2005 10 October

I see no real evidence that Nebuchadnezzar was a converted man, and yet, in some way God works through and speaks to the Gentile leader that controls Israel. I don't know what else God could have done to make the message any more clearly to Nebuchadnezzar; if he did not get his act together he would lose control of his mind and eat grass for 7 years. Sadly, those who do not believe do not believe. Therefore, they will act according to the things they really believe, and so Nebuchadnezzar cannot really heed Daniel's passionate call to repentance.

Some would have us believe that all mental illness is related to spiritual problems and so prayer and repentance from sin is the solution. They are as ignorant and uneducated as those who used to teach that physical problems are ultimately spiritual and so prayer and repentance from sin is the solution rather than medical treatment. Sadly, this philosophy dominates the thinking of most fundamental preachers and Bible Colleges today. Man is a three part being. He is made up of body, soul, and spirit. Think of these three as concentric overlapping circles as each has influence on the other. However, in the end, the key issue always involves just one of the three. It takes a great deal of discernment to isolate the real problem. We should understand, for example, that in most cases no amount of prayer and repentance would set a broken bone. God expects us to use good judgment in these matters. In our text, we don't see some disease or minister of Satan we see in Daniel 4:34 where the king says, mine understanding returned unto me… It was a problem of mental health.

When you take time to pray today, pray for all those saints who suffer from not only some physical disease, but those who suffer from mental health issues. Their suffering is the greatest. Many ignorant spiritual leaders would tell them the problem is always sin, and they should never use medication. God deliver us from such foolish teachers who teach falsely what God has not said in His Word. In the mental illness known as zoanthropy (an illness observed in modern times) a person thinks of himself as an animal and acts like one. This may have been the disease Nebuchadnezzar had. I can't imagine anything more humbling. (1)

1 Walvoord, John F., and Zuck, Roy B., The Bible Knowledge Commentary, (Wheaton, Illinois: Scripture Press Publications, Inc.) 1983, 1985.

Nebuchadnezzar responds to Daniel's warnings, but it is not the response of genuine faith. It takes twelve months, but Nebuchadnezzar's heart swells with pride as he looks on the glory of ancient Babylon. He cannot help but speak glorifying himself rather than God. We need to be mindful that gratitude is the response of faith and pride is the response of flesh. Our hearts should fill with humble gratitude for all the goodness and greatness we see on this earth.

As the very words are in Nebuchadnezzar's mouth, he loses control of his mind and his behavior is so bizarre that he becomes a social outcast in Babylon. It takes seven years in this humbling condition, but Nebuchadnezzar gets it. He comes to understand that God is God, and He can do whatever he wants in heaven and earth. It is a great tribute to Nebuchadnezzar that after seven years in this condition, God restores him to leadership. It is not just Gentile kings, but even the redeemed can give way to sinful pride. Any tendency in our hearts to feel superior to the doomed and dammed around us flows from the flesh and not the Spirit. The apostle Paul writing under inspiration and full of the Holy Spirit did not see himself as better, but the chief of sinners. The best of us are spiritually bankrupt before God, and wholly depended upon the greatness of His mercy and grace.

With this new understanding, Nebuchadnezzar no longer gives way to foolish pride. Rather he confesses the sovereignty of God. He realizes that God is the one who established his kingdom on this earth. God is not limited to working in and through the nation of Israel. God is able to work in and through the kings and kingdoms of this world to bring His purposes to pass. Now Nebuchadnezzar rather than glorifying himself, offers praise to the King of heaven. He knows and acknowledges God's ability to break his foolish pride. He confesses himself as one who walked in foolish pride. The focus of sin is self. Therefore, the heart that gives way to sin is full of pride. The focus of faith is God. In the end, our lives will be dominated by one or the other. Because of God's powerful intervention into Nebuchadnezzar's life, this king comes to understand that apart from God, he is unable to even control his own mind. I can't imagine any experience which would prove any more humbling. DW

Nebuchadnezzar's experience of losing his mind and learning humility was soon forgotten. It is not long before one of his descendents, Belshazzar calls a feast and this new king openly displays his contempt for the God of heaven by using the vessels from the temple in Jerusalem at his drinking party. It would appear that he is drunk before he shows such public contempt for God. I tend to think this was similar in some ways to that feast where the Philistines called for Samson to make sport of him. In other words, they recognized they walked a different path than God's people and revel in their success and show contempt for the God of heaven as they honor their idols.

There are many things that divide people on this earth. Among these things are race, language and culture, but all these divisions are insignificant next to the divide in the human heart between faith and unbelief. All who come to faith in God come to know God. We believe and as a result we come to know. Once we come to this knowledge and understanding there is no going back. The encounter with God that flows from faith changes us to the very core of our being forever. 2 Corinthians 5:17 … if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. In this verse, the change is described in terms of a new creation. In other texts, it is spoken of in terms of a recreation in Christ. The lost are envious of those who believe and experience God in their lives. Cain demonstrated this envy and hate as he is moved to murder his brother Abel.
Why should Belshazzar take the time and put forth the effort to show the contempt for God that we see here? He is celebrating his power and success. He knows God is not a part of that. The wine emboldens his heart to make a public demonstration that would show that he does not need God. Nebuchadnezzar may have bowed before the God of heaven, but Belshazzar's heart embolden by wine, swells with pride. In his pride, he is moved to make a public demonstration of his contempt for God. He does not feel the need for God in his life. This is different than Nebuchadnezzar. Nebuchadnezzar recognized the truth, but he could not bring himself to walk in humility. Belshazzar publicly demonstrates his rejection and hatred of truth by using temple vessels to praise false gods. DW

Belshazzar's bold contempt for God gives way to uncontrolled terror. The people at the king's party in this great hall see the hand of a man writing on the wall. We read in verse 6 … the king's countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another. This king seems to know that he has crossed a line that he should have never crossed. He knows God sent him a message, and now he wants to know what the message is. None of the king's advisors can tell him the meaning of this writing.

It is a sad commentary, but the best this world has to offer by way of knowledge and wisdom know nothing of God. You would think that it would not be this way, but the wisest and best of fallen humanity reject the knowledge of God. It is as we read in Romans 1:21-23… when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Spiritual blindness is a direct result of rejecting the knowledge of God.

