THE GREAT PRINCE GOES INTO ACTION

Daniel 12:1 reads: "During that time Michael will stand up, the great prince who is standing in behalf of the sons of your people."  This verse foretells these two distinct things regarding Michael:  one, that he "is standing," suggesting a state of affairs that extends over a period of time; two, that he will "stand up," suggesting an event during that period of time.  First, we want to know the period when Michael is "standing in behalf of  the sons of [Daniel's] people."  Recall that Michael is a name given to Jesus in his role as heavenly Ruler.  The reference to his  "standing" reminds us of the way that this term is used elsewhere in the book of Daniel. It often refers to the action of a king, such as his taking up royal power. -Daniel 11:2-4m 7, 20, 21. 

It is evident that the angel was here  pointing to a period of time specified elsewhere in Bible prophecy.  Jesus called it his "presence" (Greek, pa-rou-si'a), when he would rule as King on heaven.  (Matthew 24:37-39) This time period is also called "the last days" and "the time of the end." (2 Timothy 3:1; Daniel 12:4, 9)  Ever since that period began in 1914, Michael has been standing as King in heaven. -Compare Isaiah 11:10; Revelation 12:7, 9.

When, though, does Michael "stand up"?  When he rises up to take special action.  This, Jesus will do in the future. Revelation 19:11-16 prophetically describes Jesus as the mighty Messianic King riding at the head of an angelic army and bringing destruction  upon enemies of God.  Daniel 12:1 continues:  "And there will certainly  occur a time of distress such as not been  made to  occur since there came to be a nation until that time." As Jehovah's  Chief Executioner, Christ will bring an end to the entire wicked system of things during the foretold "great tribulation." -Matthew 24:21; Jeremiah 25:33; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-8; Revelation 7:14; 16:14,16.

How will people who exercise faith fare during this dark time?  Daniel was further  told:  "During that time your people will escape, every one who is found written down in the book." (Compare Luke 21:34-36)  What is this book?  In essence, it represents Jehovah God's remembrance of those who do his will.  (Malachi 3:16; Hebrews 6:10) Those who are written down in this book of life are the most secure people in the world, for they enjoy divine protection.  Whatever harm may come to them, it can and will be undone.  Even if death should overtake them before this coming "time of distress," they remain safe in Jehovah's limitless memory.  He will remember them and resurrect them during the Thousand Year Reign of Jesus Christ. -Acts 24:15; Revelation 20:4-6. 

Next time: HOLY ONES "WAKE UP"

From the book: PAY ATTENTION TO DANIEL'S PROPHECY! 1999