Main Idea: Future resurrection brings hope to those presently troubled.
A Look at the Text:
After hearing of the coming abomination and persecution of the people of God, the angel’s message to Daniel ended with hope.
Not only would an adversary arise, but Michael the archangel would arise against him too (Dan. 12:1). While there would be great trouble, there would likewise be great deliverance.
Even more, the angel told Daniel of a future resurrection. Some would awake to everlasting life and some to everlasting contempt (Dan. 12:2).
Yet, these things were for the time of the end.
As such, Daniel was commanded to shut the words up in a book and seal it until that time (Dan. 12:4). Daniel struggled to understand all that had been told him, but the angel encouraged him that these words were for a future time (Dan. 12:9). Until then, some would purify themselves while others would remain wicked (Dan. 12:10). Yet, in the end, he would stand (Dan. 12:13).
Bringing it Home:
Out of all the Old Testament books, the book of Daniel makes the hope of future resurrection the clearest. There will be a final day of resurrection where some will go into the presence of God for all eternity and experience eternal blessedness, whereas others will be eternally separated from Him.
As we have seen in previous chapters, biblical prophecy can be hard to understand. Once more, Daniel himself struggled to find understanding.
But the good news is that we don’t need to have the end of time marked on our calendars, because it’s already marked on God’s. He will be faithful to bring His purposes in creation to completion at the time that He has appointed.
The time of Christ’s return was never something for believers to calculate. Jesus Himself, with the limitations He took on during the incarnation, wasn’t even sure of the day or the hour of His return (Mark 13:32). The goal for the believer then is not trying to predict the divine timeline, but to simply remain faithful until that day.
Daniel revealed that in the great in-between there would be those who would purify themselves and those who would remain wicked. For us who have put our trust in Christ and been washed white in the blood of the Lamb (Rev. 7:14), let us take heart that that future day is a day of hope. Whenever it comes, we will be raised to new life and enjoy eternal bliss in a new creation, dwelling with our God.
The knowledge of that final day should bring us great hope, a hope that carries us through the various challenges we face in the present.
Daniel had seen visions of the rise and fall of empires. He heard of coming desolation and of the rule of one who would afflict the people of God. He had spoken in the court of kings and had his life nearly taken away.
Yet, in the end, the knowledge of future resurrection would bring comfort. We don’t need to answer every problem today or be prepared for every challenge we might face tomorrow if we trust the God who holds tomorrow.
Challenge:
Does the study of the end-times bring me hope?