Daniel 9:20–27; 12:9–13

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Dean, School of Christian Ministries, University of Mobile

BE READY FOR TRIBULATION

Daniel 9:20–27; 12:9–13

Are you ready? Are you ready for persecution, hardship, loss of status, loss of liberty, loss of income, loss of property, loss of life? In the sugar-coated theology of many cultural Christians in America, God would never allow bad things to happen to those who trust Christ. The person who believes this is uninformed about the teachings of Scripture, the history of the world Christian movement and current events in many parts of our world. Tribulation is alive and well for many who identify with Jesus as Lord.

“If God really loves me, He wouldn’t let bad things happen to me.” Two immediate responses come to mind. First did the Father love Jesus? He certainly did, and He allowed Jesus to suffer and die, be buried and rise again for the glory of the Father. Second God demonstrated His love for us by sending Jesus to take our death sentence for sin. Never doubt the Father’s love. We asked God, “How much do You love us?” Jesus demonstrated the answer by spreading His arms open wide. This much!

Pray for Understanding (9:20–23)

Daniel receives angelic revelation. While contemplating the prophecies of Jeremiah, Daniel prays for understanding about the meaning of the 70 years of exile. Like other great Old Testament saints, he confesses sins on behalf of the nation, as well as confessing the mercy and forgiveness of God in the midst of His righteousness.

Time passes and an angel reveals to him more than he asked for. Instead of a simple explanation of the reason for 70 years, Gabriel brings a message regarding the Messiah. The 70 weeks (literally, “sevens”) point to the promised Redeemer to come.

This passage reminds us of other passages regarding prayer and God’s magnificent work. Jeremiah records that when we pray, God will show us things that we do not know (Jer. 33:3). In Paul’s doxology within the letter to the Ephesians, he writes, “Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think — according to the power that works in you — to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen” (Eph. 3:20–21).

Prepare for Difficulty (9:24–27)

Throughout the Scriptures, God’s people face challenges of all sorts. The enemy tempts, the Lord tests and we face the consequences of our own choices and behaviors. Unjust persecution, punishment and imprisonment are but some of the difficulties faced by believers. We have already witnessed in Daniel that believers and unbelievers face life and death dangers — the three Hebrew men and the furnace, Belshazzar and the writing on the wall, Daniel and the lions’ den — with clear indication that God is not obligated to deliver (Dan. 3:18).

Christians the world over are suffering because they confess the name of Jesus, because they follow in believer’s baptism and because they confess the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. Few believers have experienced the freedom of religious exercise that Christians in the West have come to take for granted.

Persist in Faith (12:9–13)

In this extensive section — Daniel 9–12 — we read about God’s plan for Israel and the nations. Angelic messengers are mentioned by name (Gabriel and Michael), and two resurrections are addressed (Dan. 12:2). Throughout this section, judgment is certain to come upon the nations. Israel is not without its difficulties, but God is faithful through it all.

Daniel wanted to know how long (echoing the cry of Habakkuk). In fact, the disciples also wanted to know Jesus’ timetable (Acts 1:6). Trusting God does not work according to our schedule. He is faithful, period.

We must persist in faith, trusting that God is faithful, no matter the circumstances. If our suffering brothers and sisters can trust Him through the chaos in northern Iraq, we can trust Him through our discomfort.