September 14, 2011
WHAT'CHA GOT?
Daniel 12
Todd Shaddock
Central Truth
As Christians, our hope is dependent upon the fact that we will one day be resurrected.
Key Verse | Daniel 12:2
"Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt." (Daniel 12:2)
Daniel 12
The Time of the End
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; 1 12:3 Hebrew the expanse; compare Genesis 1:68 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, 2 12:6 Or who was upstream; also verse 7 “How long shall it be till the end of these wonders?” 7 And I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream; he raised his right hand and his left hand toward heaven and swore by him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time, and that when the shattering of the power of the holy people comes to an end all these things would be finished. 8 I heard, but I did not understand. Then I said, “O my lord, what shall be the outcome of these things?” 9 He said, “Go your way, Daniel, for the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end. 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. 11 And from the time that the regular burnt offering is taken away and the abomination that makes desolate is set up, there shall be 1,290 days. 12 Blessed is he who waits and arrives at the 1,335 days. 13 But go your way till the end. And you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days.”
Dive Deeper | Daniel 12
In the final chapters of Daniel we see a shift from earthly struggles and battles to heavenly ones. This is predicted back in the second chapter of Daniel when we read about the stone striking the statue (Daniel 2:34). The stone represents Christ, and His return marks the end of this earthly kingdom and the coming of the Kingdom of God.
In Daniel 12:1, the angel Michael appears, a time of great distress occurs, and "everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued."
The belief that Christians will be resurrected on that day is ultimately the truth that we can rest on when persecuted, whether subtly or to the point of death. Romans 6:5 states, "For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection." And Hebrews 2:14-15 says, "[S]ince the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives."
This belief also gives us hope. When we see wicked men persecuting Christians and seemingly getting away with it, we know in the end these evildoers will also be raised from the dead and will have to give an account for their actions. in addition, according to Daniel 12:7, "shattering the power of the holy people" must take place to prepare for Christ's return.
What a great way to finish up the book of Daniel! For the believer, the resurrection equals hope. For the sinner, it is the reason to repent!
Discussion Questions
1. When you think about dying, do you have hope or fear?
2. What account will you give to God when you face Him on that final day? Will Christ's blood cover you?
3. Are you experiencing persecution for your faith? Are others that you know?
WEEKLY FAMILY ACTIVITY
DANIEL 10-HOSEA 2 (SEPTEMBER 12-16)
Read Daniel 10:10-12 & 14.
ACTIVITY: With your children make up a story. Include a faithful hero and an evil villain. Include a first, second, and a third act. During the third act, make sure the faithful hero wins, and the evil villain is destroyed!
How do Daniel 10:10-12 & 14 describe Daniel?
Why was Daniel receiving this message? (Daniel 10:14)
What is the end of Daniel's life story, according to Daniel 12:9-13?
What is the end of the story of the Bible according to Revelation 22:10-21?
Both the Book of Daniel and the Book of Revelation tell us there is an end to time. We know it is going to come; we don't know exactly when.
How do we prepare and live our lives as we are waiting for Jesus to return?
Read John 3:16 (Believe).
Read 1 John 3:18-19 (Faithful).
FOLLOW-UP ACTIVITY: Write your life story until now. What do you believe? Are you living it faithfully as you wait with confidence, knowing Jesus will come back?