- Strangers
- No comments
And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 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. But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase. – Daniel 12:1-4
Daniel’s visions, like those in Revelation and Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 24, might seem daunting, but they’re ultimately full of hope. They pull back the curtain to show us that history is not spiraling out of control; it is moving forward under the hand of a sovereign God. The rise and fall of empires, the chaos of the world, and even our personal hardships are not the final word. The Most High still rules. Evil may seem loud now, but its days are numbered. For those who trust in Christ, the future is not something to fear but something to long for.
Daniel was told to “go your way” and trust God with what he didn’t fully understand. We, too, may not grasp every prophetic detail, but we are called to live with purpose and urgency. Now is the time to shine like stars, to point others to righteousness, and to proclaim the hope we have in Jesus. As we wait for Christ’s return, let’s not fall asleep spiritually. Let’s live as people marked by hope, ready for the day when the Son of Man comes in glory and makes all things new.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for the hope we have in You. In a world full of confusion, compromise, and chaos, help us to remain faithful like Daniel. Give us courage to stand for truth, strength to resist the pull of this world, and peace in knowing that You are in control of history and our lives. Teach us to live with eternity in mind—to trust in the finished work of Jesus and to share His love boldly. Keep our hearts awake and ready for the day of Your return. In Jesus’ name, Amen.