For A Time

Daniel 8:13-14 Then I heard a holy one speaking, and another holy one said to him, “How long will it take for the vision to be fulfilled — the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, the rebellion that causes desolation, and the surrender of the sanctuary and of the host that will be trampled underfoot?” 14 He said to me, “It will take 2,300 evenings and mornings; then the sanctuary will be reconsecrated.”
 
DANIEL hears two holy ones –angelic representatives of God – speaking to each other. It’s as if the question is spoken for Daniel’s benefit.
    When asked, “How long will it take for the vision to be fulfilled?” the angel’s reply is 2,300 evenings and mornings. The two morning and evening sacrifices are generally considered one day. Thus, this refers to 1,150 days –  three years (360 days each) plus 70 days. This is the time of Antiochus’ desecration of the temple mentioned in our previous lesson. It began on December 16, 167 B.C. and ended on December 25, 164 B.C. and into early 163. That is when Judas Maccabaeus, a Jewish nationalist, led the Jews to rededicate the temple and to renew the worship to the LORD God. Jews have celebrated this event as Hanukkah ever since. Out of darkness comes the light.
    Here again is the demonstration of God’s justice and authority. God allows corruption and evil to reign for reasons we cannot fully fathom, Perhaps it is his judgment. Possibly he is awakening us to our need for his salvation. But he ends the tribulation. Times of trial become times of triumph. Times of distress become times of joy. Times of doubt become times of faith.
    What time is it for you? In each season, there is a time to call on God, to seek, to pray and to hear from his messenger, the Holy Spirit. Is it time to see God’s justice, grace and mercy through the salvation of Jesus Christ? Is it time to give thanks to God he has brought his great light to shine throughout time and into eternity.
 
Ecclesiastes 3:1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.