2007-11-25 - Daniel

Chapter 10: Part 2 ~ Installment 78

But nothing is said of the church and where it fits into all this action. While it appears from elsewhere in Scripture the church is to be raptured prior to this time, there is nothing in this passage which speaks to the issue one way or another. For us then, let's look for the Lord's return and continue to "go and make disciples" in whatever remaining time we have.

"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." ... "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come" (Matthew 24:36, 42).

Introduction: Keep in mind this chapter serves as a prologue to the informational message of the remainder of the book. It also serves as a glimpse of the hidden action that is going on right how.

As Abraham Kuyper states:

"If once the curtain were pulled back, and the spiritual world behind it came to view, it would expose to our spiritual vision a struggle so intense, so convulsive, sweeping everything within its range, that the fiercest battle ever fought on earth would seem, by comparison, a mere game. Not here, but up there-that is where the real conflict is waged. Our earthly struggle drones in its backlash." ₂

So, the first message of this chapter is: We are in the midst of a spiritual war, not a physical one. We often get so caught up in the mundane that we forget what the real issues are.

Second: As believers we have the hope and comfort that comes from knowing that victory is already His, therefore we have no need to be afraid. We always can go to the Lord for the reassurance and resources that come from being His child. God is in control, be it in the physical or spiritual realm. His forces will ultimately prevail.

Third, our role is to be one of the prayer warrior. We are involved in the work of heaven, just as Daniel's prayers receive the response of heaven.

² Ferguson, Sinclair, Mastering the Old Testament, Vol. 19, "Daniel," Word Publishing, Dallas, TX, 1988, p. 215.

Comments or Questions?
Geoff

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http://www.cfdevotionals.org

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