It is significant that in the first chapter of the book which records the beginning of the gospel era, the Saviour emphasises His return to His disciples. Surely that indicates that He would have them place a like emphasise on that truth as part of the gospel message!
We ended our study last week with a very brief look at two verses in the last chapter of Daniel’s prophecy.
Daniel is most anxious to know when the great trouble spoken by the angel would overtake the Jews.
“And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things?” verse 8.
The reply he was given is to be noted carefully.
“And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end,” Daniel 12:9.
I. THIS EXPLAINS, IN PART, WHY THERE ARE SO MANY CONFLICTING NOTIONS AS TO THE EVENTS OF THE LAST DAYS AND JUST WHEN THEY ARE!
The full information given in prophecy regarding the final events before the Saviour returns is ‘sealed up’ by the Lord “TILL THE TIME OF THE END”!
Other truths were sealed up and then opened in GOD’S TIME, Ephesians 3:4-6.
Note ‘Shut up, Closed up’ (verses 4, 9), the word is used in Genesis 26:15 (wells closed); also in 1 Kings 21:8-Jezebel/letters.
A book that is shut up, closed up and sealed cannot be read until it is opened! At best, it is a guess at what might be with the sealed book can be given. Sadly, many have put forward their guesses and claimed they were divine truth!
II. HOWEVER, THERE IS A PROMISE HERE OF THE TRUTH OF THESE PROPHECIES BEING OPENED IN THE END TIMES.
“And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end,” verse 9.
I believe that the Lord conceals for a time certain truths concerning His return to avoid His people speculating and falsely seeing in events taking place, the signs we are to look for. Such speculations have soon been shown to be foolish and false. For example, many saw Hitler as the ‘Antichrist’ on the basis of his persecution of the Jews. But he had no connection with either Jerusalem or Babylon and so could not have been the ‘Beast’!
I believe that there has been an opening up to men of an understanding of prophecies of the latter days. Over 150 years ago good men began expositions of prophecies which, though mocked by some, are irrefutable to this day being based upon a literal understanding of the Word of God. Men like the Bonar brothers, William De Burgh, who preached here in Co. Tyrone, Benjamin Wills Newton, George Muller and C H Spurgeon have led the return to a simple understanding of the Scriptures. As in our school, matters not taught in a lower class are fully taught in a higher class!
III. THEN THE LORD WILL BE PLEASED TO OPEN UP HIS TRUTH TO HIS PEOPLE AND SHOW THEM HOW HE WILL BRING AN END TO MAN’S REBELLION AGAINST HIM AND HIS PEOPLE!
Thus the disciples were assured that all the labours in spreading the gospel would end in victory! The angels said: “This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven,”verse 11. The Saviour left this earth having FINISHED the task given Him by the Father. He had risen from the dead, despite the best efforts of the devil and men. So He will come in like VICTORY!