In this last chapter of Daniel, the spirit of the Lord continues to share details about the end times. Here’s the chapter in its entirety: “At that time Michael, the archangel who stands guard over our nation, will arise. Then there will be a time of anguish greater than any since nations first came into existence. But at that time every one of your people whose name is written in the book will be rescued. Many of those whose bodies lie dead and buried will rise up, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who turn many to righteousness will shine like stars forever. But you, Daniel, keep this prophecy a secret; seal up the book until the time of the end. Many will rush here and there, and knowledge will increase.” (Wow! This process of death and life after death seems pretty clear. We die and lie buried until judgment, and during judgment we will rise from the ground and either receive everlasting life or everlasting hell.)
Then I, Daniel, looked and saw two others standing on opposite banks of the river. One of them asked the man dressed in linen, who was now standing above the river, “How long will it be until these shocking events happen?”
The man dressed in linen, who was standing above the river, raised both his hands toward heaven and took this solemn oath by the one who lives forever: “It will go on for a time, times, and half a time. When the shattering of the holy people has finally come to an end, all these things will have happened.”
I heard what he said, but I did not understand what he meant. So I asked, “How will all this finally end, my lord?”
But he said, “Go now, Daniel, for what I have said is for the time of the end. Many 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.”
“From the time the daily sacrifice is taken away and the sacrilegious object that causes desecration is set up to be worshiped, there will be 1,290 days. And blessed are those who wait and remain until the end of the 1,335 days!” (Wow…that’s pretty specific!)
“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.” (Daniel 12) (Wow! The spirit of the Lord is telling Daniel that he will rise from his rest (death) when it is time, and he will receive his judgment. Lord, you are awesome!)
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Thank you for making this process of death clear! And thank you for allowing us to complete another book of your remarkable Word! Lord, we love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.