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Bible Pathways 9/18/2000



September 18

Daniel 10 -- 12

Throughout the Book of Daniel, the Kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world are portrayed in a constant state of conflict that eventually breaks out in open international hostility. Daniel recorded that, during the period of the Roman Empire, the terrible persecution of Antiochus the 4th (Epiphanes) would take place: A vile person, to whom they shall not give the honor of the kingdom: but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries . . . And after the league made with him he shall work deceitfully: for he shall come up, and shall become strong with a small people . . . and his heart shall be against the Holy Covenant . . . and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that makes desolate. And such as do wickedly against the Covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries . . . And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days (Daniel 11:21,23,28,31-33).
The many days brings us to a later period. Jesus speaks of an abomination of desolation that was yet to come (Mark 13:14). The most wicked of all antichrists is foretold: The king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvelous things (blasphemies) against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for what is determined shall be done (Daniel 11:36).
There have been many antichrists, as John foretold (I John 2:18) and the driving force of all antichrists is to destroy the Kingdom of God and all who are loyal to Him. Daniel continues to record: There shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time . . . many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased (12:1,4). Knowledge has increased in our generation far beyond anything developed in the past 6000 years. However, having rejected the Creator God, many still run to and fro. . . . ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth, since they seek unknowingly for what God alone is able to give (II Timothy 3:7). Think of the alarming increase of famine, floods, fires, suffering, and unabashed wickedness in our restless world! There is no peace, says my God, to the wicked (Isaiah 57:21).
Daniel said: O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? And He said, Go your way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end (Daniel 12:8-9). Daniel admitted that there was much in his prophecy that he did not understand. However, it was not necessary for Daniel to know the details of the future, since he had the utmost assurance that God controls the future and that His people will reign with Him forever. A great peace of mind rests within the hearts of the people of God, and many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand (12:10). These closing chapters of Daniel's prophecy teach us that it is of supreme importance to prepare now for the coming of Christ, to recognize His reign and rule over our lives now, to be obedient to all His Word now, and to fulfill our present responsibilities now. Seeing then that all these things shall be . . . what manner of persons ought you to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God (II Peter 3:11-12).
Christ Revealed:
As the One who lives forever (Daniel 12:7). As one of the three expressed Persons of the Trinity, Jesus Christ always has been and always will be (Rev. 4:8).
Word Studies:
10:1 thing means message; 10:3 pleasant bread means desirable food; 10:8 corruption means the color of death; 10:12 chasten means humble; 10:15 dumb means speechless; 11:10 overflow means advance; 11:11 choler means furious rage; 11: 15 most fenced means best fortified; 11:16 glorious land means Israel; consumed means destroyed; 11:24 fattest means richest; forecast his devices means devise plans; 11:34 holpen means helped; 11:44 utterly to make away means utterly destroy; 12:7 a time, times, and an half means 3-1/2 years.

Prayer:

Government Officials: Sen. Robert Bennett (UT), Rep. Jim McCreary (LA), and Rep. John Tierney (MA) · Pray for Rick Hash and the Bible Pathway Radio Broadcasts on WNGN-FM, Buskirk, NY · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio Broadcast in memory of Dorothy P. Wagner · Country: Croatia (5 million) in southeastern Europe · Major language: Serbo-Croatian · Religious freedom · 73% Roman Catholic; 15% Serbian Orthodox; 5% Muslim · Prayer Suggestion: Pray without ceasing (II Timothy 1:3).
Memory Verse for the Week:
Titus 2:13


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