Read Daniel 10
Highlights In Today's Reading:
Gabriel sent to Daniel but the prince of Persia withstood (a demonic force). It's war and every child of God is in it (10:11-13). The march of the kings, 1,2,3. (chap. 11). At the end, Michael the archangel appears and a time of great anguish follows. But read the promise to those whose names are written in the Book of Life (12:1).
The end of this present world history is near. It is evident by a study of Nebuchadnezzar's dream of a spectacular giant (chap. 2) and Daniel's vision of the kingdoms of the world portrayed as four vicious beasts. The fourth beast was unnamed and had a horn with eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things (7:8). The king . . . shall exalt himself. . . above every god, and . . . against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation (wrath of God) be accomplished . . . for he shall magnify himself above all (Dan. 11:36-37). The Apostle Paul referred to him as that man of sin (lawlessness) . . . the son of perdition (II Thess. 2:3). He is best known as the antichrist (I John 2:18-22; II John 1:7).
Preceding the Lord's return, there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time (Dan. 12:1). The prophet Zephaniah predicted the same time of trouble (Zeph. 3:8-9). Jeremiah also wrote of a period of tribulation: It is even the time of Jacob's trouble (Jer. 30:7; Zech. 12:2-3; Matt. 24:15-28; Rev. 12).
Jesus told His disciples: There shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows (sufferings). Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for My Name's sake. . . . Many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity (lawlessness) shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved (Matt. 24:7-28). Until then, our ultimate goal should be not to be unduly concerned with the details of future events or, still worse, secular achievements; but it should be to read all of the Word of God with a supreme desire to become more like Christ each day so we may be changed into the same image (of Christ) from glory to glory (II Cor. 3:18).
The people that do know their God shall be strong (stand firm), and do exploits (be overcomers). . . . And they that be shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness (shall give forth light) as the stars for ever and ever (Dan. 11:32; 12:3).
Thought for Today:
But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for Himself: the Lord will hear when I call unto Him (Ps. 4:3).
Christ Revealed:
As Him that liveth for ever (Dan. 12:7). As One of the Three expressed Persons of the Trinity, Jesus Christ always has been and always will be. Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily (Truly, truly), I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am (John 8:58). I am Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the Ending, saith the Lord (Jesus Christ), which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty (Rev. 1:8, also 4:8).
Word Studies:
10:15 dumb = speechless; 11:11 choler = furious rage; 11:15 fenced cities = strongholds; 11:24 fattest = richest; forecast his devices = prepare his plans; 12:7 a time, times, and an half = 3 -1/2 years.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Eva R. Johnston • Staff: Bernice Rathbone • Government Officials: Sen. Robert Bennett (UT) and Rep. John Tierney (MA) • Country: Costa Rica (4 million) in Central America • Major languages: Spanish and English • Religious freedom is increasing • 90% Roman Catholic; 6% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Be glad in the Lord and rejoice at all times (Ps.. 32:11).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 11:30