The Increase of Knowledge

And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. But 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 12:3-4)

Daniel prophesied about the end times about 600 years before Christ. He explained that two things would happen at the time of the end. First, many would run to and fro. This means the ability to travel from one place to another would increase exponentially. Airlines and commercial space travel have shown us that the ability of man to travel at this increased pace is a sure sign of the end.

However, his second prophecy of the end days is even more telling. He said that knowledge shall be increased. This is obviously true about the information age. You have a phone at your fingertips that can video chat with anyone worldwide. You can search for a research article by speaking into your phone, and relevant articles will appear.

Today, scientists are discussing advances in medicine and safety that could allow people to live exponentially longer lives. With the help of AI, information compiling and understanding is advancing at a rate that is hard for many of us to comprehend.

With all this knowledge and information, what is our responsibility as believers? We must note that information, or knowledge, is not the same as wisdom, which comes only from God. As we navigate a world filled with continuous advancement through technology, science, or society, Daniel’s words remind us of the importance of grounding ourselves in wisdom.

We don’t want just to run to and fro but live for the kingdom's purposes. We don’t want to follow whatever information we are given; instead, we seek wisdom from the Holy Spirit about how to use that information and know what information is accurate and beneficial.

Practical Application

With the rapid increase in knowledge, you must filter the information you receive through the Word and trusted sources from believers. Don’t believe everything you are told; allow the Holy Spirit to tell you what is right.

Daniel 12:9; Revelation 22:10

The Purpose of Retirement

With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding. (Job 12:12)

Job 12:12 explains a powerful truth: wisdom is often found in the experiences of those who have lived long lives. Haven’t you found that to be the case? However, the world usually prioritizes youth and innovation over the wisdom of experience. Elders are constantly talked about in the Bible in terms of honor.

It’s also crucial for elders to realize that retirement is not a time for you to stop working, lay back, and relax. If you do that, you are going to shorten your lifespan. Retirement should be a change of career or focus. Many people in the United States retire at around 65 years old. Yet, the average life expectancy is approaching the late 80’s and may soon go into the 100s.

This raises a vital question for believers: What does our faith require us to do with those additional years? Job 12:12 encourages us to understand that the world needs our wisdom. Retirement is vital for believers to raise, nurture, and sow into other generations from their experience, heart, and faith.

This is why the Bible tells believers to “honor their father and mother,” and the “length of days” comes with that honor. It’s not simply that your health will increase, but the quality of life you live will grow when you listen to and follow wise counsel from your elders. They can tell you that “such-and-such” will happen because they have seen it happen. They have “been there and done that.” However, wise people will not share wisdom with you if you refuse to accept and follow it.

Seek after wisdom more than money. Seek after understanding more than connections. Godly wisdom will benefit your life in every way possible.

Practical Application

As you age, consider mentoring younger individuals in your community, church, or family. Share your experiences and the lessons you’ve learned. God has given you this wisdom to help build the kingdom for those who will hear.

Job 32:7; Job 8:8

Believe!

Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. (Mark 9:23)

There is no limit to the potential of a man who lives his life governed by faith. That’s precisely what Jesus was teaching in Mark 9. Consider for a moment the bombastic quality of those four words: All things are possible.

Someone once asked how long people can expect to live. The answer for the believer is “as long as you are willing to believe.”  How long you want to live is really up to you. We just read that Jesus said, “All things are possible to him that believeth.”

However, that begs the question of what exactly it looks like to believe.

First, you need to hear something. You cannot believe in what you have not heard. You must listen to it for that to be possible. You must hear the Word of God about what you want to believe.

Second, you need to receive and accept it. You make a heart decision that says, "This isn’t just words on a page; this is God speaking to me, and I believe that I can have it!"

Once you accept it, you need to start speaking it. The Bible says that out of the abundance of the heart (acceptance), the mouth speaks. You need to start changing your declaration from doubt to one full of faith in your beliefs.

Finally, you need to act on it. Don’t tell me you believe you will live past 120, yet you avoid exercise, eat fast food every day, and live without purpose. Choosing unhealthy habits shows that you don’t believe you’ll live a long, full life because you would act on your faith if you did.

Practical Application

Be purposeful about the words you allow to come out of your mouth, especially about aging. Replace phrases like “I'm getting old” with Biblical truth, like “I am strong in the Lord and the power of His might.” You will change your words and actions to agree with your faith if you believe.

John 11:40; Matthew 17:20