Daniel 12 - Life in the End Times

Introduction

Opening Illustration: The Destruction of the Temple

In Matthew 24 Jesus gives a sermon that today we call the Olivet Discourse, because he gave the sermon while standing on the Mount of Olives which overlooks Jerusalem from the East. In that sermon, Jesus speaks of a day that would be in his future that would be a day of devastation for Israel. Jesus in that sermon uses a common form of preaching and writing from his day called Apocolyptic Literature. It begins with the Disciples

Matthew 24:1-3 “1 Jesus left the temple and was going away, when his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple. 2 But he answered them, “You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” 3 As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?””

Jesus then goes on in that sermon to describe wars and famines and earthquakes. All symbols that very often Christians associate with the very end of the world, those final moments before Jesus returns. Then in verses 15-16 he says

Matthew 24:15-16 “15 “So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), 16 then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.”

What is that ‘Abomination of Desolation’ that comes before the end of the age? Today we’re going to discuss that because it is actually a reference to the book of Daniel, chapter 12. One clue from Jesus’ sermon however is when he says:

Matthew 24:34 “34 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.”

Commentators have debated what Jesus meant when he said that. One generation could be about 40 years. It seems like all that apocalyptic language did not happen in 40 years in the way many feel like it ought have. Unless, there was something that did happen, something cataclysimic that Jesus was speaking about, that was the end of something, but not the end of the world.

Personal

We have studied the book of Daniel for a few months now. How has this book changed you? Today we draw our study of Daniel to a close, having gone verse by verse. My question as we begin this final sermon is, ‘Are you changed by it?’ Have these words of God, recorded for the blessing and benefit of His Church, made you a different follower of Christ? I pray that if they haven’t yet, today they might.

Themes of Daniel

Let’s take a bit of time and review a bit of what we have seen in Daniel. If we tried to condense all of the sermons we have heard as we’ve studied Daniel, I think three key themes rise to the top as repeated and important themes we should remember.

Life as an Exile in Babylon

The first key theme is Life as an Exile in Babylon. This theme was particularly central to the first seven chapters of Daniel as we traced Daniel’s life. You will recall that Daniel was from Jerusalem. He was a follower of the God of the Bible, but his people were taken captive by Babylon, and he lived as an exile in a foreign land. As we traced the Adventures of Daniel in Babylon we witnessed a young man living in a pagan society, determined to follow His God and the ways of His God no matter the cost. Regularly we have equated that theme to us living in the 21 century. The Apostle Peter writing to the New Testament Church picks up on this theme and says:

1 Peter 2:11 “11 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.”

Christian — so long as you are alive, on this Earth, you are a sojourner and an exile. Yes, you live here. Yes, you raise your kids. Yes, you work. Just like Daniel and his friends. But you do not take your ethic and your value system and your hope from this world. All of that flows through your life from your God. We are called to live like Daniel, bold exiles, eagerly anticipating our return to home, yet confidently living among a fallen world.

God’s Control Over History

The second major theme we have traced is God’s control over History. This theme rose to the top as we began to dig into the prophetic sections of Daniel. You’ll recall two major visions that were in alignment with each other. One, the King of Babylon had, of a statue with four parts, and ten toes. And then another a vision Daniel had, of four beasts, the fourth with ten horns. What both of these visions, and frankly all of the prophetic sections of Daniel were getting at, was that God controls history. The rise and fall of empires is God’s to write.

This reality provides incredible grounding for us as modern day Christians. And as Daniel has showed us, an awareness of God’s sovereignty over world history, does not mean that we simply cease to care about world events. It does not mean that we just say, “Well God is in control, so frankly it doesn’t matter what I do.” Rather, understanding God is in control does two things to the follower of Christ. First, it grounds you, and provides stable footing to navigate whatever comes your way. Because you know, history is going somewhere that God decrees. But secondly, it profoundly impacts the way we minister and behave, because God has invited us into the story, like he did Daniel, to in a sense become history-makers. As you live, as you love, as you pray, God is using your effort and impact to shape history according to His purpose. What an awesome responsibility.

