Daniel

Daniel 12: Many will awake from the dust

Begin in prayer

Before we read the last words of Daniel, let us ask God to show us that many who sleep in the dust will awake, and to lead us to Christ, who rose first.

You, who have shown us many and bitter troubles, you will let me live. You will bring us up again from the depths of the earth.

Psalm 71:20

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word. Show us that many who sleep in the dust will awake, and help us to see Christ, who rose first. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

Daniel is told that at a time of trouble his people will be delivered, everyone written in the book. Many who sleep in the dust will awake, some to everlasting life and some to shame. Those who are wise will shine like the sky, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars. Daniel sees two others by the river, and the man in linen swears by the One who lives forever. Daniel hears but does not understand, and he is told the words are sealed until the time of the end. He is told to go his way, for he will rest and stand in his lot at the end of the days.

As you read Daniel 12, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

Many who sleep in the dust will awake, and Daniel will rest and then stand in his lot.

At a time of trouble, Daniel's people would be delivered, “everyone who shall be found written in the book” (verse 1). Then the one speaking with Daniel said, “Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake” (verse 2). Some would awake to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt (verse 2). Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky (verse 3). Those who turn many to righteousness shall shine like the stars forever (verse 3). Daniel heard but did not understand, and the words were sealed until the time of the end (verses 8 and 9). He was told, “go you your way until the end,” for he would rest and stand in his lot (verse 13). Daniel could go his way without knowing every detail, because the promise of waking and standing was sure.

How does Daniel 12 show us that many who sleep in the dust will awake, and that Daniel will rest and then stand in his lot at the end?

At a time of trouble, Daniel's people would be delivered.

Michael, the great prince, would stand up for Daniel's people (verse 1). There would be a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation (verse 1). Then Daniel's people would be delivered, everyone found written in the book (verse 1). Daniel was told to shut up the words and seal the book until the time of the end (verse 4).

Many who sleep in the dust will awake.

Daniel was told that many who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake (verse 2). Some will awake to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt (verse 2). Those who are wise shall shine like the sky, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever (verse 3).

Daniel was told to go his way, for he would rest and stand.

Daniel heard the words but did not understand them, and he asked what the outcome would be (verse 8). Daniel was told the words were shut up and sealed until the time of the end (verse 9). He told Daniel to go his way until the end, for he would rest and stand in his lot (verse 13). Jesus said that He is the resurrection and the life (John 11 verse 25). Christ has been raised from the dead as the first of those who sleep (1 Corinthians 15 verse 20).

Memorise

But go you your way until the end; for you shall rest, and shall stand in your lot, at the end of the days.

Daniel 12:13

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, do I trust the One who is the resurrection and the life?

Daniel was told, “you shall rest, and shall stand in your lot, at the end of the days.” Jesus told Martha that He is the resurrection and the life (John 11 verse 25).

Sin brought death, and no one can wake himself from the grave. So Jesus paid the debt of His people on the cross, once for all. Then He rose from the grave, the first of all who sleep.

So come to the One who raises the dead. Turn from your sin and put your trust in Jesus. Everyone who trusts Him is forgiven and will live with Him forever.

Parent's note

Tell your children that many who sleep in the dust will awake, and that Daniel will rest and stand in his lot. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart. Parents, verse 2 speaks of everlasting contempt, and verses 11 and 12 give day counts, so please read them gently.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God that many who sleep in the dust will awake, and bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

But if the Spirit of him who raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised up Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

Romans 8:11

Lord God, thank You that many who sleep in the dust will awake. Thank You for Jesus, who rose from the dead. We have sinned, and we cannot raise ourselves. Please help us to put our trust in Him. Amen.