Daniel 12

Daniel 12:3 (ESV)

[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.

 

To live wisely and to turn many to righteousness, that is what Israel was called to do. That is essentially the call of every believer. That is not substantially different than, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations … teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." (Mt 28:19-20)  He didn't say, "Live comfortably," or "Live peacefully," or "Live happily." He said, "Live wisely." Yes, God is the God of all comfort, but the purpose of our lives is not simply to live comfortably. Yes, God is the God of peace, and we find peace in him, but that is not the purpose of our lives. Yes, God is a God of joy and he often surprises us with the gift of joy in the midst of our darkest hour. But finding joy is not the purpose of our lives. We are called to live wisely, turning many to righteousness. That is how Jesus lived, and that is ultimately the purpose of our lives for the few short years we live on this planet.

 

We won't figure everything out. We won't understand every intricacy of the scriptures. We won't solve the problems of the universe. But we do have the option of helping change lives for eternity. Daniel has just been given a revelation that he does not understand. What is he told to do with it? Is he told to spend his life trying to understand these mysteries? No. He is told, "But go your way till the end. And you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days." (Daniel 12:13) In other words, "Don't spend your life trying to figure out these mysteries. Get on with living wisely and turning many to righteousness."

 

At some point we have to ask ourselves what our lives are about. What are we trying to build? In the end the only things that won't burn are the lives we have touched with the gospel. Do your job. Raise your children. Help the poor. Enjoy what God has given you.  But ultimately, live wisely turning many to righteousness.

 

Father, I acknowledge that I have wasted too many days and even years of my life running after things that have no eternal value. Today may I give my life to eternity. Teach me what it means to live wisely.

 

By His grace,

Rick Weinert

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