I have been reading a lot from Daniel recently and looking at the parallels with the book of Revelation, and Daniel's visions point out some amazing truths given by the angel Gabriel. Look at the role of the church in this passage:
"So he [the Antichrist] shall return and show regard for those who forsake the holy covenant. And forces shall be mustered by him, and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they shall take away the daily sacrifices,and place there the abomination of desolation. Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits. And those of the people who understand shall instruct many." - Daniel 11:30-33
Now look at Daniel's response. Daniel hears of the rise of the Antichrist empire and of the time of the Great Tribulation, and look at Daniel's fretful question and Gabriel's response:
I heard, but I did not understand. Then I said, “O my lord, what shall be the outcome of these things?” He said, “Go your way, Daniel, for the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end. Many shall purify themselves and make themselves white and be refined, but the wicked shall act wickedly. And none of the wicked shall understand, but those who are wise shall understand." - Daniel 12:8-10
As I read this, Gabriel is not just giving information for Daniel to passing along. Daniel hears of a remnant who consecrate themselves to the Lord and who are wise. The wicked shall act wickedly, but there is a group of radical believers who set themselves apart to live holy just like Daniel did in Babylon. It's an invitation into consecration at the end of the age, abandon the "permissible" to radically pursue wisdom from heaven. These are the people who will do great exploits and who will instruct many. These are the ones the Antichrist will fear most.
God is raising up young people today who have purposed in their heart to live holy. They are rare, but they are there. As the global drama of the end time scenario continues to unfold, as wickedness comes to full maturity, don't forget Daniel's invitation into holiness. Those who set themselves apart will do great exploits.
