Daniel 12:13

In view of the end.

Daniel is the apocalyptic prophet of the Old Testament. To him, more than to any other man, were given visions of the vast future and the destined end of the present world. Such revelations must have made a deep impression on the man himself. The right use of that impression is here indicated.

I. IN VIEW OF THE END WE SHOULD LIVE OUR PRESENT LIFE QUIETLY , FAITHFULLY , AND PATIENTLY . The vision of the end is not to distract our attention from present duties, but rather to inspire us for them. The neglect of practical Christianity for millennarian speculations is contrary to the purpose of revelation. The idea that we must omit any earthly duty in order to be ready for heaven is a delusion. He is most fit to die who is most fit to live. He who does his work best here is most ready for his rest hereafter. And he who feels most truly the power of the world to come will serve most faithfully in the present world.

1 . We should be simple and calm. The true view of the end is not disturbing and exciting, it brings before our mind visions of rest and peace, the anticipation of which should impart a quiet simplicity to our spiritual life.

2 . "We should be faithful to our mission. " "Go thy way"—do not go out of thy vocation. Serve God there. Prepare fur the end in thy natural condition. If the end is thought of, it should inspire the more earnestness in present work, because

3 . We should be patient. Daniel is admonished to go on his way till the end. This implies patience. He that thus "waiteth" is blessed (verse 12). We do not know when the end will be. We cannot expedite it. It is best that it should delay till God's time. Since his time is best, impatience is foolish.

II. A SUFFICIENT REVELATION OF THE END IS GIVEN TO US FOR GUIDING OUR COURSE HERE ARIGHT . We need have no feverish anxiety about the future if we are truly Christian. Though there is much mystery, there is light for guidance and encouragement. This reveals important facts, viz.:

1 . There will be rest—the rest of the grave ( Job 3:17 ), and the sleep in Jesus ( 1 Thessalonians 4:14 ).

2 . There will be a resurrection. Daniel will awake from the sleep of the grave to "stand in his lot" (verse 2). This is confirmed by the teaching ( John 5:28 , John 5:29 ) and example of Christ ( 1 Corinthians 15:12 ). Whatever may be the external conditions of the resurrection, the essential fact is life after death, with the possession of all our powers and faculties.

3 . There will be a discriminating allotment of destinies in the future life. Daniel will stand in his tot. Every man will go to "his own place" ( Acts 1:25 ). The place is first determined

but finally assigned according to the righteous judgment and forgiving grace of God ( Acts 17:31 ),

HOMILIES BY H.T. ROBJOHNS