he knows future grace gives present power (Philippians 2:15)! Our faith is not formed by answers to basic questions. Daniel asks, “How long until it comes to pass?” (6) and “What will be the outcome of these things?” (8). We are formed by the fact of God’s faithfulness, knowing those who have hearts to hear (3, 11) trust the sovereign grace of God and will “rest in our allotted place at the end of days” (12). Our God reigns! Richly Dwelling -The author of Hebrews writes, “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for; the conviction of things not seen… (We walk by faith) looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God” (Hebrews 11:1, 10). When it comes to the end do you walk by faith or by fear? -How does God’s sovereign grace specifically form you for the future? -Ask the Lord to show you someone that you can be praying for, that you can share the hope of eternity with? Key Verse 13 But go your way till the end. And you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days.” Comments are closed.
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