We have reached the end of Daniel – and, can I just say, it has been a terrific time with a bloke who is a wonderful discerning disciple. And even the confronting chaos of the last six chapters has proven revelatory!

In this last section, Daniel receives his final vision – two years after God’s mob have been given permission to return home, and to rebuild the Temple! And Daniel remains in Persia. Here, he receives the revelation of God, the hope of the resurrection that only God will bring, and the required response. All of this is given within the context of Daniel 7-8 – God remains in control, and God’s mob will inherit his kingdom.

It is helpful to remember this big picture context, because without it, the grimness of Daniel 11 is overwhelming! And, yet, the whole chaotic cycle remains firmly under the control of God, and the hope that God assures is wonderful: the full resurrection of his people, to dwell with him.

In this context, Daniel is required to do one thing: ‘to go on your way’, reading God’s word and praying God’s word, as he waits for God to do as he promised. It really is that simple!