Daniel 10-12 is a singular vision that gives both clarity and wonder about the day that Jesus returns. That is is the day we are to focus on and it should give us clarity, passion, and purpose as we live our lives. Chapter 12:1 begins with, “at that time”, which is the time of the reign and end of the Antichrist. There will be “a time of trouble”, which is described in Rev 12:7-11. Verse one ends with “but at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book.” There is a real book with the names of those who have proclaimed Jesus as Lord. Rev 20:11-15 ends with, “and if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” If your name is written in the Book of Life, then you can live with a humble confidence that you will be with the saints in paradise. That should affect how you live. That day should inform this day! A basic question of humanity is, “what happens to me when I die?” Chapter 12:2 is the first mention in the Bible of “everlasting life”. There are belief systems including: Materialism (body but no soul) Universalism (we all end up at the same place) Reincarnation (just try harder next time) Annilhism (there is no afterlife, so I can do whatever I want to do) These are all lies. We are a soul, and our soul will spend eternity with Christ in heaven or apart from Him in hell. Death is not the most tragic thing in life. To die without Jesus Christ as your Savior is the most tragic. 1 Corinthians 15:12-26 speaks of the resurrection and talks of Jesus as the Firstfruits. The Jewish people had 7 feasts, and the second feast, which occurred in the spring, was called Firstfruits. “Firstfruits” refers to the fruits, vegetables, and grains that ripen first during the harvest. In ancient Israel, people would offer the firstfruits of their harvest as a holy sacrifice to God in the temple. This was a way to show gratitude and devotion to God. 1 Cor 15:20 refers to Jesus as the “firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep”. This means that Jesus was the first person to be resurrected from the dead, and that his resurrection is a model for what will happen to believers in the future. Since the firstfruits are a sign that the harvest has begun and many more crops are yet to come, the Apostle Paul is saying that Jesus Christ was the first from among the dead (“them that slept”) to rise again and that many more will yet be resurrected. Verse 3 shows us that wisdom is turning “many to righteousness”. In other words, sharing your faith and leading others to follow you to “That Day” is what wisdom looks like. The rest of the chapter shows that Daniel doesn’t understand all that is being said, but he is to seal it and preserve it (for us). He is to live his life, and go his way. The same can be said for us. We must live our lives with that day in mind. We do this by: -making disciples, loving God, loving people -loving your spouse, your kids, grandkids, parents -loving your neighbors, your co-workers, and students -loving the nations When you do this, you will find something/Someone at the end who is so very worth it all! Questions to Consider: What is a day this year or next year that you are anticipating? What are you doing to get ready for that day? Who are you investing your time with? How does a message like Daniel 12 ground you in a season of busyness? Are you living your life with “That Day” in mind? How?