Deeper Reflection
What is required for the prophetic-theological visions given to Daniel by God in Daniel 7 to 12 is “understanding of the visions” (Dan 8:15-17; 9:22-23; 10:1, 12, 14). This “understanding” comes only from God, “who gives wisdom to wise men and knowledge to men of understanding” (Dan 2:21). For us today, this “understanding” is already given in the book of Daniel. But we must “set your heart on understanding it” with humble and earnest seeking of God (Dan 10:1-3, 12).God’s people who have “understanding of the visions” are called “those who have insight”, who live during the unprecedented “time of distress” (vv.1, 3). It means then that we must be people “who have insight” to live triumphantly in the unprecedented “time of distress”. Such people of God “shine brightly” with heavenly brightness (v.3a) by “holding fast the Word of life” (Phil 2:15-16). Heaven shines in our earthly suffering! These people know God’s purpose for their suffering: “to refine, purge and make them pure”, in which they persevere “until the end time” (Dan 11:35). And as they are refined and purified by God, they shine even brighter in their suffering. This brightness is the glory of God. We “suffer with Christ, so that we may also be glorified with Him” (Rom 8:17).“Those who have insight” are leaders and disciplemakers “who lead the many to righteousness” (v.3b). This righteous teaching and leading with godly wisdom is critical, because in such “time of distress”, God’s people can be easily and quickly tempted to compromise or depart from their faith (cf. Dan 11:30, 32-34; see 1 Tim 4:1).