Text: Daniel 12:1-13
At the end of Daniel’s visions stands a clear reminder of what is in store for all of us (vv.1-2). Throughout this age the people of God may suffer on occasion, but towards the end of time, there will be a terrible “time of trouble” that the world has never seen before. To the human eye, it may seem as if God’s people will be overwhelmed and wiped from the earth. But for God’s people, even since the time of Genesis and Job, we have known that there is a future glory waiting for those who belong to Christ. Satan has already been defeated at the cross of Christ, and everyone will know the truth of this on that final and great day! Daniel has also been asked to record this prophecy for us, in order that we may be encouraged. The future will not take us by surprise; for we know that whatever happens, this is for our good and for God’s glory.
“I heard, but I did not understand. Then I said, “O my lord, what shall be the outcome of these things?” He said, “Go your way, Daniel, for the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end”(Verses 8, 9,ESV). The prophetic office that the Lord has given us is an amazing and powerful privilege, but it does not answer all questions. Daniel is curious and asks questions that any normal person would ask: ‘Lord, for how long must we suffer?” You would think that someone who faithfully serves for 70 years and is so loved by God would be given a detailed answer. But His and our answer is “NO, you must wait.”
Throughout the centuries that answer from God has not been respected. Many have come and gone, predicting with detail when and how the end of all things will be. But even if we did have all the details, this would not improve our faith or our spiritual self-control. The Christian life has always been, and it will always be, a life of faith. God asks His children to suffer patiently, not knowing when the end of their suffering will be. This may seem unfair, but when we act and trust in faith day after day, we find that exercise of faith grows in strength.
Please pray that the Lord would increase your faith, and allow you to endure under pressure with greater faithfulness.
Meditate on verse 1c. What is God teaching you in this verse? How are you
going to respond to it?
Almighty Father in heaven, in the name of Jesus Christ, thank You for allowing me to be among those whose names are written in the Book of life. Amen.