In the Scriptures we are told, “Blessed is he who waits, and comes to the one thousand three hundred and thirty-five days” (Daniel 12:12). Indeed, there most certainly will be a tremendous blessing in that future time -- an inheritance for those who prepare for it!
"But you, go your way till the end; for you shall rest, and will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days." Daniel 12:13
“But you, go your way till the end...” speaks of keeping busy and of occupying till the Lord comes. God’s people are to
“...not be weary in well doing...” so that we will reap in due time (Galatians 6:9). God would have us to fulfill our calling in light of the things to come. There is most certainly enough to do while we await our Lord’s return! The Bible urges us to “always be abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). This includes witnessing!
“...for you shall rest...” speaks of the peaceful sleep of death for the saints; especially in view of better things to come. The greater the rest in death depends on the degree of work in this life. Work now, rest later!
“...and will arise...” speaks of the resurrection when all our hopes are realized. Some will experience the “better resurrection” mentioned in Hebrews 11:35.
“...to your inheritance...” speaks about the benefits of the resurrection and the need of the resurrection to receive the promise of eternal [kingdom] life. In Daniel 12:2 it is referred to as rising “to eternal life” which describes the level of life we will receive. Our body will be raised incorruptible; a glorious body like that of Christ’s resurrected body (1 Corinthians 15:52, 53 ; Philippians 3:21). Indeed, the reward of the inheritance (Colossians 3:23, 24) we will receive will most certainly be incorruptible (1 Peter 1:3, 4).
“...at the end of the days.” In other words, at the last day, just as Jesus foretold in John’s gospel (John 11:24). We are longing for that “last” day to finally arrive so that we can finally experience the righteousness, peace and joy of the kingdom for which we have been praying. Such will be the “Day of Christ” when the Lord sends out His angels with the sound of a trumpet to gather together His elect from every direction (four winds) and assemble them unto Christ in mid-air!
Is it any wonder then that Daniel points his readers to that special future time when the Messiah returns with His inheritance (reward): “Blessed is he who waits, and comes to the one thousand three hundred and thirty-five days” (Daniel 12:12). But until then, let us be busy in the task of witnessing and “turning many to righteousness” for such is the work we are called to do.
“And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.” — Daniel 12:3
By: Pastor Mike Maney