September 18
Read Daniel 10 -- 12
The Kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world are portrayed by Daniel as in a constant state of conflict that eventually erupts into open hostility. Daniel recorded that, during the period of the Roman Empire, terrible persecution by Antiochus IV (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 bring us to a later period. Jesus speaks of an abomination of desolation that has yet to come (Mark 13:14). The most wicked of all antichrists is foretold: The king . . . shall exalt himself . . . above every god, and shall speak . . . 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. There shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation. . . . Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased (Daniel 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 shall run to and fro. They seek unknowingly for what God alone is able to give (II Timothy 3:7).
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 to prepare now for the coming of Christ, to recognize His reign and rule over our lives, to be obedient to all His Word, 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 (II Peter 3:11).
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: 10:15 dumb means speechless; 11:11 choler means furious rage; 11:15 most fenced means best fortified; 11:24 fattest means richest; forecast his devices means devise plans; 12:7 a time, times, and an half means 3-1/2 years.
Prayer Needs:
Government Officials: Sen. Robert Bennett (UT), Rep. Jim McCreary (LA), and Rep. John Tierney (MA) · BPM Staff: Clarence Rathbone · Pray for Dr. Samuel Thomas, Hopegivers International -- Ministries of Emmanuel, Kota, North India; Hindi and Malayalam Coordinator for Bible Pathway · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio broadcast in memory of Evelyn Albright · Country: Antigua and Barbuda (64,000) in the Leeward Islands of the eastern Caribbean · Major languages: English and local dialects · Religious freedom · 83% Protestant; 11% Roman Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: Do not worry about anything, but pray about everything (Philippians 4:6).
Memory Verse for the Week: Daniel 6:25-26