The Worst of Times for the Best of Reasons
Daniel 12:1-10
- we were called to be living sacrifices…
- we were told we will suffer…
- we are “the smell of death to those suffering”…
- What is the view from heaven when the sightlines on the ground are very distressing?
- prophecy was specifically for the Jews
- end of official human history; ending principles applicable to us
- during time of Jacob’s troubles
- Psalms 2
- Zach 13:8-9
- prepare hearts of Jews to receive Messiah they rejected
- Punish the unbelievers…
- Prepare hearts of the Jews for the Messiah
- 4 Life-changing revelations from the mouth of the Lord…
- Regardless of how distressing the situation, those who belong to the Lord will be rescued (Dan 12:1)
- protection always precedes trouble
- deliverance is by Lamb’s Book of Life (Ex 32:31-33, Ps 69:28, Ezek 13:9, Dan 7:10, Dan 12:1, Mal 3:6, Luke 10:20, Phil 4:3, Rev 13:8, Rev 17:8, Rev 20:15, Rev 21:27)
- let the redeemed proclaim!!
- Bodily resurrection is the eternal destiny of all
- Dan 12:2, matt 25:41, Jer 5:28-29
- awake to glorified everlasting life body VS everlasting grotesque body of sin, shame and contempt
- The big time eternal rewards are based on God’s definition of true stardom
- Dan 12:3, matt 13:40-43
- And God’s Oscars go to…
- those who are wise
- those who lead many to righteousness
- All the spoils go to those who value the record of God’s rule over their own answers and info
- Dan 12:4, matt 13:44-45, Amos 8:11-12
- truth of God is intentionally difficult except to those who see the value enough to give all in exchange of it
- “How long?”
- Time, time, half a time (42 months; Rev 11:2)
- when wickedness seems to gain momentum, suddenly be slapped
- when power of human resources is finally exhausted, God powers His purpose
- “What’s the point?”
- Dan 12:10
- [??] of person of faith and wisdom is not easy, quick, light or painless…
- Breaking of self-reliance doesn’t go down without a fight
- self-centeredness is always the loudest noise in your heart – it doesn’t go down quietly
- the embracing of grace will not take hold until contracts, wages and rewards for good behaviour are seen for what they are: the poison of self-righteousness
- we must fashion a robust faith in God!
- “refined by fire…receiving gold of your faith…”