The Daily Fountain Devotional Tuesday, November 22, 2022
The Daily Fountain Devotional Tuesday, November 22, 2022
Tuesday, November 22,2022
TOPIC: FINISHING WELL
TEXT: Daniel 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. 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. 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. 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.
The Daily Fountain Devotional Tuesday, November 22, 2022
INTRODUCTION TEXT
Professor J. Robert Clinton, author of the book, The Making of a Leader, is quoted to have said: "Few leaders in the Bible finished well. Of those on which information was available, less than 30% finished well." Daniel was one of the few who finished well. Daniel demonstrated unshakable faith in God, for he was said to be without blemish when he was first introduced in the Book (1:1-7). He manifested this uncompromising faithfulness to the very end. Hence, God promised him: "But you, go your way till the end; for you shall rest, and will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days"'(12:13).
At death, firstly, Daniel was promised rest from his labour, "for you shall rest" (cf Rev. 14:13); and secondly, he was promised the joyful resurrection "... and will arise to your inheritance." This is a promise that he will have a part in the glorious things that will take place after the Second Coming.
It should be the great care and concern of every one of us to rest from our labour if Christ tarries, and be partakers of the glorious things that will take place after the Second Corning of Jesus Christ. We must heed Christ's warning, thus: "Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able" (Luke 13:24). Like Daniel, let us resolve to finish well.
Prayer: Father, help me to endure to the end and be saved, through Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen.