Conflicts to come
Day 434, Sunday, Oct. 19
Daniel 11:2 – Chapter 12
As we have read in the previous prophets—and know from history—Israel will continue to be buffeted by being ruled by different empires for years to come. Most of today’s reading is a look ahead to that period of violence and instability.
Daniel does contain a passage illustrating a belief in a resurrection at the end of the age. In 12:2 we read, “Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.”
12:1 even has a reference to names written in the book—an idea we will see again in Revelation.
Daniel ends with words of assurance for the prophet: “As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance.”

-Rev. Mark Fleming

Sunday meditation

Psalms 12:1-8
Help, Lord, for no one is faithful anymore; those who are loyal have vanished from the human race. Everyone lies to their neighbor; they flatter with their lips but harbor deception in their hearts.
May the Lord silence all flattering lips and every boastful tongue—those who say, “By our tongues we will prevail; our own lips will defend us—who is lord over us?”
“Because the poor are plundered and the needy groan, I will now arise,” says the Lord. “I will protect them from those who malign them.” And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times.
You, Lord, will keep the needy safe and will protect us forever from the wicked, who freely strut about when what is vile is honored by the human race.

Prayer focus
Lord, protect us from the wicked, who freely strut about when what is vile is honored by the human race.