The Inauguration of the Messianic Kingdom

The third major theme we saw, was God’s plan to usher the final age of the history of the world, what we call the messianic age. We saw repeatedly that as God controlled world history, he was planning to do something in the midst of the Roman Empire, that would forever change the world, and usher in an entirely new age.

Daniel 2:44 “44 And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever,”

What we have repeatedly seen in Daniel, is that we as Christians are living in the fulfillment of what Daniel spoke would happen. That Kingdom has been established on this Earth by Jesus Christ. And you as a follower of Christ are a part of it. And if you’re in this room and you’re wondering what is my purpose, why does God have me here? The answer that we have repeatedly seen in Daniel, is that God’s purpose for every Christian continue building the great Messianic Kingdom that was established at the death & resurrection of Jesus Christ and the outpouring of his Holy Spirit, until that great day when Christ himself returns.

The Text

Now, let’s read the final chapter of Daniel. This chapter is the last prophetic section, final words that flow directly out of last week’s message in chapter 11. So chapter 11 and 12 are actually one longer prophetic section. We read:

Daniel 12 “1 “At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book. 2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. 4 But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.” 5 Then I, Daniel, looked, and behold, two others stood, one on this bank of the stream and one on that bank of the stream. 6 And someone said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream, “How long shall it be till the end of these wonders?” 7 And I heard …”

Question 1: What is the Time of Trouble in Verse 1

The first major question from this text is, “What is the time of trouble in verse 1?” If you have been following our sermon series you will recall that there is a debate about how to interpret many of the Daniel prophetic passages. Everyone agrees, that they were recroded by Daniel and were about events that would happen in Daniel’s future. The debate is whether these events described in this chapter have already happened in our past (the Preterist View) or whether they are still yet to happen in our future (the futurist view). Again, I have strong leaning towards the Preterist View, which I will show you today. But I also, along with Kensen, want to humbly suggest that if I’m wrong, and if this is all about the future, so be it. There are similar takeaways with both positions. So what is this time of trouble. Well what do we see from the text.

Verse 1 suggests that it will incredible terrible for the Jews, “a time of trouble such as never has been seen.”

Verse 2 suggests that God will deliver Daniel’s people through it. Specifically he will deliver those whos name is written in the book.

Verse 7 suggests that it will last 3.5 years. A “time, times, and half a time,” is a Biblical way of saying 3.5 years (explain briefly).

Verse 11 suggests that there were signs God would give the Jewish people that would indicate the “time of trouble” was fast approaching. Specifically two signs, “the regular burnt offering would be taken away.” That was a sacrifice that was made in the temple in Jerusalem. And something referred to as “the abomination that makes desolate” will be set up.

The Futurist View

When those who hold to the futurist view read this passage, they piece things together with the book of Revelation and they believe that at some point in the future the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem will be rebuilt. They believe that live animal sacrifices will once again begin to be offered. And that then at some point after that, an antiChrist figure will essentially storm the temple, and set up an idol within the temple precincts. Now that is entirely possible. Frankly, there is a strong Zionist movement today to relocate ethnic Jews back to Israel and to rebuild the Temple. And with the amount of anti-semitism that prevalent in this world and the tensions in and around Israel, it is not unrealistic to imagine that situation in the future. For the Futurist, the “time of trouble” is essentially the tremors that will lead to Armageddon.

The Preterist View

I believe the better interpretation is the Preterist View, though I confess it’s not without its challenges. The Preterist view believes that this passage was fulfilled in 70AD, 40 years after the death and resurrection of Jesus. What is the time of trouble? The time of trouble refers to the exact same events that Jesus was referring to when he quoted this passage in Matthew 24, in the Olivet Discourse. In 67AD a 3.5 year war was waged against the Jews by the Romans, in Jerusalem. This was a fascinating time period, of which the historian Josephus writes extensively. It was terrible. It was bloody. We see these same 3.5 years come up a few times in the book of Revelation.

