READ: Daniel 7-12
Growing up, I was terrified of the end times— Earth’s future fate after the return of Christ. Daniel is the second most studied book about the end times, following Revelation. Late in his life, Daniel records a series of visions, dreams, and images that represent the events surrounding the return of Jesus. To sum it up, things get really bad before they get really good. When you’re reading these recordings in Daniel 7-12, they can seem scary. The end times are marked by chaos, calamity, and conflict on a universal scale. These visions aren’t in Scripture to scare us. They’re actually there to soothe us. Daniel claims a clear message using complex imagery— God is in control now and forever. It’s not about horror; it’s about hope.
The visions in Daniel 7-12 are confusing. We must fight the urge to treat these visions like a National Treasure script where each image and phrase pieces together a cosmic puzzle. Yes, it’s fun to read apocalyptic literature and try to understand the symbolism. There are scholars who make this their life focus; however, that’s not the main message for us. Even Daniel doesn’t understand most of his visions (Daniel 12:8). The prophet was shaken with confusion after seeing all these convoluted visions flash before his eyes. He had the same questions that we all have now (Daniel 12:5; 12:8), “When will this happen, and what does it mean?”
A figure clothed in white linen replied with a smile, “As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance” (Daniel 12:13).
If confusion or distress about the future overwhelms you, take the same advice given to Daniel. Just go on with your life. Move forward in faith. The future may be unclear, but we know that God is in control. A famous hymn echoes this by saying, “I may not know what the future holds, but I know who holds my future.” We can take hope in that. Fearlessly move forward into the future God has for you.