Good morning,

The ways, and fashions, and amusements, and recreations of the world

(J.C. Ryle)  LISTEN to audio!  Download Audio

“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” 1 John 2:15

There is a common, worldly kind of Christianity in this day; which many have, and think they have enough. This cheap Christianity offends nobody, and requires no sacrifice. It costs nothing, and is worth nothing.

The standard of the world, and the standard of the Lord Jesus–are indeed widely different. They are more than different–they are flatly contradictory to each other. Never be satisfied with the world’s standard of Christianity!

A crucified Savior will never be content to have a . . .
  self-pleasing,
  self-indulging,
  worldly-minded people!

It costs something to be a true Christian! It will cost us . . .
  our sins,
  our self-righteousness,
  our ease, and
  our worldliness!

The ways, and fashions, and amusements, and recreations of the world–have a continually decreasing place in the heart of a growing Christian. He does not condemn them as downright sinful, nor say that those who have anything to do with them are going to Hell.

He only feels that these things have a constantly diminishing hold on his own affections, and they gradually seem smaller and more trifling in his eyes.
“For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world.” 1 John 5:4

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Drinking deeply from the well of God’s holy Word

(Anonymous)  LISTEN to audio!  Download Audio
(You will find it helpful to listen to the audio above, as you read the text below.)                                                                                                                                                                       
Psalm 1:1-2
“Blessed is the man who does not:
walk in the counsel of the wicked,
or stand in the way of sinners,
or sit in the seat of mockers.
But his delight is in the Word of the LORD,
and on His Word he meditates day and night.”

Blessed indeed, is the man who chooses to distance himself from the corrupting influences of this sin-cursed world. He does not heed the sinful advice and philosophies of those who reject God. Nor does he associate with, or emulate the lifestyles, of those who wallow in their wicked desires. He refuses to align himself with those who mock and scorn the holy ways of God, as found in His Word.

He finds his greatest joy and satisfaction in meditating upon the sacred Scriptures, drinking deeply from the well of God’s holy Word day and night. He does not treat the divine teachings as a mere intellectual exercise, but allows the truths of Scripture:
  to guide his thinking,
  to penetrate his heart,
  and transform his life.
He understands that true blessedness is not found in the fleeting pleasures of this vain world–but in a vibrant, intimate relationship with Almighty God! By immersing himself in God’s Word and striving to guide his steps by Scripture, he experiences the profound blessing of walking in the light of the Lord’s presence, shielded from the darkness that ensnares those who reject Him.

He alone is truly wise and truly blessed, for he has chosen the narrow path that leads to eternal life!

“You have made known to me the path of life,
You will fill me with joy in Your presence,
with eternal pleasures at Your right hand!” Psalm 16:11

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

The real reason why unbelievers hate God’s Word!

(Charles Simeon)  LISTEN to audio!  Download Audio

John 3:19-20, “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light, because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed!”

The real reason why unbelievers hate God’s Word, is because they will not part with those sins which His Word condemns! Nor will they practice those holy duties which the Word commands!

If they were willing to renounce their sins, they would find the Word of God to be precious and delightful to them, as an inexhaustible ocean of encouragement!

But unbelievers hate to hear of:
  the wickedness of their hearts,
  the insufficiency of their best works to bring them to God,
  the impossibility of being saved without an entire dependence on the sin-atoning merits of Christ,
  the necessity an unreserved surrender to His will as seen in Scripture.

Their pride and self-sufficiency are insurmountable obstacles to the proper reception of Scriptural instruction. They hate to be told that they are spiritually wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked before a holy God!

They abhor to walk in the path of the righteous. They simply will not forsake the path of sin, which infallibly leads to destruction!

It is in vain that the Scripture shows them the only genuine way to Heaven.  They will never forsake that broad road of sin which inevitably leads to damnation!

Between God and the unbeliever who perishes in his sins, there is a great gulf fixed–a gulf that never can be passed. Once entered into the eternal world, the unbeliever has his state fixed forever! The man who dies unbelieving and impenitent, will bewail his folly in irremediable and everlasting misery!

“For they are a rebellious people, unwilling to hear the instruction of the Lord. They say to the seers, “Do not see!” And to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us what is right. Speak to us smooth things. Prophesy illusions.  Let us hear no more about the Holy One of Israel!” Isaiah 30:9-11 (condensed)

“They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie, and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness!” 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

This week we will be challenged and encouraged by Grace Gems.

This would greatly calm our minds, and take the sting out of ten thousand little irritations!

(Charles Simeon)  LISTEN to audio!  Download Audio

If we learn to see the hand of God in everything it will bring peace into the Christian’s soul, even in the midst of the heaviest trials!

You will not find a greater sufferer than Job anywhere. He lost all of his children, his possessions and his health. Men, demons, elements–all conspired against him. But in all his trials, he saw the hand of his gracious God, and that composed his mind.

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised!” Job 1:21

“Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” Job 2:10

In the same way, Joseph saw God’s hand in all the afflictions that befell him:
“It was not you who sent me here, but God!” Genesis 45:8

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good!” Genesis 50:20

Let us reply to the revilings of our malignant enemy, “The Lord has bidden him to curse me!” (2 Samuel 16:10-11) and that will be an end of all the anguish that his hostility has for a moment occasioned us.

Let us then, in all our trials, the smaller which occur in social or domestic life, as well as in those of a more overwhelming  nature–habituate ourselves to see the Lord’s hand; and to say, “He is the Lord; let Him do what is good in His eyes!” 1 Samuel 3:18.

This would greatly calm our minds, and take the sting out of ten thousand little irritations which often trouble us far more than heavier afflictions.

If we may but be purged from our sinful dross, and come out of the ‘furnace’ as purified gold–it should be deemed an ample compensation for all our troubles. It should make us thankfully to acknowledge, that God in love and  faithfulness has afflicted us! Psalm 119:75

“When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, CONSIDER: God has made the one as well as the other.” Ecclesiastes 7:14

“My times are in Your hand!” Psalm 31:15

“Be still, and know that I am God!” Psalm 46:10

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

This week we will be challenged and encouraged by Grace Gems.

No reverence is due to me! 

(Charles Spurgeon)  LISTEN to audio!  Download Audio

I very much denounce the designation, “To the Reverend C.H. Spurgeon,” for no reverence is due to me!

Assuredly, ‘Reverend’ and ‘sinner’ make a curious combination!
And as I know I am the second, I repudiate the first.

To me, it is surprising that such a flattering title should have been invented–and more amazing still, that good men should be found who are angry if this title is not duly given to them.

“It is the Lord your God you must follow, and Him you must revere.” Deuteronomy 13:4

“. . . so that you may learn to revere the Lord your God always.” Deuteronomy 14:23

“. . . revere this glorious and awesome name: the Lord your God.” Deuteronomy 28:58

“. . . revere Him, all you descendants  of Israel!” Psalm 22:23

“Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the  people of the world revere Him.” Psalm 33:8
 

“. . . holy and reverend is His name.” Psalm 111:9
 

“I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere Him.” Ecclesiastes 3:14
“Who should not revere You, O King of the nations? This is Your due.” Jeremiah 10:7
      ~  ~  ~  ~
  You may also want to read John Newton’s one page article, “Reverend Doctor!“

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

This week we will be challenged and encouraged by Grace Gems.

Oh! Who can grasp the thought!

(Thomas Reade, “Christian Experience”)  LISTEN to audio!  Download Audio

Matthew 25:46, “Then they will go away to eternal punishment–but the righteous to eternal life!”

One moment in Heaven will convince the believer that his afflictions upon earth were light. When earth with all its glories shall have passed away–the lowly followers of Jesus will abide forever, and shine as the sun in the kingdom of their Father!
“You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.” Psalm 16:11

One moment in Hell will convince the pleasure-loving sinner that it would have been good for him had he never been born!
“He, too, will drink of the wine of God’s fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of His wrath. He will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb.” Revelation 14:10

Oh! Who can grasp the thought of never-ending joy–or everlasting woe!

