“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 12:4
There is something in most of us that is curious about the future; Daniel was no exception. The remarkable insights God gave him concerning his time and the seasons following caused him to inquire about ‘the end.’
Of course, Daniel was told those things were ‘closed’ to him. “But go your way till the end, and you shall rest, and will rise to your inheritance at the end of the days.” – 12:13
It seems reasonable, from a 21st century perspective, that the geometric rise of transportation and information in the past century may correlate with ‘many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.’
Nonetheless, it’s quite likely this trend will continue far into the future, involving newer generations of believers in moral, ethical, political, and spiritual dilemmas which we could not possibly anticipate. Our challenge is to live godly lives in our own ‘perverse generation.’
I don’t look to the Book of Daniel for clues to ‘the end’ but choose rather to seize on its clear examples of godly living in the culture of Babylon. I appreciate the desire of many good folks to see our own culture somehow take a turn back toward a more innocent and idyllic time, but frankly, that’s not going to happen.
We might heed the instruction of Jeremiah to the Jewish exiles in Babylon, “Build houses and dwell in them, plant gardens and eat their fruit . . . . and seek the peace of the city (where you are) and pray to the Lord for it, for in its peace you will have peace.” (Jer. 29:5-7)
Living in a society which is largely given to idolatry and gain can be very impactful on our souls. The Book of Daniel shines out for us a beacon of hope for maintaining our integrity and testimony in a rather unfavorable climate.
Daniel One introduces us to a group of principled young men who refused the culinary pleasures of the King’s table and found a way to thrive on the simple but healthy diet which allowed them to conform to God’s law.
In doing so, God elevated them within that pagan system. This clearly suggests God can prosper and promote us anywhere, even where others might think we haven’t a chance.
Chapter Two relates how Daniel was given divine insight into the King’s dreams and gave powerful witness to the “God in heaven who reveals secrets.” These events led to greater involvement of righteous individuals in the affairs of state, something beneficial to all.
Chapter Three is so well known for the deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. Every Sunday school child knows the story. It’s important to note that these three men were quite prepared to die rather than bow to the king’s image. However, the lesson left for us is the delivering power of God demonstrated to a pagan regime.
God has the lives and fortunes of kings in his hand, and Chapter Four relates the rather remarkable account of Nebuchadnezzar’s seven-year hiatus from reality, wandering the fields like an animal. Daniel had interpreted the king’s dream of this curious season, along with its dramatic purpose for him; that “you come to know that heaven rules.” (4:26)
The proverbial ‘handwriting on the wall’ was the stunning confrontation with God which Belshazzar, Nebuchadnezzar’s son, experienced at a celebration of the gods of gold and silver, bronze and iron. You’ll find that in Chapter 5. This brazen king brought the precious gold vessels from the temple at Jerusalem to his feast, from which his wives and nobles drank to their power and glory.
Again, is was one of God’s servants who could decipher the curious symbols God’s hand had written; “Today your kingdom is taken from you; you’ve been weighed in the balance and found wanting.” That very night the Persian king Darius invaded the city and Belshazzar lost, not only his kingdom, but his life!
Chapter 6 shows Daniel the Hebrew as a prominent part of King Darius’ court. Jealously led to a sinister plot to bring Daniel down, centered on his daily prayers to God. Darius was tricked into condemning Daniel’s devotion, and he was forced to cast Daniel into the Lion’s Den. You know the rest of the story! Deliverance; greater influence!
Chapters 7 through 12 are the visions of Daniel, largely about the immediate future of that region of the world, and some powerful encounters with Gabriel, the messenger of the Messiah. So, what should we learn?
This remarkable book always encourages me about the future of goodness and godliness in our own time. The idea that a culture must be ‘reformed’ before holy people are able to exert a positive influence is simply wrong.
If there is any obvious message in this book it’s God’s unfettered ability to put His people where He wants them, doing His bidding, and demonstrating His glory. We, too, may find ourselves in a system suggestive of Babylon, but that fact does not dictate our opportunities or our influence; God gives favor and impact “to whomever He chooses.” (4:25)
Let’s not allow troubling developments in the economy, culture, or politics to suggest that godly people like you will somehow be rendered impotent by the forces of sin and selfishness. Let’s elevate our vision above the craziness, and expect to find many occasions, large and small, to glorify Jesus’ great name!
Daniel understood God’s ways and His heart; realizing God’s power is demonstrated when we need it most; “But as for me, this secret has not been revealed to me because I have more wisdom than anyone living, but for our sakes . . .” (2:30)
The Lord so values His obedient children, so values you, that He will impart whatever it takes to protect and preserve you and your loved ones and put you where He wants you!