July 9: RESTORATION OF ALL THINGS

Those who are wise shall shine Like the brightness of the firmament, And those who turn many to righteousness Like the stars forever and ever. Daniel 12:3

This verse marks the close of Daniel’s final vision. The angel revealing all these things to him must have tenderly welled up with great affection as Daniel faithfully recorded things that he did not understand (v.8). It is likely that the last person Daniel would have thought of as he penned today’s verse was himself. In his humility and great love for God, he simply walked with Him throughout each day, maintaining a life of prayer, meticulously recording what we now call the book of Daniel, even maintaining Biblical eating habits learned in childhood (1:8) as the world around him ate the Babylonian diet.

Jesus, in speaking to His disciples about His second advent and the events surrounding it, said: “Then the righteous shall shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” (Matthew 13:43) Today’s opening verse connects wisdom and witnessing. These aspects of the Christian life overlap and are not to be separated. They are “riches” that increase as they are exercised. We are taught to pursue wisdom (Proverbs 4:5,7; 16:16; 19:8). In gaining wisdom, the wise recognize its application for the benefit of others. Jesus said “Therefore take heed how you hear. For whoever has, more will be given” (Luke 8:18a). Sharing with others—witnessing—is vital. Ironically, there is no wisdom gained if its pursuit is not combined with its purpose. Jesus continued: “and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have will be taken from him.” (v.18b)

What does it mean to shine like the stars? The context of today’s verse is just before the return of the Lord. In preparing the way for the Lord’s earthly ministry, John the Baptist was compared to Elijah. Today, at the time of the end (Daniel 11:40, 12:9), there is a call to prepare the way for the Lord’s return. The last-day church is called to fill the role of Elijah in preparing the world.

The sighting of Jesus, with Moses and Elijah, at the mount of transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9; Mark 9:1--9) was a miniature picture of Christ’s Second Coming. Immediately afterward, He said: “Indeed, Elijah is coming first and will restore all things. But I say to you that Elijah has come already [referring to John the Baptist], and they did not know him but did to him whatever they wished.” (Matthew 17:11-12) And remember that the face of Moses was shining brightly as he carried the Ten Commandments (Exodus 34:29). We are called to carry them on our hearts! The Reformation is a slow-motion restoration of all things. Not everyone will believe, but all things will be restored to preaching, including the exclusive role of God as Creator (the opposite of the popular notion of evolution) and the seventh-day Sabbath (see Genesis 2:1-3 & Revelation 14:7) which has never changed. The New Testament affirms the Lord Jesus Christ as Creator, Redeemer, and Judge.

Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began. Acts 3:21