by Ester yusufu | 5 September 2019 08:46 pm09
In Daniel 12:8-10, Daniel expresses confusion about the visions he received and asks God about the outcome of these events:
“I heard, but I did not understand. So I said, ‘Lord, what will be the outcome of these events?’
He replied, ‘Go your way, Daniel, for the words are sealed until the time of the end.
Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand.’”
Daniel’s question shows a human desire to understand God’s plan for the future, especially the “end times.” However, God reveals that the full understanding of these prophetic events is reserved for “the time of the end.” This teaches us that God controls revelation and that spiritual insight is granted according to His timing and to those who have spiritual wisdom (James 1:5).
The passage also clearly distinguishes between two groups at the end of time:
This echoes the biblical theme of judgment and separation (Matthew 25:31-46), where the righteous and the wicked receive different destinies.
Many believers today, like Daniel, long to know how the end will unfold. But God has purposely “sealed” these words until the appropriate time (Daniel 12:9), emphasizing the sovereignty of God over prophecy and the need for patience in waiting for His perfect timing (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
The Bible warns us that not everyone will understand or be ready when the end comes. Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-8
“Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.
While people are saying, ‘Peace and safety,’ destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.
You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.
So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.
For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.
But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.”
Paul contrasts those “in darkness” and “in light” — a spiritual state representing unbelief versus faith in Christ (Ephesians 5:8). The “day of the Lord” refers to Jesus’ final return, and the “thief in the night” analogy highlights suddenness and unexpectedness for the unprepared. The “wise” (children of light) are called to live with spiritual vigilance and moral sobriety, reflecting the New Testament teaching that faith must be active and watchful (Matthew 25:13; Mark 13:33).
It is important to understand that salvation is an active choice. God does not force anyone to follow Him. The Bible says those who try to live with one foot in the world and one in God’s kingdom will face judgment (Revelation 3:16). This verse speaks of God “spitting out” lukewarm believers—those who neither fully reject nor fully embrace Him.
Call to Action:
If you have not yet repented and accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, do so now sincerely. Repentance means turning away from sin and turning to God (Acts 3:19). Then be baptized by full immersion in water in the name of Jesus Christ as commanded in Acts 2:38
“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”
Baptism symbolizes the washing away of sin and new life in Christ (Romans 6:3-4). The Holy Spirit will guide you in truth and empower you to live faithfully in these last days (John 14:26).
If you have already believed but have grown weak or distant, now is the time to return wholeheartedly to God (Revelation 2:4-5). The coming days will be full of spiritual darkness, and many will search for light but will not find it (Isaiah 8:20).
May the Lord bless you and keep you firm in faith as you prepare for His coming.
Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2019/09/05/only-the-wise-will-understand/
Copyright ©2025 Wingu la Mashahidi unless otherwise noted.