SERMON TITLE: How Long, O Lord?
TEXT: Daniel 12:1-13 (NLT)
SPEAKER: Josh Hanson
DATE: 8-25-24
Watch the sermon here
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As always it’s a joy to be with all of you this weekend at Gateway Church. And if you’re worshiping with us for the first time — are joining us at our North Main Campus or are with our friends in Bucyrus — I want you to know that God loves you and that I love you too.
Can you believe it? We’re finishing our series in the book of Daniel. And — our verses for today — conclude the final vision that Daniel is given. A vision that began back in chapter ten — is a vision that’s an echo — a repeat, if you will — of two earlier visions Daniel received as well as a dream that King Nebuchadnezzar was given. So let’s finish the book of Daniel and his final vision by turning to our text for today.
We’ll be in Daniel chapter twelve — beginning in verse one.
Daniel 12:1–13 (NLT)
1 “At that time Michael, the archangel who stands guard over your nation, will arise. Then there will be a time of anguish greater than any since nations first came into existence. But at that time every one of your people whose name is written in the book will be rescued. 2 Many of those whose bodies lie dead and buried will rise up, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting disgrace. 3 Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever. 4 But you, Daniel, keep this prophecy a secret; seal up the book until the time of the end, when many will rush here and there, and knowledge will increase.” 5 Then I, Daniel, looked and saw two others standing on opposite banks of the river. 6 One of them asked the man dressed in linen, who was now standing above the river, “How long will it be until these shocking events are over?” 7 The man dressed in linen, who was standing above the river, raised both his hands toward heaven and took a solemn oath by the One who lives forever, saying, “It will go on for a time, times, and half a time. When the shattering of the holy people has finally come to an end, all these things will have happened.” 8 I heard what he said, but I did not understand what he meant. So I asked, “How will all this finally end, my lord?” 9 But he said, “Go now, Daniel, for what I have said is kept secret and sealed until the time of the end. 10 Many will be purified, cleansed, and refined by these trials. But the wicked will continue in their wickedness, and none of them will understand. Only those who are wise will know what it means. 11 “From the time the daily sacrifice is stopped and the sacrilegious object that causes desecration is set up to be worshiped, there will be 1,290 days. 12 And blessed are those who wait and remain until the end of the 1,335 days! 13 “As for you, go your way until the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days, you will rise again to receive the inheritance set aside for you.”
Though it may not seem like it — the book of Daniel ends with some good news. God has guaranteed the end of his people’s exile. God has guaranteed the end of his people’s exile. This is true — not only for the people in Daniel’s day — but is a promise guaranteed to every generation of God’s people: life in this land of exile is coming to an end. This is what we find in the key verse of our text — which also happens to be the last verse of the book — verse thirteen — where we read…
Daniel 12:13 (NLT)
13 “As for you, go your way until the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days, you will rise again to receive the inheritance set aside for you.”
“Daniel, keep doing what you’ve been doing during all your days of exile — keep being faithful until your very last breath. For — in the end — on the day when the Son of Man returns — you will rise again and receive your reward.”
The last words spoken to Daniel are words meant to inspire him to remain steadfast — to remain faithful and diligent — to not give into despair and hopelessness. For the eternal reward awaiting the people of God far outweighs the difficulties and challenges we face in this land of exile. And I say this knowing the enormity of some of the difficulties you’re facing — I say this knowing that some of you are in the midst of challenges that seem insurmountable. But the promise to us — to those whose hope is not in what they can see with their eyes in this land of exile or that what we’re going through can be fixed in this life — which is what this land of exile wants us to believe — that everything is fixable — but the reality is not everything is fixable in this life. Thus our hope is in him who sees us in our suffering and pain and who — in love — gave his life for us so that we might have eternal life with him.
So let’s return to the beginning of our chapter and see the reason for our hope. We’re back in verse one.
Daniel 12:1–4 (NLT)
1 “At that time Michael, the archangel who stands guard over your nation, will arise. Then there will be a time of anguish greater than any since nations first came into existence. But at that time every one of your people whose name is written in the book will be rescued. 2 Many of those whose bodies lie dead and buried will rise up, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting disgrace. 3 Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever. 4 But you, Daniel, keep this prophecy a secret; seal up the book until the time of the end, when many will rush here and there, and knowledge will increase.”
