Daniel 12:1-13
Saturday, 28 October 2023
“But you, go your way till the end; for you shall rest, and will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days.” -Daniel 12:13 [NKJV]
Daniel was one of the outstanding godly men who served God faithfully. Born in a royal family in Judah, Daniel was taken as a young captive by the Babylonians. But he resolved to adhere to God and His principles, in spite of his circumstances. For a Jew who is separated for God’s holy purpose to keep his holiness in a land like Babylon was a real challenge (Daniel 1:8-19). Even then he and his companions kept God’s rule of separation. His initial training in his home ground proved worthwhile when he was challenged in a heathen surrounding. Let us train up our young ones accordingly so that they will stand up for God in the world.
In the life of Daniel, we see how God favored him with divine wisdom and understanding that was put to use to help the rulers of his time. He totally believed in the sovereignty of God over all, even over the greatest kings or rulers— “And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings;” (Dan.2:21). This made his work more effective in a heathen surrounding. Daniel’s faith and trust in God saw him through his long tenure in the courts of Babylonian, Mede and Persian kings. Even after all these wonderful revelations and big positions in kings’ courts, his attitude was that of a humble man—a model for us to follow in our daily walk with God. He can use us in our positions through various means to bring God’s wisdom through our living relationship with God Almighty.
Towards the end of his life God showed Daniel the vision of the future events— Chapters 7-12 deal with these visions. Some were really startling revelations that he became puzzled and terrified. This led him to pray as we see in chapter 9. But God answered him that many things are hidden for a time and will only be revealed in its due time. [Dan 12:8-9 NKJV]: ... Then I said, “My lord, what shall be the end of these things?” And he said, “Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.” In this life, we too may have various puzzling things we cannot interpret or understand. That does not stop God’s blessing upon us. Whatever is beneficial for us, God will reveal it to us, but that which does not fall in our share, may not be revealed. Many are deceived in our day in digging out “hidden knowledge.” Our carnal nature craves to go after these hidden knowledge, which can end up in traps laid by the devil himself. So take care no one will deceive us!
With the demonstration of a faithful life and ministry, Daniel received his commendation from God that he will be resurrected at the end of days. He was assured by God Himself about his inheritance in the eternal kingdom for his faithful service for God down here on earth. This is what we should aim for in this life. Let us strive after the things that are of eternal value as we read and meditate on today’s Word of God from the book of Daniel.
Thought for the day: “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” [Colossians 3:1]
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