Another World-Wide Ruler is Yet to Come

O. T. #2014  "Another Word-Wide Ruler is Yet to Come"

August 31, 2021

Daniel 11-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Here is a little more detail as to what happened to Antiochus Epiphanes, the Greek ruler of Macedonia after Alexander the Great's death (whose kingdom was divided into 4 rulers). He invaded the Jews and tried to force them to accept the Greek dress, customs, and religion. He was the one who sacrificed a pig in the Temple of Jerusalem and erected a statue of the Greek pagan god Zeus.

Eventually, a band of Jews led by Judas Maccabeus defeated this force and cleansed the Temple. Its dedication is still celebrated by Jews today during the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. Antiochus was a mirror image of the still-future little horn of Daniel 7, the Antichrist. (Tony Evans)

Maccabeaus was among the people that did know their God. He resisted, along with his 5 sons, the reigning Antiochus. They banded together and engaged in guerilla warfare from 168-165 BC. Time and again a small number of Jews would defeat the much larger army of Antiochus. (Falwell)

After 3 years of fighting, they were able to restore worship to the Temple in Jerusalem. It was cleansed and purified on December 25, 165 BC.

Will we believers continue to meet in church buildings to worship Jesus Christ our Savior, even if it is against the law? Are we strong in faith to face persecution and rejection for sharing God's Word?

 

LET IT GROW

There is one more world-wide ruler to come before the Millennial reign of Christ comes, and that will be the Antichrist.

Verse 35 describes a time of trial even for wise believers that will stumble:

• They will fall into sin,
• be fearful and lose faith,
• mistakenly follow wrong teaching,
• or experience severe suffering and martyrdom. (Life Application Study Bible)

If they persevere in faith, any such experience would only refine and make them stronger. Could we be living in such times, since many false teachers have followers?

Verse 36 shifts to the last evil world dictator, the Antichrist.

Wiersbe gives us a good outline of events to come as Gabriel explains to Daniel:

• The rise of Antichrist (11:36-39)
• War and invasions (11:40-43)
• The Battle of Armageddon (11:44-45a)
• The return of Christ to defeat Antichrist (11:45b)

Keep in mind that the event that triggers the beginning of those last 7 years is the signing of the covenant with Israel by the powerful leader in the ten-nation confederacy in Europe. (7:7-28)

The Antichrist will guarantee his protection for Israel while the Jews rebuild their temple in Jerusalem. However, he will break it and establish himself as god of gods, since he will be an atheist and reject all religions except his own. When the people of the world worship the man of sin, they are actually worshipping Satan, the one who empower the Antichrist. He will reward those who worship him and his manufactured god.

Folks, do you know that the Temple right now has been replaced by a golden dome where Islamics worship their false god? Jews are allowed to go to the Wailing Wall to pray. We had better be prayed us, standing on the promises of God our Savior. Put our trust in Him, not governments, militaries, deceivers.

 

LET IT GO

When the right time comes, God will tell His Son Jesus to go get His children, believers, and worshipers.

Look up, our redemption draweth nigh.

Make sure we are His, ready to let go of this world.

Father God, we are trusting in You.

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,  that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy ghost. (Romans 15:13)

*Pray that this blog is kept safe to proclaim the Truth, for we have people from various nations visiting it. 

Stand Strong

O. T. #2013  "Stand Strong"

August 30, 2021

Daniel 11-Part 2

God is the strength of my heart, my portion forever.

 (Psalm 73:26b)

LET IT GLOW

*Praying for peace and comfort for the 13 families of those marines lost in Afghanistan, trying to rescue folks.

Are you facing trials? Let them be opportunities to strengthen your faith.