It is no different today than it was in Babylon. Most in positions of power and influence reject and hate truth. Yet, they know to seek out Daniel for help; they have heard how God has made His power and person known on this earth, and they know that Daniel knows God. I believe that God gives people special warning of the end as we see here. God sent Noah to give the ancient world warning concerning the flood. Babylon the head of Nebuchadnezzar's image is at the end. The Medes and the Persians are about to consume the Babylonian empire. God sends this hand to bring them this message before the end. We may not always know how or when such warnings come, but God in His grace will give warning before the end. Sadly, those who find it easy to ignore important truth through life, will probably find it easy to ignore important truth as the end comes. God does not always work in such a public and powerful way as we see here, but I believe that He will always give warning before the end comes. He is not willing that any should perish. His desire is that all come to repentance, so before the end there will be a clear and final call. DW

God proved Himself as able to keep a faithful witness of the truth before the court of Babylon as He was before the nation Israel. The queen mother in Babylon recounts Daniel's record in Babylon. Daniel is one of the captives of Israel. God has revealed the answers to questions that proved too difficult for the best and brightest in Babylon. He knows God and God speaks to him. The king asks Daniel to explain to him the meaning of the handwriting on the wall, and offers him great rewards for doing so.

With a powerful witness like Daniel in the court of Babylon, you would think that many would turn to the truth. Sadly, we don't read an account of this happening. For the most part, the people seem content to ignore the truth and go on with their own lives as if they didn't know the truth. Except in the memory of those who are older like the queen mother, Daniel is forgotten. There is a strong prejudice in the heart of fallen humanity against God. Of fallen humanity, we read in Romans 1:2 … they did not like to retain God in their knowledge… This proved true as far as Daniel's witness in Babylon. The state of fallen humanity is that of being (Titus 3:3) … foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. This is a picture of Babylon at the end.

It is interesting to note that even though Babylon at this time is given to great darkness, Daniel is still there. God does not leave this world without a witness to the truth. Sometimes we think that the world does not respond because God is not blessing our witness. What we need to realize is that God blesses our witness regardless of the response. Sometimes we hear young people say that everyone is following a certain path. Indeed, it may have appeared so in Babylon if you were at Belshazzar's feast. Daniel was not. The king had to give him a special call to this feast. Israel is in captivity. Daniel is among the captives. This night judgment will fall on Babylon as it has fallen on Israel. This night many will die including the king. Daniel and a remnant of Israel will be preserved. Babylon will end, but their witness will continue. There will always be some who are faithful. It is not the presence or absence of the faithful that determine the results of ministry. Rather the results are determined by whether or not people harden their hearts against the truth. DW

Here we see that Daniel is one who walks with God. God gives Daniel wisdom and understanding, and he pulls no punches as he tells the king the truth. Daniel recounts Belshazzar's knowledge of God's dealing with Nebuchadnezzar. Belshazzar knew how Nebuchadnezzar lost control of his mind and ate grass for 7 years. Belshazzar knew that God did this to humble Nebuchadnezzar. In verse 22, we read where Daniel says to the king, …thou his son, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this; 23But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified… Daniel fearlessly confronts Belshazzar with his sin.

Then Daniel tells the king of God's judgment, this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN. 26This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it. 27TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting. 28PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians. It is hard to understand what is going on in the heart of this king. He does not seem angry with Daniel. We read that … they clothed Daniel with scarlet, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom. Daniel's greatness in Babylon is there from his first appearance before the king to the end. We read in verse 30, In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain. 31And Darius the Median took the kingdom… The times of the Gentiles moves from the head of gold to the chest and arms of silver as the God of heaven sets up a new kingdom and ends the old. God has not forsaken His people nor has He forsaken the earth. God continues to use Daniel as a powerful witness to the truth in this new empire. The light continues to shine in the darkness. What is most important in our lives is not the things going on about us. What is most important is our relationship with God. If our hearts are open to the Spirit of God, His light will fill our hearts and touch all around us regardless of the darkness of the environment. DW

This is not the first time in this book that we see authority in conflict. In this text, Daniel's enemies conspire against him and succeed in getting the king to pass a law against prayer. Daniel under pain of being thrown into a den of lions must not pray to God. What will he do? He could go talk to the king. He could continue to pray, but leave no evidence. It would seem that Daniel's prayer was an important part of his life and witness. We read in verse 10 of his practice … he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God… This is what his enemies noticed and they succeeded in passing a new law to challenge Daniel's practice.

It would seem that they knew what Daniel would do. We read in verse 5 of their plans. They concluded, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God. The only way their plan could succeed would be for Daniel to defy this new law against prayer. Some believers today would probably obey this illegal law. They don't understand that any law which contradicts the law of God is illegal. There is no authority but God's and human authorities are ordained of God. However, this does not mean that God agrees with all that they do, and Daniel's mind was clear on this. We find a warning in Isaiah 10:1 about such laws, Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees…
We read in this story how that Daniel hears about this new law and as he hears, he goes home and prays to God as he has always done before. It would seem that he is at peace in leaving things in God's hands. What a tribute to his faith and knowledge of God. I don't believe at this point, he knows any more than that God wants him to go on with his prayer life as usual. He is not blind to the consequences. He knows he could face a den of lions, but that does not seem to concern him all that much. How can this be? Daniel is used to walking with God. If we are used to walking with God, we never really know what to expect. It is as Jesus said, (John 3:8) The wind blows where it wants to and you hear the sound of it, but you don't know where the wind comes from or where it is going. Daniel is at peace in the will of God and that is all that matters to him. DW

Daniel's enemies are quick to accuse him before the king, and remind the king that he is powerless to save Daniel. The Median kings worked under certain legal limitations. The legal limitation was that the king could not change the law once he signed it. Consequently, even though he was king, he was powerless to help Daniel. It is interesting to note in verse 14 that the king … was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he laboured till the going down of the sun to deliver him. There proved to be no legal loophole whereby he might save Daniel's life. He seems to realize that Daniel's enemies used his weaknesses to destroy Daniel so he blames himself for the problem.

It is interesting to note that as Daniel is sent to the den of lions the king says to him, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee. The result of this law demonstrates that it is illegal. That one like Daniel could receive the death penalty for praying is a commentary on the corruption and weakness of human government. At the end of the day, the most powerful leader on earth looks to God for hope and help. In this story, Daniel does not seem to be deeply concerned about his fate. I think He knows come what will, he is in the center of God's will. It is not his problem. The king on the other hand is beside himself. We read in verse 18 that … the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him. Even though he says God will deliver Daniel, he has no peace. I believe if his faith had been genuine, he would have demonstrated the same peace of mind that we seem to see in Daniel.

