SCRIPTURE: Daniel 12:1-13
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
The vision is not an easy one, not easy to understand and not easy for the people of Israel to accept. It promises hardship, persecution, violence, death. But the ultimate outcome is victory, the hope of resurrection. This is one of a few very clear references to the final judgment in the old testament, and to everlasting life or contempt (interesting word to describe eternal judgment). Although many have tried to pry into the numbers and dates, and compare it to biblical prophecies and events, I prefer to take comfort in the basic message: hang on, for one day you will overcome, and evil will be defeated. Hang On!!!
Like Daniel, I do not know what the near future holds, but I do not what the ultimate future holds. And that is what sustains me.
PRAYER:
Lord, grant me eyes of faith and hope to hang on, no matter what. And grant me love to share this message of hope will all people. Suffering may come, but You are on the throne forever, and nothing can separate us from Your love. Amen.
The passage talks about the end of times. Much will happen in the days ahead, yet all those whose names are in the book of life, will be delivered. That’s comfort! All this will happen in God’s time, because His timing is always right. In the meantime, God’s people need to continue to shine like stars and be living letters leading others to their Saviour. Only those who have eyes to see and ears to hear will understand. The wicked do not since they are lost in their own ways to increase in knowledge – without God. As in the beginning of the book of Daniel, it was the Lord who gave these young men knowledge and wisdom and understanding. Still true today!
Thank You for Your promise Lord of the promised inheritance. But in the meantime, help me as I go on my way serving you in all I do and say.
Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
Bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,
Standing on the promises of God.