The man who foreshadows the coming antichrist is Antiochus IV Epiphanes, the Syrian Seleucid king. (175-163 BC). His anti-Semitic  and tyrannical career was prophesied by the angelic messenger sent to Daniel to reveal the events found here. It was fulfilled as he illegally seized the Syrian throne from the son of his murdered brother, Seleucus IV. (verse 21)

I mention this because this dude lost power in Egypt because the Roman government ordered him to leave immediately or face the consequences of war with Rome. He did, but this humiliation angered Antiochus and he vented his rage on Jerusalem by massacring 80,000 people in Jerusalem. (verse 28)

Also, Antiochus desecrated the sanctuary by sacrificing swine on the altar and erecting a statue of the Olympian god Zeus. (verse 31) Several scrolls of the Mosaic Law were destroyed, and forbade keeping the Sabbath, circumcising male children, and carrying out sacrifices in the Temple. Jews who refused to follow orders were persecuted and martyred. (verses 32-33)

LET IT GROW

Here comes the good part: after the Jewish Maccabaean family began to revolt against Antiochus, the Seleucid forces eventually suffered some significant defeats. (However, many courageous Jews were lost in the process. (verse 34-35a)

In 165, Judas Maccabaeus cleansed the Temple and restored worship within its walls. (Although, religious persecution did not end, but continued in the second century B.C.; it will continue until the appointed time brings it to a close. (verse 35b)

Verse 32b NLT says: But the people that do know their God will be strong and will resist him.  

It looks like that verse is referring to resisting Antiochus. Wise teachers will die by fire and sword, be jailed and robbed. The will fall victim to persecution. (verse 35)

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.  (verse 35b, NLT) 

 

LET IT GO

Be strong in the Lord Jesus in faith, trust, and obedience.

Let go of things and cling to Jesus.

Prophecies That Happened

O. T. #2012  "Prophecies That Happened"

August 27, 2021

Daniel 11

LET IT GLOW

Fulfilled prophecy is one of the proofs of the inspiration of the Bible, for only an omniscient God can know future events accurately and direct His servants to write them down. (Wiersbe)

He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him. (Daniel 2:22)

Those of us who believe in a great God have no problem accepting "the word of prophecy." (2 Peter 1:19-21)

These last two chapters of Daniel's writings and prophecies was actually a revelation that came to the prophet Daniel in a vision, found in 10:1. Keep in mind that some of the events predicted have already been fulfilled and are ancient history, but had not in Daniel's time. There were some ugly wars and conflicts as groups sought to dominate the world and its people, as well as eliminate the Jews, God's chosen and beloved people:

1. The Medo-Persian Empire-Cyrus ruled in Persia and Egypt while Darius ruled in Mede and Babylon. Then came Cambyses, Gaumata, Darius I Hystaspes, and Xerxes (Ahasuerus ) in the book of Esther.
2. The Grecian Empire-ruled by Alexander the Great, but died at age 32. As said earlier, Al's kingdom was divided by the 4 generals-Cassander had Macedonia and Greece; Lysimachus had Thrace and parts of Asia Minor; Ptolemy ruled Egypt and Palestine; and Seleucus ruled northern Syria and Mesopotamia.
3. The Ptolemies and Seleucids-The 6 Ptolemies were the kings of the south and ruled Egypt, while the 4 Seleucids reigned in Syria.
4. Antiochus Epiphanes-had 4 rulers in Syria, too.

An excellent source of history and those rulers is found in commentaries by MacArthur, Wiersbe, Swindoll, and Falwell.

I have tried to summarize what happened, but they offer details on kings killing family members in order to gain control. Greed for power and wealth led them.

We can look into biblical history and see that Daniel's prophecies came true. Two more are yet to occur, so we will study them next week.

LET IT GROW

What can we learn from this history?

• Human nature hasn't changed over thousands of years.
• People went to any length to get what they wanted, even violating human rights and the breaking of divine laws.
• God is not responsible for the evil people have done in the name of government and religion.
• Even though evil has tried to destroy the Jews, god still has a remnant preserved.
• No matter how difficult the times, God keeps His covenant with believers in Jesus. If we are martyred for our faith, it is a witness.
• God is still the Lord of history and continues to work out His plans for humankind. God will receive glory through it all.
• Hopefully, people will repent of their sins before it is too late.

LET IT GO

Jesus is way-maker, miracle worker, promise keep, that is who He is.

He is faithful and trustworthy.

Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes unto the Father except through Him.

Hold us in Your hands, as well as Christians around the world, so we can proclaim Jesus Christ is Lord.

 

Delayed Prayers Can Still Be Answered

O. T. #2011  "Delayed Prayers Can Still Be Answered"

August 26, 2021

Daniel 10-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Did you know that there may be a reason your prayer is not answered yet? There may be a spiritual warfare going on in the invisible world preventing it, as in Daniel's case. Don't give up or give in, beloved one. Our God hears our prayers.

