Years ago, when I was back in school, often the teachers would put the names of the students who got an “A” on a big test up on a list, taping it to the wall. All the students would anxiously gather around to see if their name was on that list. They would do that again at the end of the school year. The names of all the students who passed the class would be on a list. “Is my name on that list? Oh, I hope so!” everyone would say. Many like to see their name on a list of those invited to a party or wedding of friends. It can be a big let-down if your name is not on the list. There is another list, written in a book, that it is very important that one finds their name on, and it will be worse than any let-down or failing a class if one’s name is not there. Let’s read our Scripture for today from the prophet Daniel.
As we read this passage, Daniel is prophesying about the end times, right at the end of the Great Tribulation. During the Great Tribulation there will be an unprecedented attack to exterminate all who have come to faith in the Lord Jesus during that time, and especially against the Jewish people (vs. 1). God’s people, throughout every age, have always been under attack from the enemies of God, going all the way back to righteous Abel being attacked by wicked Cain. During these days at the end times, though, the persecution will be worse than anything the world has ever seen before. Michael the Archangel will fight for believers then, or else it might have been possible for every believer to be exterminated.
Daniel then mentions a book where names are written. Those whose names are written in this book will be delivered. They will be delivered from eternal death, delivered from eternal destruction. This is a book that we read about in several other passages of Scripture. The Prophet Malachi calls it a Book of Remembrance, where he says that the names of all those who fear the Lord are listed (Malachi 3:16). Jesus spoke of a list of the names of all believers written in heaven (Luke 10:20). The Book of Revelation mentions a book like this several times. We read about it in Revelation 13:8; 17:8; 20:12-15; and 21:27, and it is called the Lamb’s Book of Life. The names of all believers who are saved and granted a place in heaven are listed there. Those whose names are not found there will find eternal damnation.
After these end time persecutions we briefly read in Daniel’s prophecy about the resurrection of the just and unjust (vs. 2). Two groups will rise from death. Those who are saved will rise to eternal life. The unsaved will rise to eternal torment. The final chapters of the Book of Revelation describe this time in more detail.
Daniel describes how those who are wise will shine like bright stars in the sky (vs 3). Have you ever wanted to be a star? Many have desired to be a star in the sense of a movie star from Hollywood. However, Hollywood is not the place to look to in order to find true glory. When believers die, they won’t become a literal celestial object burning brightly out in the universe. However, Scripture says we will shine like a star does. God’s Word tells us that if we turn people to righteousness, in other words, lead people to faith in the Lord Jesus, we will shine like a star for God. Do you want to be wise and be a star? Bring others to faith in Jesus. That is showing real wisdom, and we can be a greater star than anything Hollywood puts out!
Today people are running hither and yon, trying to find answers, trying to find truth, and answers to world problems (vs. 4). They may feel that knowledge and science is increasing, but unless they find their answers and the truth in the Bible, it is nothing. It is all in vain.
The wise are those who have accepted Jesus as Savior when the offer was open. There will come a time when that offer is closed, and it is too late. The offer is open now, but won’t always remain so. Do you know whether your name is written down in the Lamb’s Book of Life? As the great old-time hymn says:
Is my name written there
On the page white and fair?
In the book of Thy kingdom,
Is my name written there?
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