Daniel #13: an exposition of Daniel 12:1-13. This message by pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, April 21, 2013.
Intro:
It is the most important question when “doing” theology. It is the question that must be answered whenever you study the Scripture. Until you answer this question you’ve not concluded your study. “So what?” What difference does this truth make? What am I to do with this truth? What action am I to take? What am I to believe? Truth that does not act is of little value. Faith that does not work is dead according the James. God is sovereign over men and nations. That’s nice but, “So what?” Jesus is coming again. “And?” There is coming a time of intense persecution and heartache to the world but specifically to the church. “So what?” As we’ve walked through the book of Daniel we’ve been reminded again and again of God’s sovereign, providential work among men and nations. We’ve seen that history is His story. We’ve noted that though this world often seems random, chaotic and out of control God’s sovereign hand is guiding history to a specific end. So what? What difference does that make in my ordinary, daily life? How does that affect the choices I make and the path I walk? This morning we come to the conclusion of our study and we’ll deal with the “so what.” Our text this morning is found in Daniel chapter 12.
Text: Daniel 12:1-13
- Daniel has faithfully served God, singing His song in a foreign land for 7 decades.
- For 70 years he served pagan kings.
- He has remained faithful to his task and more importantly to his God.
- Now in his 90s he is given a final vision.
- A vision that is to prepare and encourage the people of God in the face of trouble.
- The visions keep covering the same ground.
- Demonstrating God’s sovereignty over men and nations.
- This final vision is the longest and most detailed.
- It begins in chapter 10 and concludes in our text.
- Chapter 10 serves as a prologue – emphasizing the importance of a biblical perspective.
- Chapter 11 gives the vision of history’s unfolding drama.
- Focus is on God’s people and covers the time period of 530 bc – return of Christ.
- It is important to note that this vision deals with 2 crises the people of God will face.
- The first has to do with the reign of Antiochus Epiphanes 175-168 bc.
- The second with the reign of Antichrist just prior to the return of Christ.
- Both in Daniel’s future.
- The first in our ancient past the second yet to come.
As we walk through chapter 12 I want you to note…
Thesis: In the face of great uncertainty believers live confident of future glory; certain of God’s sovereign control of all things; and committed to faithfulness.
Chapter 11 ends with the reign of Antichrist speaking astonishing things against the God of gods. Magnifying himself to the place of God; turning his attention to the “glorious land” (Israel) where tens of thousands will fall. Yet he shall come to his end (11:45).
Chapter 12 opens with a reminder of how difficult and tragic that time will be but also giving great hope.
- You can be confident of your ultimate destiny. (12:1-3)
- You can rest assured of God’s sovereign hand guiding history to its predetermined end. (12:4-12)
- Our primary task is to remain faithful no matter what comes. (12:13)