Instruction
Scripture: Daniel 12:1-3
Daniel contains a series of visions of events that would
impact the Jews who were captive in Babylon. This vision is one that deals with
the End of all things. It speaks of a time of tribulation that leads up to a
day when the dead will rise to either eternal live or everlasting shame. The
reading emphasizes for us that this world will not last, the dead (perhaps
including us) will rise, and there will be a judgement, but that judgement is a
reason for hope and joy for those who trust in Christ.
Teaching
The Michael spoken of here is the archangel. He was the
defender of Israel: all those who believe God’s promise of salvation and its
fulfillment in Christ. His presence shows that God will defend His people and
preserve them as they endure a time of trouble such as has never been.
This passage also speaks of the resurrection of all flesh.
People often think of someone dying and then going to either heaven or hell.
Here it says that all people will rise and then go to their appropriate place –
life or contempt. On that day God’s people are the wise – those who believe in
Jesus, and who share the true hope that comes from believing in Him crucified,
risen and returning.
Life
It may seem presumptuous to consider ourselves to be wise,
but the Scriptures teach us that wisdom is primarily found in knowing one’s
proper place with God. We know that place. We stand in His presence as His
beloved people because of Jesus’ death and resurrection. That wisdom brings us
forgiveness and cleanses us from unrighteousness. We shine like stars as we witness
about the hope we have in Jesus. After all, He Himself said that we are the
light of the world. We do as God designed us to do when we push back against
the darkness of sin in all its forms and as His light shines through us to the
world.
Prayer
O God, You protect Your people in the midst of the troubles
of this life. There are more and worse troubles yet to come as people reject
Your Word and truth. Yet there will be a day when the dead will rise, and we
ourselves will be translated into eternal glory, but others will rise to
everlasting contempt. Now is our time to shine like stars to turn others to the
righteousness that comes only by faith in Jesus.
Thank You for promising to defend us and to deliver us from
evil. Thank You for giving us faith in Jesus our crucified and risen Savior so
that our names are now written in the book that lists all who are to be
delivered. Thank You also for using us as lights to shine to others to show
them the One who, when they believe in Him, will write their names in that book
of life as well.
Forgive us, Lord, for times that the light has not shone
from us. Forgive us for trying to blend into the darkness, and to be like the
world rather than the light that draws others to You. Forgive us for not being
mindful that there will be a day when all will rise and some will receive life
and others will receive condemnation. Forgive us for falling short in the
wisdom You have given us so we may know You.
Lord, pour out Your Spirit upon us and fill us with the
Light of Christ so that we will indeed shine like stars in the darkness. Make
us glow with faith, hope, and love so others may know You. Defend us with the
wisdom You alone can give until that day when we stand before You in
everlasting life. Amen.
Comments