“Daniel, a time of anguish and sorrow is coming that will exceed every other moment in history.” Yet look at the hope found in the words at the end of verse one.
Daniel 12:1b (NLT)
1 But at that time every one of your people whose name is written in the book will be rescued.
Rescue — a theme found throughout the Bible — is most clearly in the Exodus story — where God rescues his people out of their enslavement in Egypt. A story which points forward to the greatest Rescue Story: God sending his Son to rescue his people from their enslavement to Satan, sin, death, and Hell. Rescue is your guarantee if you’re hope and trust is in the Rescuer — Jesus Christ.
Yet many have died before Jesus’ return to rescue his people. And — most likely — all of us will die before Jesus returns. I say this — not because I know when Jesus will return — I say this based on the fact that nearly every generation before us has thought they were the ones who would not die and would experience the return of Christ — yet death is what they experienced. So — most likely — the same will be true for us. So it’s better to prepare for death now. But — do so — knowing that even death isn’t an insurmountable opponent for our Rescuer — Jesus Christ. Daniel's also told that…
Daniel 12:2 (NLT)
2 Many of those whose bodies lie dead and buried will rise up, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting disgrace.
All who die — will rise up on the last day — the day when Christ returns. All — not just Christians — but everyone who’s ever lived will be raised from the dead on the last day. The promise of resurrection is for everyone. However — and this is key — some will be raised to everlasting life while others will be raised to everlasting disgrace. Notice that everlasting is before both words — life and disgrace. There is no everlasting life without there also being everlasting disgrace or death.
We catch a glimpse of what’s being said here at the end of the book of Revelation. This will be a lengthy portion of Scripture — but I hope it brings encouragement to your soul. The apostle John writes…
Revelation 21:1-8; 21:22–22:17 (NLT)
1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. 2 And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” 5 And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” 6 And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega — the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. 7 All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children. 8 “But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars — their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”
22 I saw no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23 And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light. 24 The nations will walk in its light, and the kings of the world will enter the city in all their glory. 25 Its gates will never be closed at the end of day because there is no night there. 26 And all the nations will bring their glory and honor into the city. 27 Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty — but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. 1 Then the angel showed me a river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 It flowed down the center of the main street. On each side of the river grew a tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, with a fresh crop each month. The leaves were used for medicine to heal the nations. 3 No longer will there be a curse upon anything. For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and his servants will worship him. 4 And they will see his face, and his name will be written on their foreheads. 5 And there will be no night there — no need for lamps or sun — for the Lord God will shine on them. And they will reign forever and ever. 6 Then the angel said to me, “Everything you have heard and seen is trustworthy and true. The Lord God, who inspires his prophets, has sent his angel to tell his servants what will happen soon.” 7 “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed are those who obey the words of prophecy written in this book.” 8 I, John, am the one who heard and saw all these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me. 9 But he said, “No, don’t worship me. I am a servant of God, just like you and your brothers the prophets, as well as all who obey what is written in this book. Worship only God!” 10 Then he instructed me, “Do not seal up the prophetic words in this book, for the time is near. 11 Let the one who is doing harm continue to do harm; let the one who is vile continue to be vile; let the one who is righteous continue to live righteously; let the one who is holy continue to be holy.” 12 “Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” 14 Blessed are those who wash their robes. They will be permitted to enter through the gates of the city and eat the fruit from the tree of life. 15 Outside the city are the dogs — the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idol worshipers, and all who love to live a lie. 16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this message for the churches. I am both the source of David and the heir to his throne. I am the bright morning star.” 17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” Let anyone who hears this say, “Come.” Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life. - Revelation 21:1-8; 21:22–22:17 (NLT)
And we can be stirred with hope by these words about our eternal destiny and still cry out, “But how long, O Lord, until the end? How much longer must I experience pain and suffering due to living in this land of exile? How long, O Lord? How long?” We’re in verse five.