The mind labors to conceive, and yet can never reach beyond the first impression of eternity.

Numbers, years, ages–all, all are lost in the immeasurable, unfathomable abyss!

“Then they will go away to eternal punishment–but the righteous to eternal life!”

Charles Spurgeon: “Time is short. Eternity is long. It is only reasonable that this short life should be lived in the light of eternity!”

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

This week we will be challenged and encouraged by Grace Gems.

All short of this is mercy!

(Thomas Reade, “Christian Meditations”)  LISTEN to audio!  Download Audio

In order to awaken self-abasement and gratitude–I should consider both what I deserve, and what blessings I have in Christ.

If the righteous Lord were to deal with me according to my deservings, I would at this moment be under the rack of excruciating pain; or under the pressure of most abject poverty–thus experiencing the foretaste of eternal woe.

If thus dealt with in strictest justice, Death would receive his commission to hurl my affrighted soul into the gulf of endless misery, there to remain an everlasting monument of the vengeance of a holy God!
All short of this is mercy!
Do I enjoy a portion of health?

It is all mercy!

Am I undergoing a sanctified affliction?

It is all mercy!

Do I partake of the bounties of Providence?

It is all mercy!

Do I possess affectionate friends?

It is all mercy!

Do I experience the love of God in Christ, pardoning my sins, and purifying my heart?

Oh! this is mercy beyond the power of language to praise or to express!

Rejoice in such a Savior, who mercifully snatched you as a brand out of the burning!

“Because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions.” Ephesians 2:4-5

“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but  because of His mercy.” Titus 3:5

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope!” 1 Peter 1:3

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

This week we will be challenged and encouraged by Grace Gems.

Pithy quotes from Adrian Rogers!

LISTEN to Audio!  Download Audio
    ~  ~  ~  ~
Our sins were the nails that nailed Him to that tree–and our hard hearts were the hammers that drove those nails!
    ~  ~  ~  ~
Reputation is what others think about you.
Character is what God knows about you.
    ~  ~  ~  ~
If you live for this world–then you are in the junk business. It’s all just premature junk!
    ~  ~  ~  ~
Some people go to Hell with a chest full of Sunday school attendance pins!
    ~  ~  ~  ~
Anything you love more, fear more, serve more, or value more than God–is your idol!
    ~  ~  ~  ~
To be almost saved–is to be totally lost!
    ~  ~  ~  ~
The devil would just as soon send you to Hell from the pew–as from the gutter!

    ~  ~  ~  ~

Justice is God giving us what we deserve.
Mercy is God not giving us what we deserve.
Grace is God giving us what we don’t deserve.
    ~  ~  ~  ~
God only wants for us what we would want for ourselves–if we were wise enough to know what is best for us.
    ~  ~  ~  ~
Character is what we are in the dark.
    ~  ~  ~  ~
The grace of God . . .
  will exalt a person, without inflating him;
  and will humble a person, without debasing him.
    ~  ~  ~  ~
Evangelism is one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread.
    ~  ~  ~  ~
Serenity is not freedom from the storm, but peace amid the storm.
    ~  ~  ~  ~
Holiness is not the way to Christ.
Christ is the way to holiness.
    ~  ~  ~  ~
Is what I am living for–worth Christ’s dying for? 

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Book of Daniel Summary

God Rules In The Kingdoms Of Men

Daniel Chapter 1

Title:  Daniel and his determination to be pure (1:1-21)

Key Verse: 1:11-13

Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,¹² Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.¹³ Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king’s meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants. 

Key people: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, Azariah, and Melzar

Key concept: Purity before God

Chapter summary: Daniel resolved to live a clean, Godly life

Daniel Chapter 2

Title:  Nebuchadnezzar’s dream

Key Verse: 2:28

But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. 

