“Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end” (Daniel 12:9).
Insurance is protection from financial loss. The ancient Greeks and Romans created “benevolent societies” to provide monetary support to families of the deceased. In the United States, Ben Franklin started the first property insurance company after a large fire destroyed many homes in Philadelphia. More recently, one of the largest insurance payouts in U.S. history took place after 9/11. The loss of life and property resulted in $40 billion in payments.
The most expensive insurance policy in the world supposedly belongs to Steven Spielberg. His life was insured for $1.2 billion. When the Apollo 11 astronauts tried to purchase life insurance on themselves prior to their launch in 1969, they were flatly turned down. So, they created their own life insurance made of autographs. If they did not return from their moon voyage, family members could sell their autographs for a goodly sum.
The Old Testament prophet Daniel had a type of life insurance, more accurately described as eternal life “assurance.” Near the end of his life, he received visions from heaven about the time of the end. Though the meanings of some prophecies were opened up to him, others were sealed and would not be understood until the last days. “But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase” (Daniel 12:4).
Daniel understood the state of the dead. Even within his last vision he was told, “Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake” (verse 2). What would become of this faithful saint? Would he live to see the coming Messiah? He was told, “But you, go your way till the end; for you shall rest, and will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days” (verse 13).
In the last verse of his book, Daniel was given assurance that when Christ returns, he would receive the best insurance—eternal life. Have you taken out your heavenly policy?
Lord, I confidently place my life into Your mighty hands knowing I am safe with You, even in death.
