“Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever. But you, Daniel, keep this prophecy a secret; seal up the book until the time of the end, when many will rush here and there, and knowledge will increase.” Daniel 12:3-4
Our Lord tells us that faithfulness to Him today will lead to rewards and ministry in the future kingdom. During Jesus’ reign on earth, we will share in whatever work he has for us to do, according to how we have lived for Him and served Him here on earth. “Then Peter said to him, “We’ve given up everything to follow you. What will we get?” Jesus replied, “I assure you that when the world is made new and the Son of Man sits upon his glorious throne, you who have been my followers will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” (Matthew 19:27-28) Believers who have suffered in their service for Christ will be more than compensated as they share in His glory. “Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.” (Romans 8:19)
In the ancient world, official transactions were ratified with two documents, one that was sealed and kept in a safe place and one that was kept available. God looked upon Daniel’s book as the deed that guaranteed that He would faithfully keep His promises to the people of Israel. To close and seal it didn’t mean to hide it away, because God’s message was given so His people would know the future. The book was to be treasured and protected and shared with the Jewish people. However, the book was sealed in this sense. The full meaning of what Daniel wrote would not be understood until the time of the end. “The day is coming when you will see what Daniel the prophet spoke about—the sacrilegious object that causes desecration standing in the Holy Place.”