Key people: King Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, Azariah

Key concept: God reveals secrets, faith in God, future kingdoms revealed

Chapter summary: In the second chapter of the Book of Daniel, we find a profound exploration of faith, revelation, prophecy, and the enduring sovereignty of God. The narrative unfolds with King Nebuchadnezzar’s unsettling dream, prompting a desperate quest for understanding, which only Daniel, by divine wisdom, can provide. This chapter presents the shifting sands of human kingdoms and the unshakeable rock of God’s dominion.

Daniel Chapter 3

Title:  Nebuchadnezzar’s Giant Idol

Key Verse: 3:17-18

If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.¹⁸ But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

Key people: King Nebuchadnezzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego

Key concept: Faith in God 

Chapter summary: The chapter vividly recounts the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who refuse to bow to King Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image, risking their lives in a blazing furnace, and in turn, showcasing the power of God.

In summary, Daniel 3 showcases the power of faith, God’s miraculous intervention, and the courage to stand firm in the face of adversity. It’s a powerful reminder that our God is able to save us, no matter the circumstances.

Daniel Chapter 4

Title:  Nebuchadnezzar’s Pride

Key Verse: 4:16-17

 Let his heart be changed from man’s, and let a beast’s heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him.¹⁷ This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.

Key people: King Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel, God

Key concept: Man’s pride and God’s  sovereignty

Chapter summary: Nebuchadnezzar in his pride and self confidence had come to believe that it was his own strength and ability that had gotten him his high position. He had to be humbled until he was willing to confess that he was nothing and God was all. Even today God cannot and will not use any person to the fullest until he is ready to make this same confession. Daniel concludes with some sound spiritual counsel by exhorting the king to renounce his sins. This points out the principle that any announced judgment may be averted if there is genuine repentance (vv. 26-27). 

Daniel Chapter 5

Title:  The Writing on the Wall: Divine Judgment and the Fall of Babylon

Key Verse: 5:25-28

 And this is the writing that was written, Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin.26 This is the interpretation of the thing: Mene; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it.27 Tekel; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.28 Peres; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.

Key people: King Belshazzar, Daniel, God                                                      

Key concept: Man’s pride and God’s  judgment 

Chapter summary: Daniel 5 is a captivating chapter of the Bible, in which a mysterious supernatural event takes place in the grand palace of King Belshazzar. The chapter not only narrates an unprecedented event, but it also powerfully underscores the consequences of pride, disrespect toward God, and the importance of acknowledging His sovereignty. 

Daniel Chapter 6

Title:  Daniel in the lion’s den

Key Verse: 6:10

Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

Key people: King Darius,   presidents and princes , Daniel                                         

Key concept: Unwavering faith in the midst of adversity

Chapter summary: Daniel 6 beautifully illustrates the victory of unwavering faith and righteousness over deceit and danger. Amidst adversity, Daniel’s devotion to God does not waver, demonstrating that when faced with trials, a steadfast faith can lead to divine intervention and justice. 

Daniel Chapter 7

Title:  Vision of the Four Beasts

Key Verse: 7:13-14

I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

Key people: Prophet Daniel, Four Beasts, The Ancient of Days (God), The Son of Man (Messiah), The Saints, The Little Horn                                   

Key concept: Four future kingdoms, trial of the Antichrist, God gives the kingdom to His Son

Chapter summary: Daniel 7, a riveting chapter of prophetic revelation, sees the Prophet Daniel envision a series of events in the spiritual realm. The chapter revolves around his dream of four distinct beasts arising from the sea and the subsequent divine judgment. Among the vivid imagery, this chapter contains one of the first clear depictions of the Messiah as “the Son of Man,” and the promise of the everlasting Kingdom of God given to the saints. 

Daniel Chapter 8

Title:  Vision of the Ram and the He Goat

Key Verse: 8:20-21

20 The ram which thou sawest having two horns are the kings of Media and Persia. 21 And the rough goat is the king of Grecia: and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first king.

Key people: Daniel, Gabriel, The Ram (symbolizing the kings of Media and Persia), The Goat (symbolizing the king of Greece)                           

Key concept: Four future kingdoms, trial of the Antichrist, God gives the kingdom to His Son

Chapter summary: Chapter 8 of the book of Daniel presents a profound and detailed prophecy. In this chapter, Daniel recounts a vision he received about a ram and a goat, representing upcoming empires. These beasts foretell the rise and fall of future nations and set the scene for intense spiritual warfare. An angel interprets the visions for Daniel, revealing God’s sovereignty over history’s unfolding events.

