Daniel
Daniel 12
Daniel 12 teaches us how to live as faithful exiles in a world and in a context that is not our home. It helps answer the question, how can we live as kingdom citizens – as dedicated disciples in a land that is strange or even hostile toward us?
So, how can we faithfully live as Christian exiles…
Chapter 12 begins with the words “At that time.” Which if we were to take the time to look back at chapter 11, points to the reign of the antichrist.
Vs. 1- “At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people…”
Be ready for the trouble. Don’t be surprised by it. There will be a time of trouble. There will be persecution.
How can we be steadfast in times of trouble? By being confident in God’s protection.
I Corinthians 15:58– Paul states that we are to be steadfast immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.
Vs. 1b- “…But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book.”
Vs. 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.”
There is no third option. No middle ground. No purgatory.
Everyone will rise, but not everyone will rejoice.
Vs. 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.”
Vs. 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.”
Vs. 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.”
Vs. 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.”
You may not understand everything about the end, but you can trust Me with your end. Stay faithful, rest in peace, and you will rise to receive your reward.”
You don’t have to know everything, but you can trust God with everything—including your future.