Shining in Babylon | Daniel 11 & 12

We are at the end of our study in the Book of Daniel! We have heard that Daniel was a devoted follower of God who was taken from his home and forced to live in Babylon. Through his story, we can see what it looks like to live holy lives in a corrupt culture.

The Book of Daniel wraps up with chapters 11 and 12. In Daniel 11, we see a lengthy prophecy about future kingdoms. In Daniel 12, we see the prophecies conclude with predictions about the end of all time. Here is a brief overview of these chapters and what we can learn from them.

*This post is a summary of Pastor Bobby’s sermon on 8/21/2022. You can find the sermon video below.

Daniel 11 & 12

Daniel 11 and 12 are part of the longest single prophecy in the entire Bible! In chapter 11, Daniel is given numerous accounts of future kingdoms. As we look back on history, we can see direct parallels between these prophecies and their fulfillments. For example, in Daniel 11:3-4, it says,

“Then a mighty king shall arise, who shall rule with great dominion and do as he wills. And as soon as he has arisen, his kingdom shall be broken and divided toward the four winds of heaven, but not to his posterity…”

This prophecy was fulfilled through Alexander the Great, a mighty conqueror who died at the age of 32. Upon his death, his kingdom was divided and given to four of his generals. We can see examples like this of fulfilled prophecy throughout the entire chapter of Daniel 11.

Then in Daniel 12, we see prophecies about the end times and the AntiChrist. We continue to see conflict after conflict, which could make us wonder – why does God allow His people to suffer so much?

In Daniel 11:35 and 12:10, we find the answer: God allows suffering to refine us. Conflict and suffering force us to rely on God and remind us that this world is not our home. When the problems of this life bring us to our knees, we can turn our eyes to heaven and remember the promise of a future without suffering or death.

Conclusion

As followers of Jesus, we can shine in our own version of Babylon by following Daniel’s example. We can spend time regularly with God. Then, as we engage in intimacy with Him, God will grant us wisdom and understanding about the times we are living in. Instead of being anxious and afraid, God will help us to understand how He’s working and He will help us to shine in the midst of darkness.