We see no indication here, as we did with Daniel's friends as they are thrown into a fiery furnace, that he expects to find deliverance. The only thing we seem to see in Daniel's life is that he is at peace come what may. He does not encourage the king and say he too believes that God will deliver him. He does not criticize the king or his enemies. He just seems to be ready for whatever God has for him. How can this be? I think Daniel's vision extends beyond the bounds of this life. I think he understands that whether here or somewhere else, life will come to an end. He knows that the end is not what is most important. He knows the most important thing is following the path of God's will for his life, and he has done that. DW

We don't find many of God's servants with the record that Daniel had. He was unusual. So much so, that in Ezekiel 14:14 Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it (Jerusalem), they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord GOD. In this chapter, Daniel has essentially the same vision that Nebuchadnezzar had earlier in this book concerning the times of the Gentiles. What appeared to Nebuchadnezzar as the glorious statue of a man appears to Daniel as four vicious predators. Why the difference? The difference is between the vision of the natural man and the spiritual man. Some have noted that fallen humanity is half beast and half demon. This is descriptive of the influence of sinful corruption on the heart of humanity. Brute beasts are consumed with their own needs and desires. They do not value others. Demons are consumed with spiritual corruption, and so is the heart of fallen humanity.

It is interesting to note that politically, the mass of humanity is seen as a sea, and these earthly empires rise out of this sea. There are four bests that rise out of the sea. There is a lion, a bear, a leopard, and the last is a mechanical beast of iron. The last beast is a picture of the kingdom of antichrist. The antichrist is spoken of in terms of ten kings and three horns. The three horns are three of the ten kingdoms. The antichrist comes to dominate the first three and then all ten kingdoms of what was the Old Roman Empire. This last kingdom is a real monster.

The enemy counterfeits God's work on this earth. Where there is a true government there is a corrupt and false government. God instituted human government as a means fallen humanity could use to protect life and property. When the enemy works through human government, life and property are plundered by evil. When the enemy works through a church, people are turned from God rather than being turned to Him. In Nebuchadnezzar's vision a stone destroys the great statue. Daniel's vision is more detailed. One of the reasons that critics late date the book of Daniel is because they reject the idea that anyone can know the future like this. Yet, God knows the beginning and the end. He is the first and the last. Everything in this world is unfolding according to God's plan and purpose. Those who reject God do so to the glory of God. God is honored either in their obedience or by the destruction they bring on themselves. DW

There is much more detail in this account than that of Nebuchadnezzar's image. Nebuchadnezzar sees only a stone cut without hands. Here Daniel sees God's throne in heaven. As we see in other accounts, God's kingdom in heaven comes to this earth with the Son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. At this time, God's will is going to be done on this earth as it is in heaven. The heavenly kingdom consumes the earthly and becomes an everlasting kingdom.
Note the description of the antichrist is similar to what we read in the book of Revelation. Here we read, I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame. In the book of Revelation we read, (Revelation 19:20) And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. The key to understanding the prophetic teaching of the book of Revelation is found in the prophetic teaching of the book of Daniel. The truth of God's revelation is perfect. Therefore, added revelation may amplify and add to, but never correct. In order to correct, that which was given before would have to be in error.

The end of the age will come with a one-world government headed by the antichrist. We find a false trinity of evil working in concert with Satan, the antichrist, and the false prophet. The Second Coming of Jesus Christ to this earth will end this terrible evil and bring in God's eternal kingdom. This is the prophetic picture of the visions God gave Nebuchadnezzar and Daniel concerning the times of the Gentiles. The perspective and the details differ, but the message is the same. During this time, the destiny city of Jerusalem will be under the control of these Gentile kingdoms. Fallen humanity left to itself would destroy itself. Thank God our future is not in the hands of fallen humanity or the most powerful forces of darkness. The same God, who created all things by the word of His power, will bring a perfect end to all things. The end of all-evil will be a lake of fire burning with brimstone and the end of all good will merge with God's everlasting kingdom. The kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of our Lord. Amen DW

Note what we read in verse 18, the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever. It is even as Jesus said, the meek will inherit the earth. As with all spiritual blessing, it is not something we accomplish on our own but through Christ. When Jesus comes again, all things will be made right. Yet the end will come quickly and unexpectedly. Before the saints posses the kingdom there will be a time of terrible trouble. During this time antichrist will make war with the saints, and prevail against them… At the end of this age antichrist will speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand…

It would seem from Daniel's response to this vision, that he was troubled by what he saw concerning the power of evil unleashed in this world. It would also seem that he did not really understand the meaning of it all. It is always much easier to understand the fulfillment of prophecy after it unfolds than before. Jesus said of this time, (Matthew 24:27-50) … as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 28For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together. 29Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: 30And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 46Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 47Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. 48But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; 50The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, 51And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

God's everlasting kingdom follows the Second Coming of Jesus Christ to this earth and a time of terrible evil. This world is quickly moving toward a one world economy and a one world government. The end is coming. DW

In this text, we see a revelation of the mystery of a ruler who will be wholly given to evil and dominate all the kingdoms of this world. As we see this description unfold, it begins with a description of Alexander the Great as a goat. In Satanic worship, Satan is pictured as a goat. In Daniel's vision the Persian Empire is portrayed as a ram with two horns, and Alexander the Great as a Goat. The goat's notable horn is a specific reference to Alexander the Great. The goat moves swiftly, destroys, and absorbs the Persian Empire. This much is history. Alexander the Great took with him the best of western knowledge and culture and conquered culturally as well as militarily. We read in this text that Alexander was moved with choler… The idea is that of the deepest anger and bitterness.