Revelation 11:2 “... they will trample the holy city for forty-two months.”

Then later in Revelation 15 we read:

Revelation 13:5 “5 And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months.”

I believe those 3.5 years represent the 3.5 year war that culminated in the destruction of the Jewish temple in 70AD. One Jewish historical website writes this about the what happened when the temple was finally destroyed by General Titus. They write:

“The Romans brought idols into the Temple and offered sacrifices to it. They took the golden vessels of the Temple and killed everyone they found. Before the fire consumed the Temple completely, Titus entered the Holy of Holies and performed the most despicable acts. The still-surviving Jews in the Upper City could only watch as the Temple burned down to the foundations. It burnt well into the next day.”

While many Jews died in that siege. The Messianic Jews, those who had already trusted in Jesus their messiah, and who were no longer trusting in the sacrificial system of the physical temple. And who were looking for the signs that Jesus had described in the Olivet Discourse, fled the city and survived, just as Daniel said they would.

The Destruction of the Temple is a Significant Moment in Redemptive History

What does this all mean? To put it simply, as Christians I believe it is important to recognize how significant the destruction of the temple was in 70AD. Today you can walk through the ruins of that battle. The wailing wall is a tourist site today. What God by destroying that temple, is he put a final cataclysmic end to the Jewish sacrificial system. Why? Because it wasn’t needed anymore. It was a physical act that demonstrated a spiritual reality. Since Jesus is the final lamb that was slain, no more sacrifices are needed. And in 70AD God permitted the temple to be destroyed as a global visual recognition, that that system was complete.

What is the Resurrection Spoken of in Verses 2-3?

The second question I want to address is “What is the resurrection spoken of in verses 2-3.” Rereading these verses we see that right around the time of this “time of trouble” a resurrection of sorts will take place.

Daniel 12:2-3 “2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.”

Well, this seems like it could be a troubling verse for my view. Because, it seems like this is talking about the resurrection of the dead at the very end of human history. We do know that when Christ returns the dead will be raised, and judgment will occur. Those who have trusted in Christ will rise to life everlasting in heaven. Those who have failed to trust in Christ, will sink to everlasting despair, apart from Christ in Hell.

The Resurrection of Christians

In Christianity, we often refer to the first and second resurrection that Christians experience. The second resurrection is what I just desribed previously. It is that day sometime in the future, when Christ returns and receive new glorified bodies and raised to life eternal. However, before that day, every Christian experiences what is called the First Resurrection. Here are a few NT passages which describe this first resurrection for you:

Ephesians 2:5 “5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—”

Colossians 3:1-3 “1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”

Romans 6:4 “4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.”

1 Corinthians 15:22 “22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.”

Daniel is Describing the First Resurrection

When you believe in Jesus, you experience what Jesus referred to as the New Birth. It’s a resurrected life. The Bible says that we were dead in our trespasses and sin. Becoming a Christian is not simply behavior modification. It is not a way to improve your life. Becoming a Christian is recognizing that we were spiritually dead, and Jesus has brought us to life.

Quote: Dustin Messer

I read a quote recently talking about a question a nonbeliever asked a believer. The nonbeliever asked, "Do you honestly think weed and sex will keep me out of heaven?" The Christian responded, "It's worse than that, gardening and cooking can keep you out of heaven!" See culture around us sees heaven as place for "good people" and hell as a place for "bad people" of whom we certainly are not. But the Bible declares that all us have sinned, and therefore all of us are headed for hell. The Christian goes on to say, "Hell is full of slothful drunks and philanders, but it's also full of busy soccer moms and accountants. Who is in heaven? Sinners. Sinners who saw Jesus, attended to his presence, and cultivated that presence in their day to day lives?”

