November 28, 2024
Daily Devotion:
“God’s Time of Gracious Patience”
Daniel 8:1-2
New International Version
8 In the third year of King Belshazzar’s reign, I, Daniel, had a vision, after the one that had already appeared to me. 2 In my vision I saw myself in the citadel of Susa in the province of Elam; in the vision I was beside the Ulai Canal.
Daniel was given a second vision a couple of years after the first one. This vision was of a ram, goat, and again more horns and arrogant words! This time God provided the angel Gabriel to help Daniel understand the vision. Daniel was terrified. Gabriel wanted Daniel to know that this vision was about the time of the end.
There would be an evil, rash, deceitful king who would rise to power and seek to destroy the people of God. He would be arrogant and able to deceive many, so they were unaware of his schemes. He would set himself up against God. He was undefeatable by This vision terrified Daniel so much that he was exhausted and sick for days. Daniel wasn't given all the answers he would like to have, which was why he said there was no one to explain it.
Throughout history, there have been those who at times believed the end of the world must be imminent when
evil people rise to power. We must be careful not to be led astray or distracted. We need discernment. God has told us some of the signs of the end of time, but Jesus also said that His return will be like a thief in the night. It will be unexpected. Just like with Daniel, God doesn't tell us all the answers to the questions we'd like to know. What God wants for us is to be ready. He wants us to live in holiness and godliness, which are growing in grace and knowledge of Him. We must be ready to meet Jesus.
This is God's time of gracious patience. During this time, he is seeking an opportunity for all to come to repentance. God doesn't want any to perish. As believers, we get to be part of
the mission to spread the good news of Jesus to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:7-8). When thinking about the end times, remember these words: Jesus is coming- Be ready!
