Daniel 12:1-3 (NRSV)
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Chapter 12"At that time Michael, the great prince, the protector of your people, shall arise. There shall be a time of anguish, such as has never occurred since nations first came into existence. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who is found written in the book. Verse 2Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. Verse 3Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.
Devotion
My mother is a wise and thoughtful woman and often engages me on matters of life and faith. Usually she starts by asking me questions, but I am typically the one who ends up learning something life-changing. During one of our many discussions about suffering, she said to me, “Most of the time, life is hard. It took me a while to realize that. Once I figured that out, it was easy to celebrate all the times my life had been simply joyful.”
It sounds pessimistic, but it’s not. When we are able to celebrate the good things – God’s gifts, our abundant riches, our simple blessings – we are able to have hope. As this passage from Daniel reminds us, there will be times of great anguish. Some days will be long and difficult. But God still carries us through those times and we can be grateful for God’s deliverance and rich mercy. Instead of losing faith or commitment in hard times, we should always give of ourselves abundantly. Whether good times or hard, God is with us, and we can only be thankful.
Prayer
Gracious and merciful God, keep us from fair-weather faith. Grant us generosity in all times, so we can live in gratitude of your many gifts, no matter what. Amen.