What’s Next?

During the last few months, we have studied the Book of Daniel in an attempt to gain further understanding that would lend itself to living more intentionally for Christ in the midst of a hostile world.

We’ve discovered that there’s a lot of mystery contained within these pages. We know that the book of Daniel is referred to frequently in other places in the Bible, in particular, Revelation. We’ve also seen the astounding accuracy of prophecies that were given to Daniel which came about several hundred years later.

The intent for us going through such a unique study Sunday mornings was to continue to equip you, as God’s people, to go out into the war zone to live your life for Jesus Christ. And it certainly is a war zone. We know that the attacks against followers of Jesus Christ are orchestrated by the enemy of our souls, Satan. We also need to understand that people are being used by Satan and are blinded by him. That should make the urgency of us living out the Gospel so much greater. Understand that we’re not charged with saving the world; we’re charged with getting the message out to all the world.

Today, as we close this series, we may find ourselves asking the question—What’s next? There are things which Daniel has seen that most likely had him scratching his head. There are things which we have experienced and observed in our own lives that we would never have believed could happen.

My friends, all the information given to us in God’s Word is not just for our intellectual benefit.  When we turn our lives over to Jesus, the Bible becomes a source of encouragement and instruction.  It becomes a reminder to persevere and to proclaim. Proclaim the Good News that there is hope and a glorious future for all who would truly believe in Jesus Christ.

Preservation - 12:4

Daniel 12:4 (NASB95)

“But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the end of time; many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase.”

Conceal and seal; those words almost sound as if Daniel is being told to keep this all a secret. However, the words do not mean to hide away God’s Word, but rather to preserve it. In that culture, when a document was sealed, it was a means of showing the marks identifying the people who created the document, along with the scribe who wrote it. When a document was sealed with those marks, it was not to be changed in any fashion whatsoever. The original document would be copied exactly and then concealed or closed up to be preserved for later. It might be likened to our signature on a closed envelope with the original document inside. A copy of that document which was photocopied is placed in another sealed envelope with our signature on the outside verifying the envelope is sealed. Then we place it in a safe or safety deposit box to preserve it for later study.

Thus, Gabriel was telling Daniel to preserve the whole book for later. There is and will be a generation who will go through some of the most horrific times, who will find great comfort from this. What is that comfort? That God will be victorious; that the horrors of suffering will last only for a brief time.

What about that last phrase in these verse? . . . many will go back and forth . . . There are some authors who suggest that our modern transportation system is being described here. That is humorous, at best. The Hebrew word depicts someone searching intently for someone or something. In the context, it would seem as if they are searching intently for information. It’s not just knowledge, in general; but it is literally the knowledge. So, it seems that it’s a specific kind of knowledge. It would seem logical that there would be a desire to know when and how Daniel’s message will take place.

So, let’s go a step further and see God reveal some more knowledge to Daniel.

Duration - 12:5-7

Daniel 12:5–7 (NASB95)

Then I, Daniel, looked and behold, two others were standing, one on this bank of the river and the other on that bank of the river. And one said to the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, “How long will it be until the end of these wonders?” I heard the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, as he raised his right hand and his left toward heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time; and as soon as they finish shattering the power of the holy people, all these events will be completed.

It appears that there are two angels which were suddenly standing on each side of the Tigris River. One of the angels speaks to the man dressed in linen. We can assume that since Gabriel has been the speaker thus far, it probably is him who is speaking. Some of you may recall the description of the man to whom the angel is speaking and His position. That is good, for it is the pre-incarnate Christ, once again.

Take a moment here and try to paint the picture in your mind. Daniel is on one bank of the river with Gabriel beside him. There’s another angel on the other side of the river. He is also on the bank on that side. Then there is the Christ standing in midair above the river. The Lord is above all of them. He is also the only One who has answers to whatever questions one may have, even those of an angel. Gabriel asks him a question in the last part of verse 6, showing that he is below God. The phrase above the waters of the river shows the supernatural authority and power which belong to God alone.

The question is not when will this all happen? The question has to do with duration once it begins; how long. Until what begins? these wonders. These are all amazing and astonishing things which have never happened. This includes the time of the Antichrist’s rule, the great war, and the Great Tribulation.

Why would Gabriel ask this? Because he didn’t know the specific details. In verse 7, Christ responds by raising both hands and swearing an oath in the name of the eternal God. This signifies that what is being said is absolute truth with no deviation.

How long? A time, times, and half a time. The Great Tribulation will take place during the second half of the week of Daniel 9:27, which would be 3 1/2 years. This terrible time period will take place 3 1/2 years and no longer.

