In times of great persecution, God sends His angelic advocate, Michael, to stand for His people. This reminds us that even in our darkest moments, God provides divine protection and intervention. We are never alone in our struggles, and His angels are at work, unseen but powerful. The presence of Michael the Archangel during the Great Tribulation is a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people. This assurance of divine protection is not just for the Jewish people but extends to all who are part of God's family. In our own lives, we can find comfort in knowing that God is actively working behind the scenes, orchestrating events for our ultimate good and His glory. [03:35]
Daniel 10:13 (ESV): "The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia."
Reflection: Think of a current struggle or challenge you are facing. How can you invite God's protection and trust in His unseen work in your life today?
Day 2: God's Faithfulness and Promise of Deliverance
Despite the historical and future persecution of the Jewish people, God promises their ultimate deliverance. This serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and His unchanging promises. No matter how dire the circumstances, God's plan for redemption and restoration will prevail. The promise of deliverance is not just a future hope but a present reality that we can cling to. In our own lives, we may face situations that seem insurmountable, but we can trust that God's promises are true and that He will deliver us in His perfect timing. This assurance encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that God is always working for our good. [09:04]
Isaiah 46:4 (ESV): "Even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced God's deliverance in your life. How can this past experience strengthen your faith in His promises today?
Day 3: Living with an Eternal Perspective
Daniel 12 emphasizes the resurrection of the dead, highlighting the eternal destinies of all people. This calls us to live with an eternal perspective, understanding that our choices in this life have everlasting consequences. We are encouraged to seek God and His righteousness, knowing that our lives extend beyond this earthly existence. The reality of resurrection and eternal destinies challenges us to evaluate our priorities and align them with God's purposes. By focusing on what truly matters, we can live lives that honor God and impact eternity. [10:24]
2 Corinthians 4:18 (ESV): "As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to shift your focus from the temporary to the eternal? How can you make this shift today?
Day 4: Growing in Knowledge of God's Plans
As we approach the end times, there is an increase in knowledge, particularly regarding God's prophetic plans. This challenges us to be diligent in our study of Scripture and to seek understanding of God's purposes. It is a call to be prepared and to live with awareness of the times we are in. The increase of knowledge is not just about acquiring information but about deepening our relationship with God and aligning our lives with His will. By immersing ourselves in His Word, we can gain insight into His plans and be equipped to navigate the challenges of our time. [19:29]
Proverbs 2:6-7 (ESV): "For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity."
Reflection: What steps can you take this week to deepen your understanding of God's Word and His plans for your life?
Day 5: Faithfulness in Our Daily Walk with God
The conclusion of Daniel 12 encourages us to go our way, faithfully following God in our daily lives. It is a reminder that our journey with God is a daily commitment, and by focusing on following Him today and trusting Him for tomorrow, we will reach our eternal destination. Faithfulness in our daily walk involves seeking God's guidance, obeying His commands, and trusting in His provision. As we cultivate a habit of faithfulness, we can experience the peace and joy that come from walking closely with our Creator. [31:14]
Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV): "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Reflection: What is one practical way you can demonstrate faithfulness to God in your daily life today? How can this act of faithfulness draw you closer to Him?
Sermon Summary
Daniel Chapter 12 brings us to the conclusion of a profound journey through the book of Daniel, where we explore the prophetic visions and their implications for the Jewish people and the world. This chapter serves as a PostScript to the visions described in chapters 10 and 11, focusing on the end times and the trials that will befall God's covenant people. It begins with the promise of angelic intervention by Michael the Archangel during a time of unprecedented trouble for the Jewish people, a period known as the Great Tribulation. This time of distress is not only a historical reality but also a future prophecy, emphasizing the persistent and irrational hatred against the Jewish people, which can only be understood as having a satanic origin.
Despite the foreboding nature of these prophecies, there is a promise of deliverance. God assures that His people will not be destroyed, and there will come a time when the Jewish people will recognize Jesus as their Messiah. This is a profound promise of hope and redemption, as prophesied in Romans 11 and Zechariah. Furthermore, Daniel 12 speaks of the resurrection of the dead, highlighting the eternal destinies that await all humanity—some to everlasting life and others to everlasting contempt. This underscores the reality of eternity and the importance of our choices in this life.
The chapter also touches on the increase of knowledge in the end times, both in general and specifically regarding God's plans. As we approach the end of the age, there is a greater understanding and interest in biblical prophecy, which aligns with the expectation that knowledge will increase. The chapter concludes with a call to faithfulness, encouraging us to follow God diligently in our daily lives, trusting that He will guide us to our eternal inheritance.