A similar thing happened after WWI. After WWI, a man by the name of Adolf Hitler lead Germany. He was a man deeply molded by injustice, anger, and bitterness. A similar thing happened in the life of Alexander the Great, and will happen in the life of antichrist. We need to appreciate how important it is that we don't let the sun go down on our wrath. If we hold anger in our hearts, this anger will harden into bitterness and produce much evil. In the book of Hebrews God's people are warned, (Hebrews 12:15) Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled… When we don't forgive and let go of injustice and hurts from today, we open the door to all evil in our hearts.
In verse 8 we read, … the he goat waxed very great: and when he was strong, the great horn was broken; and for it came up four notable ones toward the four winds of heaven. Alexander the Great died as a young man and his kingdom was divided among his four generals. According to Daniel's prophecy, the antichrist will arise from the Syrian wing of this great empire. The Syrian wing was that like Babylon and Persia, which ruled from Babylon. It is interesting to note that Alexander the Great died in Babylon, and Babylon is in modern Iraq. Modern Iraq is a part of God's great plan for the end of the age. For a ruler will arise out of this kingdom and will dominate the nations of Europe in a last day revival of the Old Roman Empire. The Old Roman Empire was never really destroyed. It is survived in the nations of modern Western Europe. DW

One of the important prophecies concerning the antichrist is his desecration of the temple. Jesus speaks of it in Matthew 24:15, 15When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) The apostle Paul speaks of it as an important part of the end of the age to saints at Thessalonica who were confused about events surrounding the end of the age. II Thessalonians 2:3,4 3Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

According to Daniel's prophecy, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down. 12And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised, and prospered. In other words antichrist will enter the temple in Jerusalem and declare himself to be Jesus Christ. Rather than the Biblical morning and evening sacrifice in the temple, a new order of worship will begin with faithful followers receiving the mark of the beast, as a visible and outward sign of their obedience.

At the end of the age, evil will culminate in a one-world government under a one-world religion. The one world empire envisioned by Alexander the Great and Adolf Hitler is to one day become a reality. It will be an evil empire that will make war on the saints. According to clear Biblical teaching, we ought not to be confused or deceived because this great time of evil and war with the saints will begin with the desecration of the temple in Jerusalem which is yet to be rebuilt. It is no secret that even as we write this devotional great plans and preparations are underway to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. Even as I write this Christian, Jewish and Islamic scholars all believe that the end is near. Furthermore, world attention is on Israel and Iraq, Jerusalem and Babylon. In many ways, you could think of the Bible as a tale of two cities, Jerusalem and Babylon. Jerusalem is the home of saints, and Babylon is the home of false religion. DW

15th

October 15
The Antichrist a King of Fierce Countenance
Daniel 8:15-27

The Times of the Gentiles is that Biblical time from the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC where the city of Jerusalem is under the domination of Gentile world kingdoms until the Second Coming of Jesus Christ to this earth. Just prior to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ to this earth, there will be a time for evil of unparalleled success under antichrist. In our text we read when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. 24And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. 25And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes… Note the phrase, not by his own power… Powerful forces of darkness will be working in and through this counterfeit Christ even as God was working in a powerful way through Jesus Christ.

This vision of evil so troubled the prophet Daniel that he said, I … fainted, and was sick certain days… We can only imagine how difficult it will be for the saints who actually experience the wrath of this evil man. It will take the very hand of God to bring deliverance in that hour. Note the phrase; he shall be broken without hand. God Himself will have to intervene in history in order to insure the survival of humanity. Jesus said of this time, except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved…

Thank God, the fate of this world is not left to evil men or spirits. The fate of this world is in the hands of almighty God. There is no want in the power of God to deal with evil today. It is just that God is dealing with evil according to the principles of perfect righteousness, justice, and love. This conflict with evil on this earth is going to come to a head prior to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ to this earth. In that hour, evil will be completely defeated on this earth. We can only wait and long for such an hour today, but thank God such a day is coming to this earth. The kingdoms of this earth will one day become the kingdom of Jesus Christ, and this great event will bring in everlasting righteousness. There is indeed a time for every purpose under heaven. DW

16th

October 16
Understanding Prophecy
Daniel 9:1-3

According to our text, Daniel is studying the book of Jeremiah when he comes to understand that the Babylonian captivity will last 70 years. He was probably reading Jeremiah 29:8-14 … thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your prophets and your diviners, that be in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed. 9 For they prophesy falsely unto you in my name: I have not sent them, saith the LORD. 10 For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place. 11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. 14 And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive. This return from captivity will involve sincere repentance on the part of the remnant.
The seventy years of captivity were related to Israel's failure to observe 70 sabbatical years. As Daniel sees the time of return approaching he gives himself to praying and fasting while sitting in sack cloth and ashes in an effort to bring himself to true repentance. It is interesting, but as great as Daniel was he does not see himself as an exception to one in need of sincere repentance. It would seem that he realizes that if God is to work through repentant hearts to return the nation to the land, he is a part of that remnant who needs to seek God with all his heart.
Whenever God does a great work it is not in the hearts and lives of those around the saints, but in the hearts and lives of the saints and here even the great prophet Daniel is no exception. No one ever seeks God in vain. Daniel seeks understanding, repentance and blessing, and he finds them. We need to recognize that understanding the things of God is something much deeper than human language and logic. It is possible to understand human language and logic, but God transcends both. Therefore, if we would understand the things of God, we must open our hearts. DW

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17th

October 17
Daniel's Confession
Daniel 9:4-14

In this great confession, Daniel identifies himself with the nation Israel of which he was a part. Daniel was a part of the nation Israel and he had a share in the failure of the nation. We read in verse 11 of our text that … all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses… In other words, the nation as a whole, turned from God's law and brought upon itself the curse Moses spoke of at the end of the book of Deuteronomy. This curse involved being taken captive of godless nations.

In this great prayer of confession, Daniel identifies himself with the nation and acknowledges the failure of the nation to listen to God's servants, the failure of Israel's leaders, the goodness of God, and God's justice in bringing them into captivity. How different from many of those Jewish leaders who condemned God during the holocaust. Everything that happened during the holocaust is included by way of warning in the same curses. In spite of the entire nation suffering as a people, they have yet to turn their hearts to God as Daniel does here. Indeed, Daniel is probably deeply smitten of heart that he has not offered a confession like this before.
It would have been proper, but God is the source of all blessing, therefore this prayer is offered according to grace and mercy of God in God's time.

