Like the brightness of the heavens

Like the brightness of the heavens

Scripture: “At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered. Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. But you, Daniel, roll up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge.” Daniel 12:1-4

Observation: In Daniel 12, the vision suddenly moves to the time of the very end. “At that time”, [uva’et] in Hebrew is always used to denote the time when the Messiah appears to save Israel. It speaks of the Tribulation mentioned in the book of Revelation, the time of distress that has not happened from the beginning of nations. After that it speaks of the deliverance of Israel and the resurrection of the dead. It even specifies the exact days of the tribulation from the time the daily sacrifice is abolished and the abomination that causes desolation is set up.

In our chosen passage, we see firstly a reference to Michael, the great angel who protects Israel. This is a reminder to us that there are angels, servants of Gods that He has placed around us to help us and protect us. Hebrews 1:14 says “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?”

Then the passage moves on to speak of the Tribulation. More detail on the events occurring during this time are specified in the Book of Revelation, concerning the persecution of all who do not worship the Anti-Christ, and everyone not being able to buy or sell without his mark. After that, there will be a great deliverance for all whose names are found written in the book of life. It then speaks further of the resurrection of the dead, with some rising to eternal life, and others to eternal shame. This reminds us that death is not the final end for there is an existence after death for each one of us, for good or for bad.

Great reward is in store for those who are wise and those who lead many to righteousness. Who are wise? Psalms 111:10, Proverbs 9:10 and Job 28:28 all tell us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. As long as we live in reverence to God and humbly seek to follow His ways, we are wise. How can we lead others to righteousness? Firstly, by sharing Christ with those who do not know Him. This is after all our great commission, and we need to become involved in missions somehow, sharing with our friends, giving financial support and helping any way we can.

Secondly, by teaching others what we know about God and His righteousness. We are not all called to be teachers, but there are always those younger than us that we can encourage, be it our children, nephews or nieces, new Christians we can be friendly to, or even pre-believing friends interested in Christianity. When we have learnt a lesson meaningful to us or God has answered our prayer, share it with others for everyone’s encouragement, even our leaders and teachers. Testimony is powerful and encourages others to have faith in God. Finally, praying for others also help lead them to righteousness. Remember that prayer is powerful.

Application: Praise God that He sends His powerful angels to protect us. Remember that death is not the final end, so we need to be careful how we live life and make sure we continue to follow Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Remember that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and how important it is to keep away from evil. Finally, seek to lead others to righteousness by being involved in missions, sharing what we know with others in Word or testimony, and praying for others.

Prayer: Lord I praise You and thank You for Your great love to me, that You even send powerful angels to watch over me. Help me always remember to walk in Your ways, right till the very end. Let me always remember to fear and reverence You, and keep my hands and heart from evil I pray. Empower me to lead others to righteousness in different ways, by sharing, by support and by prayer. May Your name be praised forever O Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.