Key Takeaways
1. The Role of Michael the Archangel: In times of great persecution, God sends His angelic advocate, Michael, to stand for His people. This reminds us that even in our darkest moments, God provides divine protection and intervention. We are never alone in our struggles, and His angels are at work, unseen but powerful. [03:35]
2. The Promise of Deliverance: Despite the historical and future persecution of the Jewish people, God promises their ultimate deliverance. This serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and His unchanging promises. No matter how dire the circumstances, God's plan for redemption and restoration will prevail. [09:04]
3. The Reality of Resurrection: Daniel 12 emphasizes the resurrection of the dead, highlighting the eternal destinies of all people. This calls us to live with an eternal perspective, understanding that our choices in this life have everlasting consequences. We are encouraged to seek God and His righteousness, knowing that our lives extend beyond this earthly existence. [10:24]
4. The Increase of Knowledge: As we approach the end times, there is an increase in knowledge, particularly regarding God's prophetic plans. This challenges us to be diligent in our study of Scripture and to seek understanding of God's purposes. It is a call to be prepared and to live with awareness of the times we are in. [19:29]
5. Faithfulness in Daily Life: The conclusion of Daniel 12 encourages us to go our way, faithfully following God in our daily lives. It is a reminder that our journey with God is a daily commitment, and by focusing on following Him today and trusting Him for tomorrow, we will reach our eternal destination. [31:14] ** [31:14]
What role does Michael the Archangel play during the time of trouble described in Daniel 12? ([02:47])
According to the sermon, what is the significance of the phrase "time of Jacob's trouble" as mentioned in Jeremiah 30:7? ([04:13])
How does the sermon describe the resurrection mentioned in Daniel 12:2, and what are the two eternal destinies highlighted? ([10:24])
What does the sermon suggest about the increase of knowledge in the end times as mentioned in Daniel 12:4? ([18:23])
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Interpretation Questions:
How does the promise of deliverance for the Jewish people in Daniel 12:1 relate to the broader theme of God's faithfulness throughout the Bible? ([09:04])
In what ways does the sermon suggest that the irrational hatred against the Jewish people has a satanic origin? How does this perspective influence our understanding of historical and future events? ([07:38])
The sermon mentions that knowledge will increase in the end times. How might this increase in knowledge affect the way believers live and understand their faith today? ([19:29])
How does the concept of eternal destinies in Daniel 12:2 challenge or affirm your understanding of life after death? ([12:13])
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Application Questions:
Reflect on a time when you felt alone in your struggles. How does the role of Michael the Archangel in providing divine protection encourage you in your current challenges? ([03:35])
The sermon emphasizes God's promise of deliverance despite persecution. How can you hold onto hope and faithfulness in the face of personal trials or societal challenges? ([09:04])
Considering the reality of resurrection and eternal destinies, what changes might you need to make in your daily life to live with an eternal perspective? ([10:24])
The sermon discusses an increase in knowledge, particularly regarding God's plans. What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of biblical prophecy and its relevance to your life? ([19:29])
How can you practice faithfulness in your daily walk with God, as encouraged by the conclusion of Daniel 12? What specific actions can you take this week to follow God more diligently? ([31:14])
The sermon mentions the irrational hatred against the Jewish people. How can you actively work against prejudice and promote understanding and peace in your community? ([07:38])
Reflect on the idea that God has placed eternity in your heart. How does this belief shape your priorities and decisions? What is one specific way you can align your life more closely with this eternal perspective? ([11:24])
Sermon Clips
Despite the foreboding nature of these prophecies, there is a promise of deliverance. God assures that His people will not be destroyed, and there will come a time when the Jewish people will recognize Jesus as their Messiah. This is a profound promise of hope and redemption, as prophesied in Romans 11 and Zechariah. [00:09:04]
The Bible teaches that at the end of all things there will be a resurrection of the Dead and not only a resurrection of the Dead of those who are appointed to heaven but also a resurrection of the Dead of those who are appointed to spend eternity in separation from God and His Son Jesus Christ. [00:10:24]
You sit now in a room full of people, every one of the people around you will live forever including yourself it's a sobering thought isn't it we are eternal beings and you know this there's something within you that resonates with the idea that this life is not all there is. [00:11:03]
Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament and those who turn many to righteousness like the Stars forever and ever those who live in God's wisdom will shine, despite the entire calamity despite the dark times announced by the angel to Daniel to come especially in chapter 11. [00:16:54]
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 here he says Daniel the the book is shut up it'll be sealed to the end and let me tell you something about the end times. [00:18:23]
As the time of the end would approach the meaning and the importance and the vitality of these prophecies would become more evident at the very end you know what I find fascinating is here as I believe we are towards the end of the age. [00:25:30]
In other words towards the end there will be this great separation of humanity if you want to put it this way the godly will become more godly and the wicked will become more wicked now if we consider ourselves God's people, followers of Jesus Christ then we don't have anything to do with the wicked. [00:27:33]
I want you to walk for me faithfully right here right now brothers and sisters I think that's an excellent place for us to leave the Book of Daniel we've seen amazing prophetic scenarios with empires and kingdoms rising and falling we've seen the announcements of what God's gonna do in bringing forth his kingdom upon this earth. [00:31:14]
You follow me it's almost the same ending here at the Book of Daniel Daniel your mind has been fulfilled, but sometimes confusing sometimes frightening thoughts of what's gonna happen in the future but this what you need to focus on right now you follow me. [00:33:32]
I have called you to be a disciple of Jesus Messiah put your focus on that and you know what here's the good news do you wonder how you're gonna make it to heaven sometimes we despair of that sometimes we see our own weakness sometimes we see our own failings. [00:33:59]
You just go about your business following the Lord Jesus Christ today and determined to do it tomorrow okay today and determine God helping you gonna do it tomorrow if you just say I'm gonna do it today and God helping me tomorrow you know what every day is gonna be a new today. [00:34:36]
Father this is our prayer that you would for every last one of us lord I pray for any in this room has not yet surrendered their life to Jesus Christ that you would give them the courage and the enabling to do that but I pray as well Lord that for every one of us who right now today we would account our selves as your followers. [00:35:59]