2008-10-10 10:57:00
"I heard, but I did not understand. So I asked, 'My lord, what will the outcome of all this be?' He replied, 'Go your way, Daniel, because the words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end'" (Daniel 12:8, 9).
On Wednesday I received a brief email note from a reader informing me that he will be closing his business this coming Monday due to the economy. Although I only know him through this online ministry we have periodically communicated and he kindly shared a brief note informing me of the closing. I felt a leading to give him a call of encouragement. We shared conversation for a few minutes and then prayed together. He expressed overcoming faith although uncertain times are ahead for him and his family. You might say he has questions about the short-term outcome but has absolute confidence in the long-term. I feel a lesson from Daniel today might encourage him and others reading our message today.
Daniel served the Lord about 2,600 years ago. He was one of the exiled hostages taken from Judah to Babylon to serve in Nebuchadnezzar's government. Daniel provides a Biblical model of one who was confronted with the temptation to compromise every bit as much as we are, but he remained firm and faithful to God. Early in his life he made a commitment when he first went to Babylon. If you don't already know this passage I recommend that you memorize it (at least the first part of the verse). "But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank" (Daniel 1:8).
Notice that he made the purpose in his heart. It wasn't just a passing thought. Daniel must have deeply contemplated his dilemma, weighed the possible consequences, and bathed his decision in prayer. He demonstrates for us the great Biblical principle of separation. I urge you to continually learn God's ways and like Daniel make a purpose or resolve in your heart to live according to His commands.
He distinguished himself in civil service while maintaining his faith and steadfast obedience to God. The first half of his book is an interesting narrative with such familiar stories as his three friends being cast into the fiery furnace and his own deliverance from the lion's den. But the last six chapters have some of the most outstanding prophecy in the Bible. God reveals to Daniel events that would transpire over the next several thousand years and even beyond our own time.
At the conclusion Daniel expresses himself in a way in which many of us can identify, particularly when it comes to some of the more difficult prophetic portions of God's Word. "I heard, but I did not understand." I've sure been there. I've read and wondered, "What does this mean and when will it happen?"
I've also experienced Daniel's heartfelt appeal, "My lord*, what will the outcome of all this be?" I am sure you have too. He wanted to know what God was going to do just like we do. But like us he didn't get the answer in every detail he wanted. Some things just won't be revealed "until the time of the end."
And that's true not only with prophecy, but in God's personal dealings in our lives. Although we know that things will work out according to Romans 8:28, we so much want to know how and when. The answers to most of these questions are simply not provided. So why do we expend so much energy or allow ourselves to become anxiety ridden about those things which we can do nothing about.
We need to move forward in the direction we feel God is leading and trust Him to provide needed answers along the way. The apostle Paul, facing a time of great uncertainty said to the Ephesian elders, "And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me" (Acts 20:22,23).
Such is the life of faith! My friend, keep trusting today. The book of Daniel ends with this statement. "As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance" (Daniel 12:13). Let us also receive this word today in our own lives.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, we don't always know where our present steps will take us on life's journey, but we do know they lead us to heaven as we walk with You. Our steps here may lead to cold, dark mountains or deep valleys. Crooked paths and rough terrain may be part of the journey, but ultimately we will rest where the steps of Jesus end at heaven's throne. There we will no longer have questions about our future, for we know that we will spend eternity forever worshiping You as we give You glory, honor, praise, and thanksgiving. Give us peace and joy for our journey here below and heavenward anticipation for our future inheritance. In the name of Jesus we pray, amen.
*"Lord" is in the small case in this particular Scripture reference because this message to Daniel came from an angel not deity.
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