Scripture
8I heard what he said, but I did not understand what he meant. So I asked, “How will all this finally end, my lord?”9But he said, “Go now, Daniel, for what I have said is kept secret and sealed until the time of the end. 10Many will be purified, cleansed, and refined by these trials. But the wicked will continue in their wickedness, and none of them will understand. Only those who are wise will know what it means. Daniel 12:8-10
Observation
I’m so thankful Daniel was so honest. Daniel was known as “the solver of enigmas”, the wise and knowledgeable one, the discerner and interpreter of dreams, the prophetic intercessor. So, if he didn’t understand what he just heard there’s no way I’m going to be grasp it. So, the pre-incarnate Jesus responds by saying that basically he doesn’t need to understand it all right now, because it’s not a prophecy for right now. It’s a prophecy for the end times. That in the end times we who are followers of Jesus will be purified, cleansed and refined by the trials described in the previous chapter. Thankfully, the promise Jesus gives Daniel isn’t based on understanding but on His faithfulness, “As for you, go your way until the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days, you will rise again to receive the inheritance set aside for you.” (Dan 12:13)
Application
I will rise again and receive the inheritance bought for me by Christ’s sacrifice. This is the promise I must keep in front of me when the world seems to be falling apart all around me. This promise of resurrection of those who believe is what I must focus on when I’m going through the end-times trials that are described. I may not understand it all, but I can still stand on all the promises of scripture. To truly know Jesus and follow Him is to trust His promises in the midst of the suffering. Paul said it this way, “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.” (Phil 3:10). We often equate trials with God’s absence and yet scripture makes it clear that we will know His presence in the trials for this is how we will be purified, cleansed, and refined. I don’t understand it, and like Daniel, Jesus is telling me that’s ok because His peace surpasses all understanding and will guard my heart and mind through it all. (Phil 4:7)
Prayer
Thank You Jesus for the peace that comes with Your promise and Your presence. There’s a whole lot going on right now that doesn’t make any sense. There’s a whole lot going on that lines up with Your description of the end times. Forgive me for a weak faith that equates trials and suffering as punishment rather than preparation. I want to know You and obey you even when especially when, I don’t understand what You’re saying and doing. I will rise again one day, but while I have days on this earth, let me live them all out for You!
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