7-21-10, DANIEL 12

DANIEL 12

The concluding chapter of Daniel. The explanation of Daniel's most recent vision has him in the time of anti-Christ’s reign of terror during that time we call the Great Tribulation. This is a time of such “great distress”, a time the world has never seen, and a time of trouble that has never before faced Israel, even considering what Israel has been through, even up till our present day. According to Zechariah, approximately only one-third of the world’s people at that time will survive.

Interesting, we are told that Michael is the one who guards Israel, and at this time of great distress, he will be there to help Israel, along with Christ. And just when it can get no worse for Israel, Christ will appear, and rescue those “written in the book”.

On the heels of the explanation of the great distress comes the very reassuring verse (2) on the resurrection. How wonderful to hear the blessed assurance of the resurrection, in light of certain judgment and present trouble!

Daniel is assured that those who have died, and who were followers of God an faithful to Him, will indeed be raised again when this prophetic period ends. As an aside, it would appear here that non-believers would also be raised, but this verse talks about a huge span of time, and both parties will indeed be raised, but Revelation 20 clearly depicts the OT non-believers being raised after the 1000 years, not at the end of the Tribulation. So, put it all together, and we as new Testament believers, will either be raptured or resurrected just before the tribulation, then a 7-year Tribulation will ensue for God to deal with Israel, and then those alive at the end of the Tribulation who are saved will be rescued by Christ.

The person in the linen here is again likely Christ, and one of the two angles, perhaps Gabriel, asks Him “How long will it be until the end of these wonders?” His question is how long will Israel have to suffer this distress. Christ answers “times (2 years), a time (1 year), and half a time (half a year)”, or 3.5 years, the second half of the Tribulation.

Daniel wants to know what the outcome will be, so he asks. He is told not to worry about it, it is well in the future, and the prophecy is sealed up. Daniel is old now, and he will receive no more direct revelation; he is not chided for asking, but rather he is comforted in his eternal security and peace.

SO WHAT…?

So, blessed is he who is part of the first resurrection, we are told in Revelation. Daniel 12 depicts that first resurrection, with multiple components. Believer, take heart, even in today’s wicked times, God is in control, and we have a secure and eternal home prepared with Him.

So, I need to purpose in my heart to pray like Daniel, to trust like Daniel, to listen to God like Daniel, and to rest peacefully in the joy of salvation.

So, I am looking forward to seeing how Gabriel has played a larger role for us as NT believers. Stay tuned, as I turn to the gospel of Luke next.