We All Need The Resurrection

This is why the Bible describes placing your faith in Jesus Christ as a resurrection experience. Because whether you’re prostitute or a soccer mom, whether you’re a prodigal or a straight laced kid, whether your Gang Leader or a banker, we all need to experience God bringing us to life, breathing resurrection into your lungs. And to those who have experienced it already, you know what I’m describing.

What Is the Hope of this Passage?

This leads us to our third question which, “What is hope of this passage?” I believe in order to understand Daniel’s answer to that question we need to look at how Daniel contrasts those who are “wise” with those who are “wicked” These words show up repeatedly all through chapters 11 and 12.

Daniel 12:3 “3 And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.”

Daniel 12:10 “10 Many shall purify themselves and make themselves white and be refined, but the wicked shall act wickedly. And none of the wicked shall understand, but those who are wise shall understand.”

The book of Daniel ends on a call to wisdom. In a sense, Daniel is speaking to the reader, and saying, “Don’t hear these words and ignore them.” If you hear these words, and you understand what God has communicated about who you are, and about who He is, and what has happened, and what is yet to come, then do not play the fool by living as if it doesn’t matter.

Illustration: Trevor’s Image of Wisdom

Some time ago at one of our Academy classes, Pastor Trevor Lovell was teaching on Wisdom, and he gave a truly remarkable picture of wisdom. He was describing how his children play and he said there essentially two different ways that his children might play. The first he called Playing Narratively. My children do the same thing. Sometimes, when my children are playing in the family room, they will create extraordinary worlds. And they’ll have their toys out and their narrative the experience of their toys from a distance. My little Mira might take her Wonder Woman action figure and fly her through the air like this. She’s narrating a story. Other times there is another kind of play, this kind of play Trevor called Playing Incarnationally. Playing incarnationally is where the child enters into the story they have created. An example of this might be when the children pretend that the carpet is lava, and they have to jump from cushion to cushion and not fall into the lava below. Playing incarnationally, you enter into the world, and you play as if that world is true.

Living Incarnationally

Trevor goes on to say that in some ways is playing incarnationally. It is seeing history and reality as God has described it, and waking up every day and living as if it were true. One of the great tragedies of so much of modern Christianity, is that so much of it is lived narratively. We know the story, after all, you have now sat through four months of sermons on Daniel. You know the story, but at the end of the day, it is a narrative that exists in some way apart from the thrust of your life.

You know Daniel demonstrated to us that through prayer, you have authority to send angel to help in times of trouble, but you never enter that space incarnationally and live as if its true.

You know that Jesus is returning one day, and that he has warned us to be prepared for that day because he’ll come like a thief in the night, and woe to those servants who he catches sleeping on the job. But you never enter into that space incarnationally and live as if its true. What if he does come back tomorrow? Are you prepared?

You know that there is a heaven, there is a hell, and that Jesus spoke about hell more than any other person in all of Scripture. And you know that so many of your friends and neighbors if they were to die today would be destined for eternity in everlasting despari apart from Christ. But its all narrative to you, you don’t live incarnationally as if it were true.

Daniel is a Call to Wake Up

The book of Daniel is a call to sleepy, unexpectant Christians, to wake up, and enter reality. Jesus taught us in Matthew 13:16-17 that:

Matthew 13:16-17 “16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. 17 For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.”

Daniel longed to see the day that we live in today. He longed to live on this side of the death and resurrection of His messiah, Jesus Christ. He longed to experience what it might be like to be filled by the Holy Spirit and to commune with God at that depth. He longed to see the day when God’s Kingdom would be growing inch by inch across the globe to every tongue, tribe, nation, and language. You and me, are living in that day. Don’t waste your life. Choose to live the life of wisdom. The incarnational life. For the promise is that insodoing, you will

Daniel 12:3 “3... shine like the brightness of the sky above… like the stars forever and ever.”