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Corporal Kevin Clarke wanted to do one last thing before his Marine platoon embarked on a mission while deployed in Iraq. He asked a fellow Marine to print out the testimony he had recently typed. Corporal Clarke was killed on that mission, and his personal statement of faith was his parting message to his friends, his family, and the world. The testimony was circulated among the Marines, sent to his parents, and even printed at his funeral, preserving the story of his faith and promoting the glory of his God.
A life lived in honor and obedience to God leaves an indelible mark on the world and inscribes a message that can never be erased. The angel speaking to Daniel referred to the destiny for the resurrected in the final days, and he calls special attention to people who lead by example, imparting wisdom and directing others to righteousness (v. 3). Their destiny is everlasting life, and their reward is eternal glory. And when the angel tells Daniel to close up and seal the words of the scroll, it isn't a command to hide the truth. It is a call to preserve the message and officially acknowledge its truth as God's Word.
Daniel then saw an exchange from two beings on opposite sides of the river that forecasts more details of the last half of the Tribulation. The expression “time, times, and half a time” is interpreted as a year, two years, and half a year—three and a half years. Maybe the most important concept for us to grasp is in verse 8, when Daniel himself admits that he doesn't understand. Only with God's revelation and illumination can we ever hope to comprehend these prophecies—with that humility, there is hope for understanding (v. 10).
The prediction Daniel could cling to is found in the final words of this book. God promised that Daniel would rise from death to receive his inheritance, and for an Israelite displaced from his homeland and serving foreign kings, the hope of his eternal residence with his glorious Lord was the perfect way to end an amazing life of faith.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
You can cling to that same promise offered to Daniel, if you have faith in Christ. With an eye toward eternal reward, never lose sight of the guiding principles of verse 3. Lead a life filled with wisdom and help lead others to righteousness. Studying God's Word is an excellent start. Follow it up with praise and prayer for God, then imitate Daniel's example of faithfulness wherever God has placed you. Daniel didn't possess anything you lack—trust God to use you in the same way!
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