Read Daniel 11:2-45
“…With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant,
but the people who know their God will firmly resist him…” (v 32)
but the people who know their God will firmly resist him…” (v 32)
Some Thoughts…
There is much in this chapter that, frankly, loses my attention…OK, I get bored reading it. Yet when I stop to consider the magnitude of the accuracy of predicted history, I’m amazed. These verses describe the rise and fall of the Persian empire and the rise of Xerxes and Alexander the Great, then depicts the battles of the four kingdoms that arose after his end with a focus on two (Ptolemy and Salamis). There is much for a history buff (I confess, I’ve not studied enough to be one).
But my curiosity is tweaked and my eyes reopened from drowsiness when I consider the faithful ones who stood strong in the face of a ferocious man (Antiochus Epiphanies – v 21). He came hard against the Jews, and those who would be unmoved, even to the point of death; they took his wrath and they were refined by divine flames (v 35).
I’m in awe of this ancient book! Its words ring true for me, even when it may appear to drone on and on and on… God is in control! Yes His grace always forces us all to choose Him or reject Him, but regardless of individual encounters – of which God is constantly involved – and regardless for personal faith and practice, God is at work bringing the final touches on “His Story” together and then just as verse 35 says, “it (the end) will still come at the appointed time.” Oh may my faith in Jesus keep me firmly trusting in His promises!
A Prayer…
Father, Oh Majestic author of my life and all lives, I will wait for the final chapter in faith and trust … I will choose to play the role YOU destined and scripted for me personally, and I will do my best to “resist firmly” anyone who tries to bring a re-write to YOUR already composed masterpiece. Yes I will wait in faith and obedience until the appointed time that you will write “The End”. Amen.