Daniel 12:2-3 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. English Standard Version (ESV)
Verse 4 in this passage speaks of a future time when "many will run to and fro" increasing in knowledge. Travelling this week across the country through airports and the crowded highways in Los Angeles and on to Las Vegas, there were plenty of people running to and fro searching for something. Some were chasing the almighty dollar, some seeking "stardom", some seeking some kind of advantage in business, many perhaps were just trying to get ahead or keep their heads above water. But if there searching and striving in life is without God, His purposes for them and His guidance, it is all futile.
With all of the running about we must all realize that we are all human. One thing is certain, 100% of us will die at some point and we will awake somewhere else. The prophet Daniel then and now asks those reading his words, ordained by God, which course they will choose to take, to everlasting life or to everlasting contempt.
Some in this rat race of running to and fro have an outright contempt for God and anyone who believes in Him, follows Him and puts their faith and trust in Him. It truly is tragic.
I don't know what the future running to and fro will look like, perhaps it will be looking up friends and loved ones who have gone before us, sharing stories and growing in the knowledge and glory of the grace of God for eternity. We can look forward to that day but should also, share His love, share our faith with others on the other track, hoping that they may turn and place their trust in God and "shine" like the stars in the glory of God's love.
Daniel 12:2-4The Message (MSG)
The Worst Trouble the World Has Ever Seen
12 1-2 "'That's when Michael, the great angel-prince, champion of your people, will step in. It will be a time of trouble, the worst trouble the world has ever seen. But your people will be saved from the trouble, every last one found written in the Book. Many who have been long dead and buried will wake up, some to eternal life, others to eternal shame.
3 "'Men and women who have lived wisely and well will shine brilliantly, like the cloudless, star-strewn night skies. And those who put others on the right path to life will glow like stars forever.
4 "'This is a confidential report, Daniel, for your eyes and ears only. Keep it secret. Put the book under lock and key until the end. In the interim there is going to be a lot of frantic running around, trying to figure out what's going on.'
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