Daniel 12:1-3 (NRSV)
Read Daniel 12:1-3 on biblegateway.com
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
In 1833, a man named William Miller predicted the Second Advent of Jesus Christ would be on Oct. 22, 1844. Most people, including me, do not know what to do with such talk. But today is Easter Monday, 2011, so it is a bit jarring to hear the angel Michael saying, "There will be a time of anguish, such has never occurred since nations first came into existence." However, he also leaves a word of promise: "Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life..." It doesn't come close to the amazing news we heard yesterday, but it does promise deliverance and resurrection.
Yesterday, the angel who stood at the empty tomb of Jesus said, "Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised." We don't normally hear angels making announcements and it has been a long time since most of us have given any thought to Armageddon, but yesterday's words from the angel were stunning. My plan for today is just to repeat them over and over and let the wonder and awe sink in.
Prayer
Lord God, our eyes and ears are used to daily news of death, war, natural disasters, and those disasters caused by humans. Today, help us to be grateful for that first Easter announcement: "He is not here, for he has been raised." Let that earthshaking message of Good News sink in and give us faith enough to live today and provide hope for tomorrow. Christ is Risen!