{"id":22409,"date":"2024-09-13T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-09-13T05:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mailchi.mp\/urc\/urc-daily-devotion-13-september-2024"},"modified":"2024-09-13T06:00:00","modified_gmt":"2024-09-13T05:00:00","slug":"urc-daily-devotion-13-september-2024","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.trinitywimbledon.org\/index.php\/urc-daily-devotion-13-september-2024\/","title":{"rendered":"URC Daily Devotion 13 September 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"

Daniel 12: 5 – 13<\/strong><\/p>\n

Then I, Daniel, looked, and two others appeared, one standing on this bank of the stream and one on the other.  One of them said to the man clothed in linen, who was upstream, \u2018How long shall it be until the end of these wonders?\u2019 The man clothed in linen, who was upstream, raised his right hand and his left hand towards heaven. And I heard him swear by the one who lives for ever that it would be for a time, two times, and half a time, and that when the shattering of the power of the holy people comes to an end, all these things would be accomplished. I heard but could not understand; so I said, \u2018My lord, what shall be the outcome of these things?\u2019  He said, \u2018Go your way, Daniel, for the words are to remain secret and sealed until the time of the end. 1 Many shall be purified, cleansed, and refined, but the wicked shall continue to act wickedly. None of the wicked shall understand, but those who are wise shall understand. From the time that the regular burnt-offering is taken away and the abomination that desolates is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days. Happy are those who persevere and attain the thousand three hundred and thirty-five days. But you, go your way, and rest; you shall rise for your reward at the end of the days.\u2019<\/p>\n

Reflection<\/strong><\/p>\n

This reflection is particularly timely as the final chapter of Daniel is delivered to us on Friday the 13th. Just as in Daniel\u2019s era, we witness significant shifts in the political landscape today. Writing this Daily Devotion in July 2024, presidential hopeful Donald Trump has survived an assassination attempt, and President Biden\u2019s prospects for a second term appear bleak. Concerns about political violence, the future of democracy, and the global order are widespread.<\/p>\n

In such tumultuous times, it is natural to wonder how long we must endure before we see the light at the end of the tunnel \u2014 or the end of days. It is tempting to skip to the final chapter of the story, hoping for a happy ending. However, this last chapter is written with ambiguity. There are no straightforward answers here. Two time periods are mentioned: 1290 days and 1335 days, approximately 3\u00bd years. While it may be tempting to analyse these numbers and compare them with historical events, the message is clear: Those who remain steadfast and patient will be rewarded.<\/p>\n

Biblical scholar C.L. Seow, in his commentary in the Westminster Bible Companion, provides a valuable interpretation of Daniel:<\/p>\n

\u201cHerein, too, is a message for the reader of the book at any time: one must keep on going in life despite the overwhelming presence of evil, despite the ambiguities, terrors, and travails of one\u2019s time. One keeps on going, trusting only in the power of God to deliver the faithful who are alive and even to resurrect those who are not, for God\u2019s power is not limited to this life and this world that one sees and knows.\u201d<\/p>\n

Prayer<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dear Jesus, in the comfort of your love, 
I lay before you the memories that haunt me, 
the anxieties that perplex me, the despair that frightens me, 
and my frustration at my inability to think clearly. 
Help me to discover your forgiveness in my memories and know your peace in my distress. 
Touch me, O Lord, and fill me with your light and your hope.
Amen<\/p>\n

(Prayer from Grace Cathedral , San Francisco)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Daniel 12: 5 – 13 Then I, Daniel, looked, and two others appeared, one standing on this bank of the stream and one on the other.  One of them said to the man clothed in linen, who was upstream, \u2018How long shall it be until the end of these wonders?\u2019 The man clothed in linen, … <\/p>\n

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