One who has ever had to walk in pitch dark or drive in dense fog under- stands what a blessing light is. How grateful we should therefore be that the Lord created both physical and spiritual light to save us from the serious dangers of darkness. The Scriptures say of the prophetic word: “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.” 2 Peter 1:19.
The book of the prophet Daniel, written in the sixth century B.C., con- tains heavenly messages for the last days–our days. “… Thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” Daniel 12:4. And the writings of the Spirit of prophecy confirm this: “… Since 1798 the book of Daniel has been unsealed, knowledge of the prophecies has increased, and many have proclaimed the solemn message of the judgment near.” –The Great Contro- versy, p. 356.
The counsel is more appropriate today than ever before: “Read the book of Daniel. Call up, point by point, the history of the kingdoms there represented. Behold statesmen, councils, powerful armies, and see how God wrought to abase the pride of men, and lay human glory in the dust. God alone is represented as great. In the vision of the prophet He is seen casting down one mighty ruler, and setting up another. He is revealed as the monarch of the universe, about to set up His everlasting kingdom–the Ancient of days, the living God, the Source of all wisdom, the Ruler of the present, the Revealer of the future. Read, and understand how poor, how frail, how short-lived, how erring, how guilty is man in lifting up his soul unto vanity.” –Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, p. 1166.
So, let us note carefully what has been written, for the prophetic mes- sages are especially for us: “The light that Daniel received direct from God was given especially for these last days. The visions he saw by the banks of the Ulai and the Hiddekel, the great rivers of Shinar, are now in process of fulfillment, and all the events foretold will soon have come to pass.” –(Letter 57, 1896) Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, p. 1166.
Since the seal was removed from this important book, important knowl- edge has been imparted to every humble searcher; and we have the prom- ise that, as the very last events approach, more light will shine from these inspired pages. Furthermore, “When the books of Daniel and Revelation are better understood, believers will have an entirely different religious expe- rience. They will be given such glimpses of the open gates of heaven that heart and mind will be impressed with the character that all must develop in order to realize the blessedness which is to be the reward of the pure in heart.” –Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, p. 114.
As the most awesome events press upon us, it will become increasingly clear what a solemn time we live in. Let us be motivated now to study these heavenly messages and “understand” history in the light of prophecy and also to be among those “many” who will “be purified, and made white, and tried” (Daniel 12:10) for the soon coming of our Lord.
––The Brothers and Sisters of the General Conference