Daniel 12 ends the prophet’s book. Here we find out that “there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation”. Difficult days are ahead. But God won’t leave His people to face the challenge alone, as “at that time shall arise Michael”. This archangel is often associated with spiritual battle and is Satan’s true opposite. He has a special job of protecting Israel and has been appointed by God to do exactly that. And Daniel is clear that the people will be delivered.
Daniel tells of of the resurrection of the dead when he says “those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt”. There is no doubt that there are two places people end up for eternity, either in heaven with God, or in a place of eternal punishment called hell. There is no middle ground or other option. Everlasting, or eternity, is for a very long time. The outcome of our life matters much, because it determines where we spend all of eternity.
Daniel delivers a promise to the righteous here. “And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever”. What a great visual to consider for those who follow God. We’ll be like stars, radiate light and life for others to see and find their way. That is how our lives should be as we live. We should be turning others to Jesus as they watch our lives and see how we focus on the Savior. Our light should not go out, or even dim, because we have the power of God in us. Oh that we would let our light shine before men that they may come to know Him.
And then, something unexpected happens as God tells Daniel to “shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end”. Not only does this authenticate the message, but it also has a sense of preserving it. Daniels prophecy has value in his day, but there also will come a day at the time of the end when his prophecy will be of even more importance. He says “many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase”. We certainly see that in our day with the global travel and information boom. We saw enough of what is to come that God allowed the book to be sealed until the end. There is much more to the story, and we just need to be sure of our relationship with Jesus, and be ready and watching for His return!
Arlin Sorensen's Thoughts on Scripture 