Daniel 12

Questions unanswered

The end of the book of Daniel is not the most conclusive ending. It seems to end abruptly and leave us wanting more.

Daniel teaches us not to fuss over the end times and its many signs, but to rest in the hope of a restored world.

The story goes on

The end of Daniel is not full conclusion because it is not the end. God has many things to do in the generations following Daniel before the end will finally come, and Daniel knew that.

Supernatural history

While Daniel's visions contained glimpses of real world history to come. The most important aspect was the spiritual history that is threaded throughout. So it is in our daily history.

When we have success in this world, is we think it is all our own doing then we are mistaken; It is God working through us for His kingdom.

Daniel is using the history as an example of what is to come time and time again throughout the world's history. Like when Jesus said the same about birthpains of the new creation.

Daniel is clear that at the end there will be greater trouble for God's people than ever before. But there will also be a great deliverance for those who are children of God. The judgement day will come and those who believe will rise to everlasting life.

Making sense of the times

The list of times in this chapter, and the number of days have little significance beyond this: God has a time set out for this to happen. He alone knows it, and those who believe can have rest in the fact that He has a plan. There will be a period of waiting (verse 11).

How should we live in the light of this?

Daniel was told: Go your way, and rest.

Return

Get on with your life. Return to the day-to-day, not worrying and living with our head in the clouds. A life of faith gets on with it's responsibilities.

Resilience

We are to keep going. As Daniel has shown, it will be a struggle. There is a spiritual war being fought, and we are part of it. We must press on despite the confusion of war.

Rest

In this context, the rest means Daniel's death. But like an afternoon nap, the rest is temporary...

Rise

After death, Daniel; like all those who believe; will rise into a new creation that is the everlasting kingdom of God. We are safe in the arms of God for when that day comes.