Who are the holy people referred to towards the end of verse 7? It would seem to refer specifically to Israel. In other words, they will be completely defeated by their enemies. There could also be significance that Israel will no longer resist Christ, but will cry out to Him for help. When that happens, the tribulation will end.

Okay, now that this has been explained, we can all go home knowing all the information, right? I don’t think so. In fact, as we go to the last few verses, we see that not even Daniel could comprehend everything.

Consolation - 12:8-13

Daniel 12:8–13 (NASB95)

As for me, I heard but could not understand; so I said, “My lord, what will be the outcome of these events?” He said, “Go your way, Daniel, for these words are concealed and sealed up until the end time. “Many will be purged, purified and refined, but the wicked will act wickedly; and none of the wicked will understand, but those who have insight will understand. “From the time that the regular sacrifice is abolished and the abomination of desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days. “How blessed is he who keeps waiting and attains to the 1,335 days! “But as for you, go your way to the end; then you will enter into rest and rise again for your allotted portion at the end of the age.”

Most of us find ourselves in the company of Daniel of those who don’t understand it all. The question may simply be, How is this all going to come to an end? How is all this going to take place? I hear, but I don’t really understand it.

The response is an interesting one that many of us would do well to heed. Literally, it should read, Go, Daniel. In other words, don’t be so concerned about not understanding it completely. Keep going about your life, even though Daniel was quite old by now. This vision was for the future. The information has been made available for when the time is upon Israel and the world. At that time, the information will be made available by God for those who follow Him. It will all become clearer when it needs to be.

Daniel 12:10 has been a truism throughout time. “Many will be purged, purified and refined, but the wicked will act wickedly; and none of the wicked will understand, but those who have insight will understand.” Affliction and persecution always tends to set Christians apart and make them stronger. However, in this context, the reference is to the last days. We read in Revelation, how a large number of people, though experiencing terrible torture, will still reject Jesus. They will not repent of their sin and turn to Christ. They would rather die in their sins than recognize their need for God. Sin will still be their operating system. Postmillennialism suggests that the world will turn to God. Yet, according to Daniel, Revelation, and the teachings of Jesus, wickedness not only will not get less, but will actually increase beyond anything imaginable under Antichrist.

Daniel 12:11 amplifies this further as we see that Antichrist will abolish public worship. “From the time that the regular sacrifice is abolished and the abomination of desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days.” We know that Antiochus IV did this with the altar of Zeus and the sacrifice of swine on the altar. We don’t know exactly what Antichrist will do, but it will be even worse.

Some people get hung up over the extra days as seen in verses 11 and 12. Some suggest these extra days are the set up time for the millennial government in the Kingdom. I don’t know nor do I consider this of real importance; because Christ will set up His Kingdom.

Daniel 12.13 gives us the impression that this was all God had for Daniel regarding visions and instructions. “But as for you, go your way to the end; then you will enter into rest and rise again for your allotted portion at the end of the age.” Once again, God offers Daniel that promise that he would be resurrected and receive his reward.

Summation

Remember earlier in my message when I made some comments about one of the purposes of the Bible and these prophecies? I stated that when we turn our lives over to Jesus, the Word becomes a source of encouragement and instruction.  When we turn our lives over to Jesus, the Word also becomes a reminder to persevere and to proclaim. And what do we proclaim? Proclaim the Good News that there is hope and a glorious future for all who would truly believe in Jesus Christ.

That is what it all boils down to. Our focus should not be on all the details and nuances. Our focus must be on daily surrendering our lives to Jesus Christ.

Rather than us being frustrated and anxious about the state of the world or even others playing church throughout the world, we need to focus on what Jesus wants to do in us and through us by means of His Holy Spirit applying the Bible to our lives.

God continues to work in the midst of history as it unfolds for us, though it’s already laid out for Him.

We might find ourselves to be shocked or surprised, but God is certain and sure.

We may become frustrated, yet God makes sure His will is fulfilled.

Some of you may find yourself filled with fear, yet God wants to help you to be full of faith.

The world offers hatred; God offers hope.

The world offers lust; God offers love.

The human race tries to present itself as superior; in Christ, the Christian finds total satisfaction, while living in self-sacrifice.

We live amongst a world of hurting people who are lost and searching. Most of them would become a regenerated people if they knew they were loved and could be saved.

That’s where you and I come in. We must Proclaim the Good News that there is hope and a glorious future for all who would truly believe in Jesus Christ.