The future (Daniel 12)

So, we reach the end of this fascinating book. Like Daniel, we hear (and read), but often do not understand. With him we ask, My Lord, what will the outcome of all this be (verse 8)? This final chapter pulls together a number of themes that we have met throughout the book; and taken together, they will help us to gain understanding and insight from this intriguing book.

First of all, we see that, right until the end of time, there will never be a period when wickedness is not prevalent on the earth (verse 10). Indeed, it will become so strong that there will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then (verse 1). Jesus tells us exactly the same thing in Matthew 24:4-25 (where incidentally, in verse 15 we find the same “abomination that causes desolation", as in verse 11 of this chapter). Like me, you may be thinking, I really hope I never have to live through a time like that. Yes, I hope you don’t. But in case it is our generation which has to suffer, now is the time to prepare ourselves and strengthen our faith.

Secondly, we will never fully understand all these words until they actually come to pass. They are closed up and sealed until the time of the end (verse 9). I would love to be able to draw a detailed time line and predict the sequence of future events on the basis of these words; but we are warned that it is fruitless to try. And we would do well to be wary of those who claim that they can do so.

Thirdly, these visions are given not for our curiosity but, as I mentioned above, to prepare us for when these dreadful times come to pass. When Jesus tells us about the distress to come, he concludes, See, I have told you ahead of time (Matthew 24:25). The day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety”, destruction will come upon them suddenly, as labour pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief (1 Thessalonians 5:2-4). We have been warned; now is the time to get ready.

Fourthly, this terrible time of distress is not the end of the story. Are you one of those people who, when you read a detective story or a thriller, you like to start with the final pages, so that you know how it all ends? Then the Bible is perfect for you! For it tells us that, when Jesus has wrested control of the earth out of the hands of the usurper Satan, he will usher in a time of resurrection and reward (verses 2-3). This is our hope as Christians.

Jesus tells us, Immediately after the distress of those days, the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other. (Matthew 24:29-31). This is vitally important, because what we believe about the future affects how we behave now.

Finally, Daniel is told, Go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance (verse 13). In other words, he is told to get on with living everyday life in relationship with his Lord, in the confident hope of a glorious resurrection. And that is exactly what the Lord is saying to us today.

As I examine these visions in the book of Daniel, I am enabled to prepare my heart for the future, whatever it may bring; not to be unduly surprised when the unexpected happens; and to live my everyday life in the hope of a glorious resurrection, allowing that resurrection power to flow through all of my being right now (Ephesians 1:19-20).

This is the kingdom of heaven, this is eternal life.