We’re going to continue with the last two chapters of Daniel, but the first thing that comes to my mind is the awesome-ness (I know that’s not a word, but it should be) of our God! On my last post I said (or wrote) that when God wants to give us a message, He will somehow get the message through to us, and He will then confirm that message with someone else. It happened in the book of Daniel (with King Nebby, King Belshazzar, and Daniel), and It’s happening today. Can anyone say amen?
God’s angelic messenger was sent to reveal Israel’s future. Only God can reveal future events so clearly, just be aware that the enemy (Satan) disguises himself as an angel of light, and he will try to counterfeit the things of God. “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy” John 10:10
The messenger gives Daniel more detail about the four ruling empires, which is entirely backed up by our world’s history. We’ll travel towards the end of the chapter…
“Wise leaders will give instruction to many, but these teachers will die by fire and sword, or they will be jailed and robbed. During these persecutions, little help will arrive, and many who join them will not be sincere. And some of the wise will fall victim to persecution. In this way, they will be refined and cleansed and made pure until the time of the end, for the appointed time is still to come.” Daniel 11: 33-35
Those who are wise will teach many, but they will also face great persecution. Difficult times show our weaknesses and our inability to cope…What a statement! Isn’t it so true that adversity shows us and others what we’re really made of? But you know what? If we choose to draw close and surrender to God during adverse times, our faith will be strengthened. If we persevere in our faith, any such experience will refine and cleanse us. Are you facing trials? As painful as they may be, recognize them as opportunities to strengthen your faith. Being “refined” by difficult circumstances…
“I will bring them through the fire and make them pure. I will refine them like silver and purify them like gold. They will call on my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘These are my people,’ and they will say, ‘The Lord is our God.” Zechariah 13: 9
The Antichrist of the last days becomes the center of attention from this point through the rest of the book of Daniel.
“He will enter the glorious land of Israel, and many nations will fall, but Moab, Edom, and the best part of Ammon will escape. He will conquer many countries, and even Egypt will not escape. He will gain control over the gold, silver, and treasures of Egypt, and the Libyans and Ethiopians will be his servants.
But then news from the east and the north will alarm him, and he will set out in great anger to destroy and obliterate many. He will stop between the glorious holy mountain and the sea will pitch his royal tents. But while he is there, his time will suddenly run out, and no one will help him.” Daniel 11: 41-44