You see we have no excuse for not being exactly like Jesus Christ. God has made provision for all that we need. Yet, we still live in the flesh and the very presence of sinful flesh in our lives insures that we will not attain perfection in this life. Furthermore, our growth in grace is not something we accomplish through our own will and understanding any more than this prayer of Daniel is the product of his own will and understanding. God brings all things to pass in His time, not ours. Thus, the work of sanctification is something that is patterned after physical growth. Physical growth is not something accomplished by our will. We cannot add one cubit to our stature by our will. Indeed, we must say no to self, but the work of sanctification is a work of God accomplished in His time. In God's time, Daniel has the understanding, desire, and purpose to seek God in this great prayer of confession that is an important part of God bringing the people back to Jerusalem. DW

18th

October 18
Daniel's Prayer for Restoration and Blessing
Daniel 9:15-19

Daniel's life has been exemplary and a life of faith. He has had many experiences of the power of God on his life. Yet, none of this is a part of his prayer for restoration and blessing. Those with understanding hearts feel no sense of entitlement when it comes to God's blessing. Daniel recounts God's mercy and grace in founding the nation Israel. He recounts God's perfect justice in all that has befallen the nation.

He pleads with God for mercy and grace. He pleads that God would forgive the nation for their sin and asks God in His great grace to restore the nation. It is significant to note that he does not ask for this in his own behalf or in behalf of the entire nation. He asks for this that God might be known and honored in this earth. It is for God's own sake that this must happen.

Fallen humanity makes man the focus of all things. The Bible makes God the focus of all things. Fallen humanity, like Lucifer, wants to be equal with God. Fallen humanity wants the right to be and do what it feels is right. Fallen humanity feels that this is only fair, but being like God is not fair. A creature cannot be equal to the Creator. It is only as we recognize our position that we can honor what is fair and right, and our position is one of being without rights.

The conservative talk show host, Rush Limbaugh, speaks of animals as being without rights and people as having responsibilities to them. This is the position of all creation. We are without rights. Indeed, God has great responsibilities, but He has discharged all of them perfectly. He is God. We do not deserve mercy or grace from Him. There is nothing in us worthy of mercy or grace. Therefore, the best reason we can give for God extending great mercy, and grace to us is for the honor and glory of His holy name as Daniel does here. In mercy, God will bring them out of the captivity that they deserve. In grace, God will restore the nation to the city of Jerusalem. This will happen under the leadership of Ezra and Nehemiah. God will bring his people under Persian dominance back to Jerusalem. This Persian dominance will be followed by Greece, Rome, and Rome as revived under the dominance of Antichrist. God will give Daniel a brief outline of this time to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. DW

19th

October 19
The Future of Israel in 70 Weeks
Daniel 9:20-27

As Daniel prays and confesses, the angel Gabriel appears to him and outlines God's plan and purpose for Israel. In this revelation, Israel's future is outlined in terms of weeks of years. A week has seven days, and these weeks are 7 years. According to verse 25, this last 70th week of years of Israel's future begins with "…the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem…" Then after 69 weeks of years the Messiah the Prince will come to Jerusalem. Verse predicts that Messiah be cut off, but not for himself… In Isaiah 53:8 we read of the Messiah, he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.

According to what the angel Gabriel says to Daniel, 24Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. During the seventieth week, (Daniel 9:26,27) …the prince that shall come … shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

It is as we have seen in other texts. The coming of antichrist and the desecration of the temple will precede the Second Coming of Jesus Christ and God's eternal kingdom. The first sixty-nine weeks fit perfectly with the historical record of the return of the nation from captivity to the coming of Jesus Christ. When Jesus Christ was crucified, God's purpose for Israel was set aside and the present church age began with the day of Pentecost. The seventieth week will begin when the present church age ends with the rapture and antichrist is revealed. God has revealed a fixed time for God's plan and purpose for Israel, but throughout the church age the coming of Jesus Christ to take out the church at the rapture is revealed as imminent. Many thought that Christ would return before the death of John the apostle. The apostle John died near the end of the first century. It has been over 1900 years since John's death. The events unfolding in the Middle East seem to indicate that the end is near. DW

20th

October 20
Daniel's Mourning
Daniel 10:1-11

Daniel is broken hearted over the destiny of his people. He now knows that the kingdom will come only after a long and difficult struggle on the part of God's people. It would seem that his understanding of the vision and the tribulation greatly disturbed Daniel. Daniel mourns for three full weeks. He is broken hearted. During these three weeks, Daniel did not eat a good meal. He did not eat meat or drink wine. He did not attend to personal grooming habits.

Daniel has a vision during this time of morning by the river Tigris. He is probably traveling on government business. In this vision, he sees a man dressed in linen with a gold belt. His face shines with the glory of lightning and the eyes project judgment. The arms and legs are of brass and the voice is overpowering. It is very similar to the vision John records in the book of Revelation. In Revelation, this appearance is of the resurrected Christ. Here it may be a manifestation of Jesus Christ prior to His becoming man. The effect on Daniel is similar to that on the apostle John recorded in Revelation.

We read in verse 11 where this man says to Daniel, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling. Whenever we set our hearts to seek God, we will find Him. It is fitting that this great revelation of Israel's future is given to Daniel as Daniel is burdened about the fate of Israel as he is in captivity in Babylon. Daniel mourns for the nation, and receives a great message of hope. Jesus said, blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted. Here God, Himself, gives Daniel comfort through a great revelation of Israel's future. God would not have us dwell in the house of mourning. He brings comfort and we read in the book of Nehemiah that the joy of the Lord is our strength. The most common and appropriate feeling of those who walk with God is the fullness of joy. Joy is a fruit of the indwelling Spirit of God. There may be ambivalence in our feelings, but there is still joy. The apostle Paul speaks in 2 Corinthians 6:10 of going about As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing… As God brings comfort to Daniel, He reveals the coming of God's eternal kingdom. Our Lord prepares a place for all who believe in His eternal kingdom. DW

21st

October 21
Daniel's Message of Encouragement
Daniel 10:1-11

As we noted, God encourages Daniel by helping him to understand (verse 14) what shall befall thy people in the latter days… It is a message of hope sent after great conflict among unseen spiritual forces of light and darkness. This messenger was sent three weeks ago. What caused such a long delay for this heavenly messenger? We read in verse 13, But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia. 14Now I am come… We find in the book of Ephesians that the forces of darkness are spoken of in terms of principalities … powers, … the rulers of the darkness of this world, … spiritual wickedness in high places… It would seem that powerful forces of darkness surround major political developments in this world.