Daniel 12:5–12 (NLT)
5 Then I, Daniel, looked and saw two others standing on opposite banks of the river. 6 One of them asked the man dressed in linen, who was now standing above the river, “How long will it be until these shocking events are over?” 7 The man dressed in linen, who was standing above the river, raised both his hands toward heaven and took a solemn oath by the One who lives forever, saying, “It will go on for a time, times, and half a time. When the shattering of the holy people has finally come to an end, all these things will have happened.” 8 I heard what he said, but I did not understand what he meant. So I asked, “How will all this finally end, my lord?” 9 But he said, “Go now, Daniel, for what I have said is kept secret and sealed until the time of the end. 10 Many will be purified, cleansed, and refined by these trials. But the wicked will continue in their wickedness, and none of them will understand. Only those who are wise will know what it means. 11 “From the time the daily sacrifice is stopped and the sacrilegious object that causes desecration is set up to be worshiped, there will be 1,290 days. 12 And blessed are those who wait and remain until the end of the 1,335 days!
Did you notice that the question, “How long” isn’t even Daniel’s question? Daniel asks, “How will all this finally end” because he — just like us — thinks if we can just figure out the details — we’ll be able to interpret the times correctly. But the one angelic figure asks “How long” and the response to him is “time, times, and half a time.” A phrase that’s brought about much speculation and calculation. But don’t miss the other key detail in the response.
Daniel 12:7b (NLT)
7 When the shattering of the holy people has finally come to an end, all these things will have happened.”
There’s still sorrow to come — there’s still trials ahead for the people of God — there’s still more to endure. But nothing very specific is given as to how much longer — so Daniel asks his question about how this will all finally end. And the messenger — if you noticed — doesn’t answer his question. He gently dismisses Daniel’s question before saying…
Daniel 12:10 (NLT)
10 Many will be purified, cleansed, and refined by these trials. But the wicked will continue in their wickedness, and none of them will understand. Only those who are wise will know what it means.
“Daniel, until this happens — God’s people will continue to be purified, cleansed, and refined by these trials of living in exile. And those who are wicked will continue in their ways.” And then — sort of out of the blue — the messenger mentions two sets of days — which — if we’ve learned anything about visions and dreams and symbols and numbers — and the complexities of interpreting them — we know to be careful here. But what is clear — is that a time of anguish — much worse than ever seen before — is to come. And those who are wicked will continue to remain wicked — while those who are faithful will continue to remain faithful. And a blessing is guaranteed to all those who remain faithful as they live in exile.
For just as Daniel is told…
Daniel 12:13 (NLT)
13 “As for you, go your way until the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days, you will rise again to receive the inheritance set aside for you.”
Know that — as for you — man or woman of God — young boy or girl who believes in Jesus — single, newly married, widowed, or empty nesters — continue in faithfulness until the end of your days — knowing that rest is coming — eternal rest. Knowing that your day of rescue is certain — for you will rise again when Christ returns. Knowing that an immeasurable reward is yours — for Christ has shared his inheritance with you.
So no matter how hard today may be — no matter how much anguish you may experience in the days ahead — without knowing what sorrow you may experience as you live in this land of exile — remain hopeful. Remain faithful. Remain steadfast. For a promise has been made to you and it is guaranteed. Eternal life is yours. Eternal life is yours. Eternal life is yours.
To conclude today’s sermon — and our time in Daniel — I recorded a video with a friend of mine who’s a pastor in our denomination. Scott McKee is the pastor of Ward Church in Michigan. And at the age of fifty — just seven years ago — Scott was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer. He had surgery. Went through treatments. And was in remission. Then — about a year ago — his cancer returned. And — this time — the treatment nearly killed him. Yet — he beat cancer again. But something wasn’t right.
Some of Scott’s organs had merged together due to the surgeries he had to remove the cancer. He wasn’t able to eat or keep anything down so the doctor’s performed another surgery in hopes of separating his organs. However the situation was so bad the doctor’s had to abandon the operation. For now — the only way Scott can get nutrients is through an IV which he has to be attached to for fourteen hours a day. He’s lost over fifty pounds in three months. And — in one of our last phone calls together Scott said — “Josh, I think I’m comfortable saying that I’m suffering now.”
Scott’s been married to his wife Angie for thirty-two years. And they have three kids — all college age or older. With that as an introduction to Scott and his situation — here’s my conversation with him about suffering and the hope that is still ours.
We have cards for you to sign if you’d like to encourage Scott. Write him a note, sign it, and drop it in the box/basket and we’ll mail them all together. Please don’t take them with you otherwise you’ll need to mail it yourself to Ward Church.
May you continue to live faithfully in this land of exile — and do so with great hope in knowing that your Rescuer is coming — and he is coming soon. Amen.
God loves you. I love you. You are sent.
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