This is Daniel's final vision from God. Prior to it, King Cyrus had allowed Jews to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the city and the Temple for worshiping God. Daniel remained in Babylon, for he was about 84 years old at this time. He may have been too old to make the many months journey, or his government duties may have kept him there, or God may have told him to stay behind to complete the wok he was called to do. The reason does not really matter in the scope of things.

The work in Jerusalem had been halted, so Daniel was praying, fasting, and mourning for three weeks. His answer was delayed during that time. Daniel was given insight into the great spiritual battle between God's people and those who want to destroy them. (Satan did not want restoration in Jerusalem, nor did he want God to be worshiped there, nor lives changed. This is my conclusion as to why the events happened in chapter 10.))

Why was Daniel's prayer delayed? What happened in the spirit realm?

• An incredible-looking angel who appeared in human form in Daniel's vision, as well as Daniel being alone. (verse 7)
• Some believe it was the majestic pre-incarnate appearance of Christ with the description given.
• Others say it was the messenger/angel Gabriel since Archangel Michael was sent to help him successfully battle the demon assigned as prince of Persia. (He was one of Satan's principalities and powers there.) (verses 13,21)
• Daniel had no strength and breath to converse in his vision, so the messenger touched Daniel and gave him strength. (verse 19)
• After the vision, this one would return to fight the prince of Persia and the prince of Greece. (Michael was assigned as the prince for Israel.) ( verses 20, 21)

LET IT GLOW

What can we learn from this chapter?

Charles Swindoll directs us in his study guide, Daniel, with 5 principles of prayer:

1. Believers' prayers are immediately heard by God. However, we will not always receive prompt replies to our petitions.
2. Demonic forces can delay answers to prayer. Demonic agents attempt to thwart God's activity. They are given certain limited powers. God will not allow the believer to be tested beyond his limit. (1 Cor. 10:13)
3. Wrestling in prayer is exhausting work. Daniel was speechless, felt exhausted physically, engaging in spiritual warfare on his knees. Yet, it had advanced God's cause on earth. Fatigue is a small price to pay for curbing evil and furthering good.
4. Following wearisome times of prayer, strength returns in extra measures. Angels are ministering spirits who are sent by God to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation.
5. Overcoming demonic forces is not a once-and=for-all matter. The angel had to return to the fight after explaining the vision to Daniel.

The conflict between God and Satan is still being fought today. Christ's death on the cross has ensured Satan's defeat, but it has not yet ended the war. (Heb. 2:14; 1 John 3:8; Rev. 12-13, 19:19-20:10)

Christians have God's promise that the ultimate victory over satanic powers is our because greater is He who is in (us) than he who is in the world. (1John 4:4)

 

LET IT GO

Keep praying and believing in God's work, answers, victory.

Nothing is mightier than our Almighty God, El Sahaddiah.

Father, please heal those hurting, give peace to those troubled, and strengthen us who are weak.

Thank You that You hear our prayers.

Give us patience when our prayers are hindered or delayed by unseen obstacles.

Grow our faith as we expect Your answer at the right time.

Glory to God in the Highest.

An Exceptional and Unusual Man

O. T. #2010  "An Exceptional and Unusual Man"

August 25, 2021

Daniel 10

LET IT GLOW

I would certainly like to be able to skip the rest of the book, but can't. It is just as important to finish studying what Daniel experienced. I wondered why these events happened. and then I found my answers. First, many people have joined us from foreign nations, so God has His children everywhere that want to study His Truth. Some may only be curious, but that is okay. They still get the Word of God here. This nobody that I am knows the Somebody that loves them and I want to share with everybody what He has to say.

This remarkable experience or vision happened to Daniel during the third year of Cyrus, the Persian king, who was ruling Babylon. Daniel was about 84 or 85 years old by this time. He had shared with Nebuchadnezzar the meaning/interpretation of his dream concerning the future empires to rule the world. (Before Jesus came, that is.) So in the future, Greece, Rome, the antichrist, and Christ were going to be rulers to come.

This praying prophet continued to be faithful to his God, the God of Israel. He had even been thrown into the lions den because of his praying not to the king and disobeying the law and survived. also, Daniel had interpreted the handwriting on the wall for king Belshazzar.