Some great-unspecified political conflict caused Daniel to wait in morning for over twenty days. What a blessing. Powerful spiritual forces not only surround major political developments in this world, but they surround God's servants as this messenger does Daniel. There is not a great deal of information about these unseen conflicts between the forces of light and darkness, but it would seem that the conflicts of people on this earth involve much more than flesh and blood. In other words, adverse agents of darkness work in and through fallen humanity. In the book of Ephesians, we read that we wrestle not against flesh and blood… As we stand for what is right, our real opposition, though it comes through people, does not primarily come from people. Rather, they come from powerful forces of darkness. Forces that delayed God's messenger who may be a representation of Jesus Christ for twenty days. The messenger was not free to come to Daniel until Michael the archangel arrives. It is important to remember that only God is without limit. The unseen forces of light and darkness function within certain limits. They can only be in one place at one time. As they war with one another, the scale can be tipped one way or another depending on the finite resources that are available at a specific time and place. It would seem that prayer plays a part in the deployment of these forces. This messenger is sent to Daniel in answer to his prayer. It ought to be clear how dependent we are on faith and God's guidance in our lives. DW

22nd

October 22
Daniel Strengthened
Daniel 10:16-21

This time of fasting and praying sapped the strength out of Daniel. According to verse 17, Daniel said, there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me. He is gasping for breath. The three weeks of fasting and the terrible nightmare of the vision of antichrist and the end of the age left Daniel in a weakened condition. He was unable to talk with the heavenly messenger until he receives a touch and is made strong once again by the messenger. Daniel is strengthened and able to talk with the messenger and gain understanding. We find this important message in chapter 11. The prophets did not always understand the message that they receive. Of the coming of Christ we read that the prophets searched (1 Peter 1:11) … what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. Daniel is in this position as he prays and fasts.

The heavenly messenger is sent and states … that when he returned to fight against the prince of Persia (cf. "the prince of the Persian kingdom," 10:13), the prince of Greece would come. These princes, as stated earlier (see comments on vv. 11-14), were demons, Satan's representatives assigned to nations to oppose godly forces. (1) Think of it. An important angelic conflict is taking place and because of Daniel's need, this messenger is sent. You might think that Daniel could wait, but he is the recipient of God's special care. It is as we read in Psalm 103:13. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. Most of us have seen a father or a grandfather take time from important business in order to meet the needs of a child. This is a good thing. No doubt, some don't have time for children. Jesus disciples were like that, but Jesus said, suffer the children to come unto me and forbid them not. What a blessing to know that our need even if it comes from weakness is important to God. Psalm 103:14 … he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. When we come to the end of ourselves, and we will, God is there to strengthen and help us. I often wonder how the godless live without hope and without help at such times, but they do. It must be like damnation in some ways. DW
(1) Walvoord, John F., and Zuck, Roy B., The Bible Knowledge Commentary,
(Wheaton, Illinois: Scripture Press Publications, Inc.) 1983, 1985.

23rd

October 23
Daniel Encouraged
Daniel 11:1-10

This vision comes to Daniel about two years after the vision of the seventy weeks. At this time, the Persian Empire dominated the city of Jerusalem and God's people, Israel. In verse 1 of our text we see that God works though the Persian king in behalf of Israel. We read that this messenger from heaven tells Daniel … in the first year of Darius the Mede, even I, stood to confirm and to strengthen him. God works in similar ways today in behalf of all who believe. Therefore, we are instructed to pray for all who are in positions of authority over us.

Daniel receives a message concerning the future of Persia. It is about the immediate future. Four Persian leaders are mentioned who come into conflict with Greece. Then there is mention of Alexander the Great as … a mighty king shall stand up, that shall rule with great dominion… Alexander dies at 32 years of age and his kingdom is divided among his four generals. We read, his kingdom shall be broken, and shall be divided toward the four winds of heaven; and not to his posterity, nor according to his dominion which he ruled... The king of the south mentioned in verse 5 is one of Alexander's generals. Ptolemy I Soter was a general under Alexander and came to control Egypt, Babylon, Media and Syria. These rival kingdoms fought for dominance and there was a failed marriage alliance between these two of these kingdoms. The marriage alliance failed because the king's first wife killed her rival.

The brother of the murdered queen seeks revenge and in doing so he comes to dominate Jerusalem and Israel. Thus, this king of the south dominates the city of Jerusalem. It is no wonder that critics of the Bible try to late-date the book of Daniel. The description of future events, here, is incredible in detail and accuracy. Yet, even as God revealed to Nebuchadnezzar, God sets up kings and takes down kings according to His purpose on this earth. It is not altogether clear how this might encourage Daniel; perhaps just knowing that God is in control. Then as God's people return from captivity in such instability, I am sure they took great comfort as these things came to pass realizing that God was watching over them. In the same way, we should take great comfort from knowing that in the end, all will be well. This world is not moving by blind chance, but God is bringing things to a great and glorious end. DW

24th

October 24
Future Events Continued
Daniel 11:11-20

In this section, we see a war between that part of Alexander's Empire which came to dominate Egypt and that part which came to dominate Syria. This great conflict took place along the southern border of Israel. During this conflict, the Syrian division joins with the Greek division with the hope of controlling the Egyptian division of Alexander's empire. Israel joins with Syria with the hope of gaining independence from both. It does not work. The city of Jerusalem is destined to remain under Gentile dominance until the times of the Gentiles ends. Gaining some success, the ruler of the Syrian division of the Empire seeks a marriage alliance with the Egyptian division. It does not work as he hoped. We read in verse 17, … he shall give him the daughter of women, corrupting her: but she shall not stand on his side, neither be for him.

The leader of the Syrian division makes a vigorous effort to reunite Alexander's empire, but fails. During this time Israel remains under the heel of the Syrian division of Alexander's old empire. The prophetic detail here is truly amazing. It shows us that God knows the beginning from the end, and His will works in concert with the "free will" of humanity to accomplish God's will with certainty on this earth. This prophecy provided great comfort to all who received it. As these armies passed through Israel and the factions of Alexander's empire struggled for dominance, it must have seemed like madness and things were out of control. They were not. They were progressing according to God's perfect plan. Evidence of this was seen by those with the heart to understand like Daniel.