Daniel Chapter 9

Title:  Gabriel’s Prophecy of the Seventy Weeks

Key Verse: 9:24-25

Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.

Key people: Daniel, Gabriel – the angel, Darius – the king of Persia, Jeremiah – the prophet (mentioned), God                        

Key concept: Prayer, Seventy sevens

Chapter summary: Daniel 9 serves as a powerful testament to the potency of prayer, God’s faithfulness, and the unfolding of His divine plans. Despite Israel’s repeated sins, God’s enduring love and willingness to forgive offer hope for restoration. The prophecy of Seventy ‘sevens’ reminds us of God’s sovereignty over time and history, and His ultimate plan for redemption.

Daniel Chapter 10

Title:  Daniel’s Vision by the Tigris

Key Verse: 10:11

And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling.

Key people: Daniel, Angelic Messenger (potentially Gabriel), Michael, the Archangel, The Kings of Persia, The Prince of Greece                  

Key concept: Spiritual warfare and divine revelation

Chapter summary: Daniel 10 takes us deep into the spiritual realm as it records the prophet Daniel’s intense spiritual encounter. As Daniel enters a period of mourning and fasting, he is met by a heavenly visitor who unveils prophetic visions of the future. This chapter is a powerful testament to the spiritual realities that exist beyond our human perception, underscoring the profound link between our physical and spiritual experiences.

Daniel Chapter 11

Title: Kings of the South and North Navigating Through the Intricate Prophetic Timeline: An Exploration of Daniel 11

Key Verse: 11:5

And the king of the south shall be strong, and one of his princes; and he shall be strong above him, and have dominion; his dominion shall be a great dominion.

Key people: Daniel, Angelic messenger, Kings of the South and North (representative of the Ptolemaic and Seleucid rulers), A contemptible person (generally understood as Antiochus IV Epiphanes), The prince of the covenant (interpreted as High Priest Onias III)             

Key concept: Battles between the kings of the north-Selucids and the south-Ptolemies. 

Chapter summary: Daniel 11, one of the most detailed and intricate chapters of prophetic scripture, outlines a series of future events relayed to Daniel by an angel. This chapter, rich in historical, political, and spiritual implications, delves into the rise and fall of empires, battles, and rulers, ultimately focusing on the enduring faith and resilience of those who remain true to God amidst turmoil. 

Daniel Chapter 12

Title: The Great Unveiling: Divine Revelations and Eternal Promises

Key Verse: 12:1

And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

Key people: Daniel, Michael, The two beings (one on each side of the river), The man clothed in linen

Key concept: The Time of Distress, Resurrection and Judgement, The Sealed Prophecy, Duration of the End Times

Chapter summary: Daniel 12, the concluding chapter of the Book of Daniel, continues and finalizes the long range prophecy given to Daniel by an angel. In this captivating finale, Daniel receives revelations of the end times, including a period of unmatched distress, the promise of resurrection and judgment, and the sealing of these prophecies until the end time.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

In Daniel 12, we are reminded that no matter how difficult or tumultuous our circumstances may be, God’s protection and promises remain constant. We are also called to seek wisdom and understanding in the face of mystery, reminding us that, ultimately, our quest for knowledge is a divine journey.

Daniel 12 

The Great Unveiling: Divine Revelations and Eternal Promises  

Verses 1-4: The Time of Distress and the Promise of Resurrection

And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.

