God Wins
Daily Old Testament Reading: Daniel 10-12
Daily Focus Passage: Daniel 12
The Book of Daniel concludes by spending the last several chapters looking to the end of time. The prophecy in the last several chapters centers on the coming Anti-Christ, the time of tribulation, and the great conclusion that God wins. As we read Daniel 12, may we recognize that though the situation near the end gets rough, believers have the certainty and hope that God wins.
THE COMING ENEMY
Daniel speaks to the coming struggle that will exist during the end days. The Anti-Christ will run these days and will be marked by evil. The rise of the Anti-Christ will bring a season of tribulation that will cause a struggle and pain for believers. The Anti-Christ will attempt to silence believers, causing them to abandon the faith. This time will cause great distress and will lead many people astray. Yet, Daniel speaks of this as the reality that the Lord's work will continue through his followers.
THE CONTINUED WORK
The followers of Christ will continue the work of God's kingdom while experiencing tribulation. Daniel shares that believers will serve as bright lights during this time of darkness. As lights, believers illuminate the truth of the Lord through their word and deed. They shine bright for Jesus because he is the light that ignites their life. At the same time, Daniel speaks to how believers will bear fruit. The truth of bearing fruit indicates that people will continue to come to the Lord during the tribulation. Thus, believers in the tribulation will shine bright the light of Christ and bear fruit for God's kingdom.
THE GREAT CONCLUSION
Believers endure tribulation and serve the Lord in faithfulness because they hold fast to the truth and promise that God wins. The promise and certainty of God's victory reminds us that the enemy is already defeated. We live with the promise that the Lord will set up his kingdom. Believers will experience the reward of the saints. The truth that God wins means believers can live confidently and hope.
We often become fascinated by the end times. We understand that people hold varying views of how the end plays out. Yet, the Book of Daniel reminds us that we must live as lights shining bright for the Lord and remain faithful. We find encouragement and the ability to do this when we hold fast to the truth that God wins.