Even today, we need to appreciate that things are unfolding exactly as they should. God's way is perfect. He knows the beginning and the end, but more than that, He is working in and through people in this world exactly as He should. In the end, when all creation understands this plan as they cannot now, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord… It is not important that we understand everything that God brings to pass or allows on this earth. What is important is that we trust that God's way is perfect. What is important is that we understand everything will turn out right in the end. It is as watching a skilled artisan. We cannot always understand why they do what they do and when they do it, but when finished, all is as it should be. DW

25th

October 25
A Picture of Antichrist
Daniel 11:21-28

Some have noted that there are predictable cycles in human history. I believe that there are because of the consistent character of fallen humanity and the consistent character of the spiritual forces at work on humanity. In speaking of the terrible evil that will work in a powerful way at the end of the age in the person of antichrist the apostle Paul writes, (2 Thessalonians 2:7) … the mystery of iniquity doth already work… In other words, the spiritual conflict that will result in the coming of antichrist was at work as the apostle Paul lived.
Therefore, it should not surprise us that there will be those that come close to being antichrist, before the coming of antichrist. The apostle John puts it this way, (1 John 2:18) Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. Since the days of the apostles, the history of this world has been moving to Daniel's seventieth week and the coming of antichrist followed by the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
The king described here is Antiochus IV Epiphanes (illustrious one). He was also called Epimanes (the madman). He was a vile man. We read in verse 21, … in his estate shall stand up a vile person … he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries. He is a usurper of the throne of the Syrian division of the empire. The antichrist will arise from the Syrian division of the empire, which controls Babylon. The throne rightly belonged to Demetrius Soter, a son of Seleucus IV Philopator, but Antiochus IV Epiphanes seized the throne and had himself proclaimed king. Thus he did not come to the throne by rightful succession; he seized it through intrigue. He was accepted as ruler because he was able to turn aside an invading army, perhaps the Egyptians. He also deposed Onias III, the high priest, called here a prince of the covenant. (1) He fails in an attempt to dominate Egypt. After his disappointment in Egypt … he took out his frustrations on the Jews by desecrating the temple in Jerusalem. … After desecrating the temple, he returned to his own country. (2) The Jewish feast of Hanukkah memorializes the cleansing of the temple after Antiochus defiled it. The antichrist will defile the temple again one day during the 70th week. DW

(1) (2) Walvoord, John F., and Zuck, Roy B., The Bible Knowledge Commentary,
(Wheaton, Illinois: Scripture Press Publications, Inc.) 1983, 1985.

26th

October 26
Antiochus IV Epiphanes
Daniel 11:29-35

The Syrian wing of Alexander's empire dominated Israel after they returned from captivity in Babylon. Antiochus IV Epiphanes ruled Israel after they returned to the land and severely hated and persecuted the Jews. He desecrated the Jewish temple by setting up an idol in honor to Zeus and sacrificing a sow on the brazen altar. The Jewish feast of Hanukkah commemorates the time when the temple was purified after this horrible desecration. Just prior to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ to this earth, Antichrist will desecrate the Jewish temple. This Bible refers to this significant prophetic event in Matthew 24 and II Thessalonians 2.

In these verses, we read of another attack on Egypt. Two years later (in 168) Antiochus moved against Egypt (the South) again. As he moved into Egypt, he was opposed by the Romans who had come to Egypt in ships from the western coastlands.... From the Roman senate Popillius Laenas took to Antiochus a letter forbidding him to engage in war with Egypt. When Antiochus asked for time to consider, the emissary drew a circle in the sand around Antiochus and demanded that he give his answer before he stepped out of the circle. Antiochus submitted to Rome's demands for to resist would be to declare war on Rome. (1)

In his frustration Antiochus IV Epiphanes tried to exterminate Judaism by making Jews embrace Greek culture. On December 6, 167 BC he desecrated the Jewish temple in Jerusalem. He greatly rewarded any Jews who set aside God for the worship of Zeus. Note verse 30, 31, … he shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he … pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate. As we noted earlier the dynamic that operates in and through fallen humanity on this earth since the beginning of time to the end follows a certain pattern. The dynamic that operates between unseen forces of darkness and light follows a certain pattern. These dynamics resulted in the desecration of the temple under Antiochus IV Epiphanes. These dynamics will result in the desecration of the temple by the antichrist. This pattern can cause us to believe we are at the end when we are not. DW

(1)Walvoord, John F., and Zuck, Roy B., The Bible Knowledge Commentary, (Wheaton, Illinois: Scripture Press Publications, Inc.) 1983, 1985.

27th

October 27
The Antichrist
Daniel 11:36-39

The language of these verses goes beyond Antiochus IV Epiphanes to events of the 70th week of Daniel's prophecy. Note the similarity of the language in verse 36 to that of II Thessalonians chapter 2. In verse 36, 37 we read … he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper… 37Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all. The language goes beyond the life of Antiochus IV Epiphanes.

Israel rejected Jesus Christ. We read in John 1:11 He (Jesus) came unto his own, and his own received him not. The day is coming when the nation Israel will receive antichrist as the promised Messiah. In John 5:43, we read where Jesus speaks some very prophetic words concerning this man. Jesus says, I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. People take comfort in rejecting Jesus Christ because they find good reason. They ought not to take comfort from this. Of the lie and confusion that surrounds antichrist we read in II Thessalonians 2:11,12, God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Strong delusion is a good reason to turn from the truth. If one looks for a good reason to reject the truth, they will find one. In other words, there would be no antichrist if wicked men did not first hate and reject Jesus Christ, but why is it that God allows for strong delusion and the success of the wicked? I tend to think it is another of many manifestations of the great grace of God. I think God allows those who reject Him to become blind in His mercy, that their damnation might be the more tolerable. God takes no pleasure in the suffering of the wicked. His only purpose and desire is that the wicked repent. The vast majority of the damned in the mercy of God will not find all the suffering they might in eternity. Along with opportunity comes responsibility. Jesus said cities like Sodom and Tyre would find less eternal suffering than cities in Galilee where he preached. We can only conclude that Jesus' ministry in Galilee proved greater suffering for most than blessing. Then for those like apostate Judas and Antichrist, it would be better had they never been born. DW

28th

October 28
The Day of the Lord
Daniel 11:40-45

We read in this text that … at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north… The events in verses 40-45 will transpire at the time of the end, that is, they will occur in the second half of the 70th "seven" of years. …. This invasion has no correspondence to historical facts; it is yet future. …. The king of the South and the king of the North will fight against the Antichrist. (1)