These verses describe a time of unparalleled distress that will occur at the end of days. Yet, in this time of strife, Michael, the great prince, will stand to protect Daniel’s people. It also mentions a resurrection, where those who sleep in the dust of the earth will awaken, some to everlasting life and others to everlasting contempt. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 12)

12:1 Daniel’s people Israel are to be the principal sufferers in the great time of the tribulation. This will be “the time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jer. 30:7). Michael is called the special prince or archangel who will be appointed to protect Israel. The Great Tribulation, “a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time,” was discussed in the Olivet discourse by the Lord Jesus (Matt. 24:15-22). Matthew 24:21 labels that as the greatest time of tribulation the world will ever see. (The Rice Reference Bible,1981, pg.929)

12:2 The resurrection is taught in many Scriptures (cf. job 19:25-27; Is. 26:19; Hos. 13:14; John 5:28; 1 Cor 15:22 et al.). However, that there are two separate resurrections–first of the saved and then of the unsaved, a thousand years apart–is discussed only in Revelation 20:4-6. Here is stated the doom of the wicked and the blessedness of the saved after the resurrection.(The Rice Reference Bible,1981, pg.930)

12:3 Wisdom is a great incentive for soul winning (cf. Prov. 11:30).That wisdom will cause soul winners to “shine as the brightness of the firmament” and “as the stars for ever and ever.” God is most concerned with the salvation of His people. “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” (1 Tim. 1:15) (The Rice Reference Bible,1981, pg.930)

Verses 5-7: The Sealed Prophecy

5 Then I Daniel looked, and, behold, there stood other two, the one on this side of the bank of the river, and the other on that side of the bank of the river.6 And one said to the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?7 And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.

Here, Daniel sees two beings, one on each side of the river, asking the man clothed in linen about when the astonishing events will occur. The man, raising his hands to the heavens, swears by the eternal God that it would be for a time, times, and half a time, and when the power of the holy people has been shattered, all these events will be completed. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 12)

12:7 A time, times, and a half refers to the second half of the great Tribulation, when these prophecies will be fulfilled. The first half of the Great Tribulation will be a time of relative peace for Israel because of their covenant with the prince (9:27). However, after the prince (Antichrist) breaks the covenant at the end of three-and-a-half years, there will be a tremendous time of persecution and wars (11:40-45). (Liberty Annotated Study Bible, 1988, pg.1294)

Verses 8-13: The Duration of the End Times

8 And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things?9 And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.10 Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.11 And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.12 Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days.13 But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.

Daniel, not understanding, asks for clarification. The man, however, tells him that the words are sealed until the time of the end. He describes that the wicked will not understand, but the wise will, and puts forth times and durations to signify the end, blessing those who wait and reach the 1335 days. Finally, Daniel is told to go his way until the end, for he will rest and then rise again for his allotted inheritance at the end of days. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 12)

So, those who survive the tribulation and survive the sheep and goat judgment will enter the millennium. This is a blessing, indeed.

In summary, here is the timeline as we see it:

• Sometime after the rapture of the church, the Antichrist enters a treaty with Israel. This begins the seven-year tribulation.

• At the midpoint of the tribulation (1,260 days later), the Antichrist breaks the treaty, desecrates the temple, and begins to persecute the Jews.

• At the end of the tribulation (1,260 days after the desecration of the temple), Jesus Christ returns to earth and defeats the forces of the Antichrist.

• During the next 30 days (leading up to 1,290 days after the desecration of the temple), Israel is rebuilt and the earth is restored.

• During the next 45 days (leading up to 1,335 days after the desecration of the temple), the Gentile nations are judged for their treatment of Israel.

• The dispensation of the millennium begins, and it will last for 1,000 years (Revelation 20:3, 5–6).  (https://www.gotquestions.org/tribulation-1260-1290-1335-days.html)

Daniel 12, the concluding chapter of the Book of Daniel, continues and finalizes the long range prophecy given to Daniel by an angel. In this captivating finale, Daniel receives revelations of the end times, including a period of unmatched distress, the promise of resurrection and judgment, and the sealing of these prophecies until the end time. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 12)

Themes

Prophecy and End Times

Resurrection and Judgment

Knowledge and Wisdom

Divine Protection and Reward

Topics

The Time of Distress

Resurrection and Judgement

The Sealed Prophecy

Duration of the End Times

People

Daniel

Michael

The two beings (one on each side of the river)

The man clothed in linen

Locations

The River(Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 12)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com