Daniel was greatly beloved (precious) of Living God. This chapter took place during the third year of Cyrus being king. Gabriel had come to Daniel explaining the vision that Daniel had in chapter 9, after reading Jeremiah.

The Wiersbe Bible Commentary explains why Daniel had been praying, fasting, and used no ointments as he sought the face of the Lord:

1. He was concerned for those fellow 50,000 Jews who had returned  a year before to Jerusalem in order to rebuild the city and the Temple there.
2. Undoubtedly he had heard that the work had been opposed and finally stopped (Ezra 4). Suffering hardships in the ruined city may have caused Daniel to wonder if God would fail to fulfill the promised He made to Jeremiah in chapters 25 and 29. Although a 16 year delay was actually on schedule. He is never late in accomplishing His will. Our times are in God's hands (Psalm 31:15)
3. Perhaps Daniel wanted to better understand the visions and prophecies he had already received. He could have desired more truth about Israel's future. So he could leave encouragements and strength for his people. God is faithful and one day they would enter into the promised kingdom, even though trials and persecutions were to be had.
4. God had laid a burden on Daniel's heart, and we are studying his prophecies because of his faithfulness to pray and fast. He was mourning over his fellow Jews and agonizing in prayer for them.

I don't know about you, but that helps me see that we must carry on studying God's Word and sharing it with others. We have hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

LET IT GROW

Daniel was with some others standing by the Tigris River, when he received a vision in verses 5-7. Only Daniel saw an exceptional and unusual man, a majestic-figure, which looked like Christ in Revelation 1. It could have been the pre-incarnate appearance of Christ as in Exodus 23 and 33.

• He was clothed in linen, wearing a gold belt;
• He had a face like lightning and eyes as lamps of fire;
• His arms and feet were like the color of polished brass;
• His voice was like those of a multitude.

Wow! No wonder those men ran away when a great quaking came. They did not see the vision, but they felt the terror of a powerful presence and hid. Daniel was alone, without strength, listening to the man's worlds, but not able to respond. Daniel fell into a deep sleep with his face on the ground. Maybe this emotionally overwhelmed Daniel and he passed out, slumped to the ground as the angelic figure spoke.

I think we would tremble if we could have a glimpse into the spirit world around us. It would shake us up, too.

 

LET IT GO

May we leave something behind in the journey of life so that those who come after us will be encouraged and helped.

Renew us, Jesus, for we fail You so much of the time.

We believe in God the Father, Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Help the helpless, give hope to the hopeless, light in the darkness, and peace to the restless.

There is on one like our God. Be the Lord of us, this nation, and Israel. Protect us from the evil ones. Glory to God in the Highest.

Past and Future Events

O. T. #2009  "Past and Future Events"

August 24, 2021

Daniel 9-Part 5

LET IT GLOW

I pray for wisdom as I write today's lesson, for I am not a Bible scholar. And my little mind cannot understand all of this. I have many commentaries on my desk, seeking meaning of verses 25-27. They get into depth about the 490 years. People have wondered when the rapture is coming, when the Tribulation is going to happen, and when the Millennial reign of Jesus Christ is going to take place. Folks, those things are known only to God. Many speculate. It will all happen according to God's perfect timetable.

Swindoll draws two truths from this chapter:

1. God deals in specifics. The Lord answered Daniel with particulars, not generalities.
2. God keeps His promises. Events have occurred just as God said they would in the predicted 70 weeks. This should give us confidence that the Lord will keep all the promises He has given in His written Word.

 

LET IT GROW

With that said, we can look into history and a timeline of major events that were some predicted and did occur, others happened:

• 620-540 BC: Daniel lived most of his years in Babylon; 
• 586 BC: Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed by Babylonians;
• 559-530 BC: Cyrus of Persia conquered Babylon and Medes;
• 537 BC: King Cyrus sent Zerubbabel to rebuild Jerusalem and Temple, accompanied by 46,697 Jews (Ezra 1-6);
• 14 years adversaries stopped the Temple construction;
• 478 BC: Queen Esther saved the Jews from extermination;
• 458 BC: King Artaxerxes sent Priest Ezra accompanied by 3,508 Jews , second group, to teach the law and renew Temple worship(Ezra 7-10);
• 445 BC: Artaxerxes sent Nehemiah to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem, accompanied by unknown number of Jews (Nehemiah 1-13);
• Nehemiah served as governor for 12 years in Jerusalem;
• 430-433 BC: Nehemiah made a second return to Jerusalem;
• Other world conquerors came along, as well as various philosophies, such as Socrates, Plato, Aristotle 
• Alexander the Great ruled from Greece; pagan Greek god worship established;
• God was silent for 400 years between the Old and New Testament;
• John the Baptist comes on the scene,  preparing the way for the then the Messiah;
• Jesus Christ was born, died on the cross, and arose from the dead, appeared to about 547 people after His resurrection.
• 70 AD: The Roman Empire rules;
• The Church Age in which believers in Jesus as Savior continues to present.
• False religions arise-Buddhism, Islamism, Catholicism
• 1517: Protestant Reformation began.
• 1607: Jamestown, Virginia established.
• 1611: King James Bible published.
• 1776: America declared independence from England
• 1914-1918: World War I
• 1939-1945: World War II in which 6 million Jews and millions of Christians were killed by Nazi Germany.
• 1948: Nation of Israel proclaimed.
• 1989: Berlin Wall fell.
• 1990-91: Persian Gulf War
• 2001: Terrorists attack U.S. world Trade Center and Pentagon with thousands dying.
• 2003: War in Iraq launched by US and Britain
• 2020: World-wide Pandemic from COVID 19 virus, vaccines developed

We do not know when the Antichrist will appear on the scene and rule the world for 7 years, establishing himself as god. but we can take comfort in the church and believers being raptured out before this happens.

Then Jesus Christ will return to earth to rule as King of kings and LORD of lords for a thousand years.

 

LET IT GO

Help us to put our faith in You, Jesus, not militaries, money, governments.

Teach us to live by faith and know You are Sovereign God in charge of our future.

What is to Come

O. T. #2008  "What is to Come"

August 23, 2021

Daniel 9-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

We can't say too much about the love of God, can we? It can't be contained nor does it run out. We all need love and hope. Daniel found it by praying to the only One God. Read on to see what happened.

Daniel wanted to make sense of his circumstances. So he prayed. God dispatched the angel Gabriel before Daniel had finished his prayer. God loved Daniel greatly. Daniel's love for God had been put to the test. Now God was quick to respond in love to him when Daniel was in need.

God wants to answer the prayers of those whose hearts are completely His. (2 Chronicles 16:9) When we want to know the truth of our circumstances, go to God. The media, public opinion, nor political leaders can not explain anything to us. In His time, God will speak to us, since we are greatly beloved (precious) of Him. His answer will come in God's time, whether immediately as in Daniel's case, or it may be delayed, but it will come. (Daniel 10:13) God is on His throne and still reigns over all the earth. If you are genuinely seeking God's answers, you can go to your Father confidently with your questions. He will respond to you in love. (Luke 11:5-13)   

[Resource: Experiencing God Day-By-Day Devotional by Henry and Richard Blackaby]  

Pray!       

 

LET IT GROW

Gabriel explained the six things dealing with sin and righteousness would be accomplished during 490 years.

1. To finish the transgression reference to rebellion against God;
2. To make an end of sins could refer to sin being put away during the Messiah's reign;
3. To make reconciliation for iniquity speaks of an atonement for sin on the basis of some sacrifice-Christ's death on the cross.
4. To bring in everlasting righteousness when Christ returns a second time after the Tribulation Period.
5. To seal up the vision and prophecy they will be fulfilled or consummated so no longer needed.
6. To anoint the Most Holy, which is Christ Himself. (verse 24)

   [ Resource: Liberty Bible Commentary]

The first three were fulfilled in principle at the First Coming of Christ Jesus. The last three will be completed at His Second Advent.

Beloved, have you believed in Jesus as your Savior? He is the Lamb of God that takes away sin. Simply ask Him to forgive your sins. His grace and mercy can reach down to the worst of sinners. Such love!

 

LET IT GO

Holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, is, and is to come.

With all creation I sing, glory to the King.

Praise to the King of kings; and I will adore You.

Glory and power be to You Jesus the only Wise King.

You are my Everything

and I will adore You Jesus.