Daniel 12:2, 8-13 – Go Your Way…because the Finish Line Is in Sight
The single most important lesson of the book of Daniel is surely that Jesus Christ is the King of Kings and that he is in sovereign control. It is apt that as we bring our journey through this book to an end today, we bear this lesson in mind.
As Christ sets out what the future holds for his church, one burning question comes to the forefront. “How long shall it be till the end of these wonders?” (v6) There is more than one element to the answer, but today let us consider Christ’s answer in v11 and 12.
What are we to make of the 1,290 days and the 1,335 days? Are they literal or symbolic numbers or are they both? That is not something we have space to go into in these devotional studies. Instead, let me make one very simple point – this time is measured precisely. It would have been easy for Christ to have said “around three and a half years”, but he did not. Surely he wants us to see how precisely he has measured this time. Surely he wants us to know that he is like a brain surgeon, overseeing this operation, carefully making sure that no cut goes even a millimetre too far. How long? Not a second more nor a second less than is necessary. Then it’s the finish line.
What happens when we get there? v2 tells us that we will all be raised from the grave. Those who have rejected Christ will be raised to contempt and punishment that never, ever ends. What a frightful proposition! Yet for those of us who are followers of Christ, life and glory with our Saviour awaits us. How sweet that will be! No persecutor and no antichrist can ever snatch that from us. Let us leave these studies with Christ’s words ringing in our ears: “Go your way till the end. And you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of days.”
Questions
- What has been the most important lesson you have learned from the book of Daniel?
Prayer Points
- Pray that the Holy Spirit would enable you to persevere until you reach the finish line.
- Pray for the preaching and hearing of God’s Word tomorrow.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.