12/27/2023
As I write this, we are just days away from entering upon a new year—2024. By the time you read this, it will likely already be here. The 2000s still feel like science fiction to me! I remember watching The Jetsons at the neighbors when I was a kid and thought that we’d all be living like that by 1970. Fortunately, we aren’t! Although their method of “washing” dishes was quite appealing to me then, I rather enjoy my dishes now and try to not ever break any of them.
However, technology has advanced so rapidly that many of us feel left in the dust. It makes me think of Daniel 12:4 (NLT) that says in part, “many will rush here and there, and knowledge will increase.” Just getting on any freeway will confirm the prediction of many rushing here and there! And, yes, knowledge has increased. But has wisdom?
When I looked up this text to use it here, BibleGateway.com gives the user the option of reading any given verse in all of the English translations offered on this website. I was interested to skim through some of them to see the different takes on what the knowledge is that will increase. Here are just a few of the variations:
“But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the scroll until the end of time. Many will go back and forth and search anxiously [through the scroll], and knowledge [of the purpose of God as revealed by His prophets] will [greatly] increase.” (Amplified)
“Daniel, I now command you to keep the message of this book secret until the end of time, even though many people will go everywhere, searching for the knowledge to be found in it.” (Common English Version)
“But you, Daniel, close up the book and seal it. These things will happen at the time of the end. Many people will go here and there to find true knowledge.” (New Century Version)
The majority of versions just say “knowledge will increase” without elaborating. But I find it interesting that a few versions specify that knowledge to be concerned with the book of Daniel and “the purpose of God.” As Seventh-day Adventists, we are keenly aware of the prophecies contained in Daniel and their relationship with the prophecies in Revelation. Indeed, there are probably many who can trace their conversion and subsequent baptism into the Adventist Church back to a Daniel and/or Revelation seminar.
Along with our knowledge of Bible prophecy, let us also use that knowledge wisely and temper it abundantly with love. Because without love, we’re only noisy instruments and crashing cymbals. Even if we have the gift of prophecy (and I don’t know anyone alive who does!), and aren’t loving to those around us, we’re nothing (see 1 Cor. 13).
Along with being loving comes unity. “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! (Ps. 133:1 NIV). Unity doesn’t mean uniformity, but it does mean being congenial about give and take. We can’t all always have our own way. We don’t always agree about every little detail. But we can still be nice to each other and not pout when we don’t get our way. Or try to sabotage the way things go that we don’t like. We must learn to roll with the flow. Unless it’s doctrinal issue that’s at stake, we need to concede to the majority and not quibble over minor things such as the color of the carpet, the choice of music, or the order of service.
I leave you with this parting thought that was penned by Ellen White in the January 1, 1856 issue of the Youth’s Instructor (hence the reference to parents):
“The new year has commenced, and with the commencement of this new year, you should dedicate yourselves to God. Now give yourself to him, soul, body, and spirit, to do his will. Let all selfishness, your disobedience to your parents, all your faults, and besetting sins die with the old year. Begin this new year to the glory of God. Pray to him, morning, noon, and night, to give you a meek and humble spirit, a mild temper, an affectionate disposition. Live as you never lived before. Begin this new year with new feelings, fresh desires, and a strong determination to glorify God.”
