“At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered.”

Devotion based on Daniel 12:1

The people of Judah were living in exile, far from the land God had promised them, forced to settle in Babylon—a foreign land filled with false gods, foreign customs, and oppression. Their temple had been destroyed, and many of them felt as though God had abandoned them. Their situation was bleak, and discouragement must have often settled in their hearts. Babylon was not their home, yet they had no way of returning to their homeland. In such times of uncertainty, God’s Word to Daniel would have been a powerful source of hope.

We, too, can find ourselves feeling like exiles in this world. There are times when the world around us seems filled with chaos and darkness—wars, natural disasters, and moral decay surround us. It can feel like we’re living in Babylon, far from the peace and promises of God. It’s easy to become discouraged when we see injustice prevailing or when life brings distress and hardship that seem unending.

But God reminds us that no matter how bad things get, we have no reason to lose hope. God showed Daniel a future time of great distress, but he also highlighted a powerful truth: God has supernatural forces fighting on behalf of his people. Michael, the great archangel, is named the protector of God’s people. God’s angels, including Michael, are at work, ensuring our deliverance.

Those angels fight against a defeated enemy. Jesus conquered every spiritual enemy by mastering the devil’s temptations and overcoming the world’s hatred of him. Jesus even defeated the miserable enemy of death by his resurrection from the dead. While these enemies may still cause distress, they are ultimately defeated.

When dismay tries to overwhelm us, we can remember that God has not abandoned his people. Just as Michael arose to protect Judah, God also protects his Church today. We have nothing to fear, for our victory is secured in Jesus.

Prayer: