So what does it mean? 1/3 of the Bible is prophetic and addresses the future. Why does God have so much to say to his people about the end?
Daniel is a prophetic book that has plenty to say about the end. I think it’s got a number of helpful lessons for us to remember as face the end. Check out the outline below and the video above to learn more.
I’ve so enjoyed this series on Daniel! I’m sorry it’s over.
CounterCulture—Seeing the End
Daniel 12:1-4 “At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered. 2 Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. 4 But you, Daniel, roll up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge.”
Big Idea: By seeing the end clearly, we can stand strong, no matter what happens.
Three Lessons from Daniel for Us
1. God is in control of who is in control, so never panic.
Daniel 2:19-22 “During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven 20 and said: ‘Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. 21 He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. 22 He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.’”
2. The last days will be difficult days, so be prepared for conflict.
Daniel 12:1 “At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered.”
2 Timothy 3:1 “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.”
3. God is the Victor, so never give up.
Daniel 7:9-10 “As I looked, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. 10 A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated, and the books were opened.”
Daniel 7:11-14 “Then I continued to watch because of the boastful words the horn was speaking. I kept looking until the beast was slain and its body destroyed and thrown into the blazing fire. 12 (The other beasts had been stripped of their authority, but were allowed to live for a period of time.) 13 In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.”
What Difference Should it Make?
How we face temptation
How we deal with persecution
How we share God’s love with others
The way we serve and care of other people
The way we pray and worship
Living in purity
Daniel 12:3 “Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.”
Bottom Line—How can you shine brightly in the context of our dark world?