2008-01-13 - Daniel

Daniel 11: Part 1 - Introduction, Installment 84

Daniel 11:36-12:13

All over the world, people are looking for peace, especially at this moment in time. This is something that every nation and every individual needs and desires. Of course, each government, and person for that matter, has a different definition of what it means to have peace. Some equate peace with isolationism:"If everybody leaves me alone, I'll be fine." Others equate peace with internal equality, such as the different ethnic groups in the Eastern European nations. Those in power often equate peace with a spreading of their control, or, in the case of the Middle East, the spreading of a religious philosophy such as Islam. Nevertheless, all seem to agree on one thing: there is a need for peace.

Now many believers understand that there will be no true peace in this world until we have a one-world government under the authority of an absolute dictator, one who will exercise power over all peoples, not allowing for any disagreement with his authority. Wait, you say? Isn't that a description of the rule of Antichrist? The answer is no! For while this form of rule may be what Antichrist tries to establish, his government will bring no peace, but rather great destruction and upheaval. If you think about it, you will see that this is a description of the Millennial kingdom, when Messiah holds absolute sway. In that day, the whole Earth will experience a theocracy, the final form of government - a government where God exercises His rule and absolute authority. Only then will there be political peace.

But mankind desires peace now, and is open to anyone they believe will bring it. Observe how so many looked to leadership in the UN as the herald of world peace. Look at how the European governments are pulling together to form an alliance of peace, out of the ashes of the old Roman Empire. Mankind is ready for someone who will appear to bring peace; therefore mankind is ready for the Antichrist.

"Joshua stood calmly on the airplane ramp while the excited crowd applauded.... He spoke and the power in his voice convinced even the skeptical that a charismatic leader had come to Israel. 'I have come to aid my adopted country. I have come to the land of my forefathers. I have come as one citizen. I have come as one man. I have come to offer my help. We can defeat those who boast of tossing us into the sea. No, we will defeat them! We will triumph!' The crowd burst into hysterical applause and clapping. One student raced forward to the microphone and started a chant: Saul has slain his thousands, David his ten thousands, Joshua his millions." Later at the Knesset. "'Joshua! Joshua!' shouted one of the ministers. 'Yes, Joshua!' echoed another 'Is it not possible,' said Marcus Zelig, 'that God might be performing a great miracle in our midst and we are too proud or too dimsighted to perceive it?' He paused and surveyed the other members. 'Think of our rich history, ladies and gentlemen! Remember! When God's covenant people came to desperate straits and they cried out for help, God answered. God raised up a Moses. A Gideon. A Deborah or Jepthah! A Judas Maccabaeus!'... '... A tinny voice cried out, 'You're Joshua Gad-Erianko! You are God's deliverer for us!'" They didn't know it, but - The Antichrist Had Come." 1

Comments or Questions?
Geoff

GKragen@aol.com
http://www.cfdevotionals.org

¹ Youssef, Michael, Earth King, Crossway Books, 1988, pg. 87 & 89.

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