Daniel 12:3-7 – Go Your Way…because Christ Vindicates His People
Some readers will have seen a famous photograph from Germany in 1936. On the day it was taken, Adolf Hitler and some senior Nazis visited a shipyard for an afternoon of speeches about the glories of the Third Reich. The photo shows a sea of raised right arms as the workers (who were very much a captive audience) gave the obligatory Hitler salute in honour of the dictator. Yet what really makes the photo iconic is the one man, right in the middle, who stood with his arms crossed and refused to add his endorsement to such a despicable regime.
The identity of the man in the photo is not entirely clear, but there is reason to believe that he was motivated by his Christian faith. What is certain is that his “foolishness” would have been pointed out on a regular basis. By defying the Führer he put himself at grave risk of a prison camp or death. Yet today no-one considers this man to have been foolish; instead they marvel at his integrity and courage. History has vindicated him completely.
Today’s encouragement to keep going follows that vein – as followers of Christ, we will be vindicated. When v3 speaks of the wise, it is a callback to 11:33, a verse that describes the desperate suffering that those who remained loyal to the one true God would have to face under Antiochus Epiphanes. No doubt many considered these men to be foolish – would it not be better to compromise and hope to live a quiet life instead?
Yet, v3 speaks of our vindication in a touching way. Followers of Christ (who really are “the wise”), “will shine like the brightness of the heavens”. It is true that we may be unloved by others. We may have our motives unfairly questioned. We may be written off as arrogant, intolerant fools for Christ’s sake…but our vindication lasts for ever and ever. What an encouragement to join Daniel in “going our way” in faith.
Questions
- Which of the world’s accusations against Christians do you find hardest to bear?
- How does knowing we will be eternally vindicated help you to bear that accusation?
Prayer Points
- Pray that the Holy Spirit would help you to live with an eye on your future vindication.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.