Note what we find in verse 44 … tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many. … The Antichrist will hear alarming reports from the east (probably referring to an invasion by a massive army of 200 million soldiers from east of the Euphrates River, Rev. 9:16) and from the north… Posing as Christ, the Antichrist will set up his headquarters in Jerusalem, the same city from which Christ will rule the world in the Millennium (Zech. 14:4, 17). The Antichrist will also pose as Christ by introducing a one-world government with himself as the ruler and a one-world religion in which he is worshiped as god. But God will destroy the kingdom of this king (he will come to his end; cf. Dan. 7:11, 26) at the personal appearance of Jesus Christ to this earth (Rev. 19:19-20). (2)

Prophetic events are always understood best after the fact. If you look at many of the Biblical prophecies already fulfilled, you will see this. I think because of the similar forces of good and evil at work in this world throughout the age, it is easy to identify someone like Antiochus IV Epiphanes as the antichrist when he was not. Even today, though it looks like the end is near we need to realize that God can set and reset this stage according to His eternal purpose for another 1000 years and more. One of the reasons for this phenomenon is that God wants us to labor with the hope that Jesus will come in our lifetime. The apostles and the early church labored with that hope. In Titus 2:13 the apostle Paul writes under the inspiration about us, Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ… Even so come, Lord Jesus. DW
(1) (2) Walvoord, John F., and Zuck, Roy B., The Bible Knowledge Commentary,
(Wheaton, Illinois: Scripture Press Publications, Inc.) 1983, 1985.

29th

October 29
The Time of Jacob's Trouble
Daniel 12:1-4

We read in verse 1 … there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered… The words are very similar to what Jesus said recorded in Matthew 24. (Matthew 24:21) … then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. The culmination of the conflict between God's people and those who give themselves to evil will be an unprecedented time of terrible evil.

In these verses, we see a message of the end of the age, judgment and
God's eternal kingdom. Note verse 2,3, … many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. Here we see everlasting life is related to wisdom and turning people to the truth. In other words, the righteous are engaged in the battle for truth.

In verse 4 we read, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end… In Revelation 22:10 we read … Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. The prophecy was sealed so that it would not be understood. As John writes Revelation, the message is no longer sealed. The book of Daniel and the book of Revelation taken together give us a picture of the end of the age. The views that I have put forth in this devotional were developed in the early 1900s. In particular, Clarence Larkin outlined much of the thinking that I have put forth here around 1910. It is significant to note that world attention is being drawn today to Jerusalem and Babylon. These two ancient cities and their spiritual legacy have followed us to this point in history, and we may indeed be near the end of the age. If so, I hope God's people don't get consumed with the world events that surround evil. Even though the coming of antichrist precedes that of Jesus Christ, I don't think God wants us to look to the coming of antichrist. Rather, I believe He would have us look in faith and hope to the coming of Jesus Christ. I believe He would have us be confident that we are here to occupy with an important purpose. He would have us occupy till He comes. DW

30th

October 30
The End of Daniel's Vision
Daniel 12:5-13

This section… includes two requests… and two angelic replies. (1) Note the question in verse 6, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders? The answer is given in verse 7, a time, times, and an half, or a period of 3 ½ years. It is the last half of Daniel's 70th week a period also known as the Great Tribulation. In verse 8, we see where Daniel asks … what shall be the end of these things? In effect, he wants to know God's plan for Israel beyond the Tribulation. He does not get an answer. We read in verse 9, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.

It is interesting to note some times set forth at the end of his vision. In verse 11 we read of, a thousand two hundred and ninety days… and in verse 12 we read of a thousand three hundred and five and thirty days. The angel said that 1,290 days will be measured off from the time that the daily sacrifice is abolished (cf. 9:27, "he will put an end to sacrifice") and the abomination that causes desolation is set up (cf. 9:27, "one who causes desolation will place abominations on a wing of the temple"). The last half of the 70th "seven" of years is "a time, times, and half a time" (7:25; Rev. 12:14), which is three and one-half years. It is also designated as 42 months (Rev. 11:2) or 1,260 days (Rev. 11:3). How then can the variance of 30 days (1,290 compared with 1,260) be explained?... The 1,290 days could begin with an announcement (about the abomination) made 30 days before the abomination is introduced. This abomination, as stated earlier, will be an image of himself (Rev. 13:14-15) and will be the symbol of this religious system. Blessing is pronounced on one who waits for and lives to see the end of the 1,335 days. This is an additional 45 days beyond the 1,290 days… This may mark the blessing of the Millennium... (2) The ideas of the best minds may be difficult to follow, but what is most important to remember is that history is unfolding according to God's eternal purpose. At the end of all things, the right will prevail, and the wrong will fail. The best of us as we look at prophecy are looking through a glass darkly. Real clarity will only come as these events actually unfold. A careful study of all the prophecies of Christ's first coming is helpful in this regard. DW

(1) (2) Walvoord, John F., and Zuck, Roy B., The Bible Knowledge Commentary,
(Wheaton, Illinois: Scripture Press Publications, Inc.) 1983, 1985.

31st

October 31
Christ's Coming in Glory
Psalm 102:12-16

In our text, we see a prophecy of the Messiah appearing in glory. At the mount of Transfiguration, Peter, James and John saw Jesus in His glory with Moses and Elijah. The disciples accurately understood this as a picture of the kingdom age. In Luke 21:27 as Jesus speaks of His Second Coming, He says; … they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
We read about this event in Revelation 19:11-14, 11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
The disciples focused on the kingdom when Jesus came the first time. What they did not understand is that the blessings of the kingdom are impossible without the spiritual aspects of the kingdom. If people do not receive spiritual truth in their hearts, they will not be able to live in such a way as to experience the blessings of the kingdom. The result of Jesus coming the first time is recorded in John 1:11. Here we read, He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
However, the blessings of the spiritual kingdom are available to all that will receive Him. John 1:12 … as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name… These blessings include a heart full of peace, love and joy. If all people on this earth had such a heart and Jesus was leading us, we would realize all the blessings of the kingdom. The present church ought to be such a kingdom. Those who are lost in sin have a heart full of covetous desire. Judas had a heart full of covetousness, and troubled the disciples. Today, all whose hearts are full of covetousness only bring trouble into the church. It ought not to surprise us that most church conflicts revolve around the use of money. When the kingdom comes to this earth God will remove all this kind of evil. (Matthew 24:31). DW

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