First Things First

Read: Daniel 12

At that time every one of your people whose name is written in the book will be rescued. Daniel 12:1

IN WORD

When Daniel wrote the words given to him by God, “your people” meant Judah’s captives in Babylon. But the prophecies of Daniel have cosmic implications that go far beyond the chosen nation of Israel at a particular time in its history. His book speaks of the time of the end, of national powers that did not exist when he wrote, and of cataclysmic conflict in the heavens and on earth. Daniel wrote of ultimate events.

Though many people sift through the apocalyptic nature of Daniel to discover when, where, and how these things will take place, there’s a deeper message to be gleaned. God rather plainly gives us the “what” and the “why.” The very fact that God is cultivating a people for Himself, purifying them and preserving them for the end, is worth more of our focus than all the secrets we want to know. The point is that God has a book, names are written in it, and He will, without any shadow of doubt, deliver those who are listed there. God’s Kingdom is unalterably secure.

We need to know that in uncertain times. The truth is that every era has been an “uncertain time,” and the knowledge that God is in the business of restoration and preservation is vital. Daniel’s prophetic times may apply to a specific generation, but his prophetic principles certainly do not. They are everyone’s. The prophecies of the delivering God are never irrelevant.

IN DEED

When you read of the end of time and the coming Kingdom in books like Daniel and Revelation, make first things first. Before deciphering seasons and events, decipher this: God has a book, and knowing that you’re in it is monumentally important. Not only do you need to know the security of your destination, you also need to know the nature of the God who gets you there. If you don’t, discerning the end of days will terrify you. If you do, discerning the end of days won’t really matter.

ADDITIONAL READING: Mark 13:29-32

In God’s faithfulness lies eternal security.

CORRIE TEN BOOM