The establishment of the independent state of Judah under the Maccabees in 165BC was an amazing time of triumph for the Jews. But, as long as it lasted, it was still only temporary and just a taste of a greater future. (Eventually, the leaders of Judea lost their way and Judea was taken over by the Romans in 63BC.) Daniel is always viewing the events of history in the light of the final victory of God’s Kingdom and seems to jump seamlessly from the events in the Greek period to the distant future. Daniel remains somewhat bewildered by much of what he is told, but the gist of it is clear. God is guiding world history towards its climax and Daniel had his role in this. God has made a pathway for our lives, but we will probably often find ourselves perplexed by things that happen along the way. Only God sees the end and only he knows what is necessary to get there. The final words to Daniel are as poignant for us: “As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance.” Live now in the light of your future. Sow seeds now for a harvest in the future. Be satisfied now because what you have is what you need to be who God wants you to be. As a result, you will receive a great inheritance in the future. Embrace what God wants you to embrace in the present and leave the future to him. The future belongs to him. Let God be God.
Ask God to show you what he wants you to see or do at present.
Read Daniel 12
