November 9, 2015

Instruction
Scripture: Daniel 12:1-3
Daniel contains a series of visions of events that would impact the Jews who were captive in Babylon. This vision is one that deals with the End of all things. It speaks of a time of tribulation that leads up to a day when the dead will rise to either eternal live or everlasting shame. The reading emphasizes for us that this world will not last, the dead (perhaps including us) will rise, and there will be a judgement, but that judgement is a reason for hope and joy for those who trust in Christ.
Teaching
The Michael spoken of here is the archangel. He was the defender of Israel: all those who believe God’s promise of salvation and its fulfillment in Christ. His presence shows that God will defend His people and preserve them as they endure a time of trouble such as has never been.
This passage also speaks of the resurrection of all flesh. People often think of someone dying and then going to either heaven or hell. Here it says that all people will rise and then go to their appropriate place – life or contempt. On that day God’s people are the wise – those who believe in Jesus, and who share the true hope that comes from believing in Him crucified, risen and returning.
Life
It may seem presumptuous to consider ourselves to be wise, but the Scriptures teach us that wisdom is primarily found in knowing one’s proper place with God. We know that place. We stand in His presence as His beloved people because of Jesus’ death and resurrection. That wisdom brings us forgiveness and cleanses us from unrighteousness. We shine like stars as we witness about the hope we have in Jesus. After all, He Himself said that we are the light of the world. We do as God designed us to do when we push back against the darkness of sin in all its forms and as His light shines through us to the world.
Prayer
O God, You protect Your people in the midst of the troubles of this life. There are more and worse troubles yet to come as people reject Your Word and truth. Yet there will be a day when the dead will rise, and we ourselves will be translated into eternal glory, but others will rise to everlasting contempt. Now is our time to shine like stars to turn others to the righteousness that comes only by faith in Jesus.
Thank You for promising to defend us and to deliver us from evil. Thank You for giving us faith in Jesus our crucified and risen Savior so that our names are now written in the book that lists all who are to be delivered. Thank You also for using us as lights to shine to others to show them the One who, when they believe in Him, will write their names in that book of life as well.
Forgive us, Lord, for times that the light has not shone from us. Forgive us for trying to blend into the darkness, and to be like the world rather than the light that draws others to You. Forgive us for not being mindful that there will be a day when all will rise and some will receive life and others will receive condemnation. Forgive us for falling short in the wisdom You have given us so we may know You.

Lord, pour out Your Spirit upon us and fill us with the Light of Christ so that we will indeed shine like stars in the darkness. Make us glow with faith, hope, and love so others may know You. Defend us with the wisdom You alone can give until that day when we stand before You in everlasting life. Amen. 

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