Daniel 12 (4)

Introduction
The Messenger declines to elaborate further on the vision He has revealed to Daniel. The interpretation will only be fully understood as the events unfold in the days to come. Daniel needs to get on with his life, bearing in mind that times of struggle and conflict lie ahead. And though these may leave the wicked perplexed and confused, they who are wise will understand that the sovereign God is doing all things well. In the parable of the wheat and tares, Jesus picked up on the essence of these revelations, and extended their application through to the end of the age.

Review Daniel 7.18-27.

Read Daniel 12.9, 10.

Think it through.
1.  What did the Messenger intend when He instructed Daniel to “Go”? Go where? Doing what? No more clarity or substance would be granted, so the answer to Daniel’s request in verse 8 was simply a repetition in different terms of what had been previously revealed (cf. Dan. 7.18-27). Here is a pattern we should all emulate: Come to the Word of God daily. Get as much as you can, without feeling like you have to understand everything. Then go out into your Personal Mission Field – fully aware that this is a field of conflict (Eph. 6.10-20) – and live the Word God has given you for this day. Does this represent your approach to daily living? Explain.

2.  Verse 10 anticipates the parable of the wheat and the tares. Both the righteous and the wicked will continue together until “the time of the end”. The terms purified, made white, and refined refer to those who are being sanctified by the Word of God (Jn. 17.17). Why is this a good way to think about growing in the Lord? There will always be wicked people doing wicked things, and, as we see in our own day, their wickedness will perplex and disturb even them. They will not be able to understand why we can’t all just get along. They will pine for peace and unity and the brotherhood of humankind. They will create institutions which they hope will achieve these. They will sing lofty songs, make hopeful films, and dream peaceful dreams. But it will not be, and their inability to achieve what they can imagine and what they hope for will leave them baffled and despairing. Nevertheless, the wise shall understand. Who are the wise? What do they understand, and how are they able to understand it? Meditate on 1 Chronicles 12.32. How should you apply this text and Daniel 12.10 to your Personal Mission Field?

Meditate.
“And who are they who are chosen but those who believe the word of truth, so as to be made white thereby, and to cast off the filth of sin and put on the heavenly, pure and glorious Holy Spirit, in order that, when the Bridegroom comes, they may go in immediately with him?” Hippolytus (fl. 222-245 AD)

“The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one. The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels. Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age.” Matthew 13.38-40

As I go today, Lord, help me to be ready for the conflict that awaits me. Make me wise and help me always to focus on Jesus, exalted in glory, ruling all things, doing all things well, and lead me to…

Pray Psalm 27.1-13.
Cast your fears on the Lord. Lean into the Lord’s strength, and ask Him to shine His light through you today, as you go into your Personal Mission Field, focusing on Him.

Psalm 27.1-14 (Joanna: Immortal, Invisible God Only Wise)
Lord, You are our Light and our Savior most dear!
You guard us with might; therefore, whom shall we fear?
Though evil surround us, our enemies fall;
No harm shall confound us when on You we call.

One thing we request but to dwell with You, Lord.
Your beauty to test and to think on Your Word.
In trouble You hide us secure in Your grace;
No foe may o’erride us: We sing of Your praise!

Hear, Lord, when we cry and be gracious, we pray!
Lord, do not deny us Your favor this day!
Our help, our salvation, though others may fall,
Preserve our good station when on You we call.

Lord, teach us; Lord, lead us because of our foes!
Hear, Lord, when we plead for release from their woes.
Had we not believed all Your goodness to see,
Our heart sorely grieved and in turmoil would be.

Wait, wait on the Lord; persevere in His grace.
Hold fast to His Word; seek His radiant face.
Be strong, set your heart to abide in His Word;
His grace He imparts; therefore, wait on the Lord.

T. M Moore

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006.