Thursday 24 July 2008
- Bible Book:
- Daniel
"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." (v.1)
Background
The book of Daniel is the lengthiest example of apocalypticwriting in the Old Testament. It was probably written as Jewishresistance literature in the 2nd century BC when the Israeliteswere facing oppression under the Seleucid king Antiochus IVEpiphanes.
The first half of this book relates stories about Daniel and hiscompanions living under the rule of Babylonian and Median kings.The second half offers visions narrated by Daniel.
We cannot know for certain that Daniel existed, but the use of hisname alongside Noah and Job suggests that he was seen as an exampleof righteousness. He was faithful in difficult circumstances andhis story is meant to encourage and inspire us to befaithful.
The recording of people's names in a book, remembering thecontribution a person made through the entry, is something we stilldo today. Rolls of Honour, Books of Remembrance, thank you cards -God remembers them all. Perhaps especially in difficult times whenit is hard to do right, Daniel reminds us that God does not forgetand will reward faithful living.
Much of the detail of this reading I find impossible to understand.The passage itself suggests that some things will not be understoodfully until the end of time. (I would include this book!) But themessage of faithfulness and endurance is strong and clear.
To Ponder
Could you consider creating a 'book of life' ofthose whose example has encouraged your spiritual journey?
What is the place of dreams and visions for youin your life of faith?
In what ways might this kind of writing, and ourreaction, have similarities to our reflections upon contemporary ormodern art?