The Battle
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In Daniel chapter 10 we really come to the close of the book of Daniel because chapters 10 through 12 encompass the last vision given to Daniel and, with it, we see a conclusion of Daniel’s ministry.
Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days.
My message this morning, again, is not prophetic. However, it is important for us to “set the stage” to give us an understanding of what it taking place in these chapters.
In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.
The events beginning in chapter 10 come after the events of chapter 9.
Daniel is an old man likely in his mid-80’s at this time. He has lived through the time of the Babylonian empire and is now living in the time of the Media-Persian Empire. Daniel knows what is coming next. He knows that the Grecian empire is soon to come on the stage. He also knows that things are not going to end there. In fact, in Daniel’s visions, God has allowed Daniel to see all the way to the very end - the millennial kingdom. Even in this vision, Daniel is given a glimpse of the very end...
And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and 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, every one that shall be found written in the book.
And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
John was allowed to see this same thing...
And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Are you prepared for eternity?
And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
Have you, by faith, fully trusted in Jesus Christ as your personal Savior from sin?
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
The bulk of the vision given to Daniel in chapters 10-12 concerns itself with the treatment of the nation of Israel during the time of the Grecian empire.
Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come.
Back to the more immediate, though...
According to Daniel 10:1, Daniel had this vision in the third year of King Cyrus. Why is that important to remember and understand.
Turn to and read Ezra 1:1-4. So, two years prior to Daniel chapter 10, almost 50,000 individuals, with the blessing of King Cyrus, had returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple.
However, from reading the rest of the book of Ezra, we understand that, once the Jews reached Jerusalem, they faced opposition and the rebuilding was halted.
It is likely for this reason that we read of Daniel...
In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks.
Daniel had probably heard that things were not going too well in Jerusalem. That led Daniel to do what Daniel always did - Pray - at which time Daniel received this vision.
Now with all of that background information, I want to focus in on one verse...
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.
The Battle
The Battle
Daniel was made aware of a spiritual battle that was being waged between the forces of God and the forces of wickedness.
There are three points that I would like to make about this battle:
There is a spiritual battle raging right now!
There is a spiritual battle raging right now!
Turn to and read Ephesians 6:10-20.
Daniel was told that there was a “prince of Persia” that was actively opposing the messenger of God who had been sent to Daniel. Michael, the archangel of God, had to assist the heavenly messenger in his journey to Daniel.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
I feel very confident that, if there is/was a wicked “prince of Persia,” there is also a wicked “prince of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County.” Yes, there is a spiritual battle raging, right now, in Charlotte, NC!
We are often unaware of this spiritual battle!
We are often unaware of this spiritual battle!
Apparently, Daniel struggled for 3 weeks, not fully aware of the real battle that was taking place just beyond his eyesight. He did not fully become aware until the angel - the heavenly messenger - told him.
Often, we are unaware of the spiritual battle - the very real spiritual battle - that is raging around us each day. We are so caught up in the affairs of life - good and bad - that we are completely oblivious to the spiritual battle.
Turn to and read 2 Kings 6:11-17.
And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.
Elisha’s servant was so focused on the physical battle, that he failed to see the spiritual battle that was at play.
And Satan likes that! If he can keep us focused on something other than the spiritual battle that is raging, that would be just fine with him!
This very real spiritual battle is destroying our children; it is destroying our marriages; it is destroying our homes; it is destroying our churches; it is destroying our towns and cities.
This spiritual battle is a battle between truth and lies.
This spiritual battle is a battle between truth and lies.
God’s truth vs. Satan’s lies
God’s truth vs. Satan’s lies
Three times in Daniel chapters 10 and 11 we see this fact.
In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.
But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.
And now will I shew thee the truth. Behold, there shall stand up yet three kings in Persia; and the fourth shall be far richer than they all: and by his strength through his riches he shall stir up all against the realm of Grecia.
God is truth.
God is truth.
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
The devil is a liar.
The devil is a liar.
Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
We don’t have the time to look fully at the Christian’s armor, as recorded in Ephesians chapter 6. It is important for us to understand, though, that this armor is built around the truth.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
God’s truth is the centerpiece of the Christian’s armor. God’s truth is that which brings all of the Christian’s armor together.
Allow me to apply this and to tie this all into the message which Bro. Van Gelderen preached this past Thursday night.
And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.
Daniel is encouraged to be strong.
Daniel is encouraged to be strong.
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Paul encourages all Christians to be strong in the Lord.
Paul encourages all Christians to be strong in the Lord.
How does an individual gain strength?
How does an individual gain strength?
(Not “build” strength.)
Through proper nourishment. Through a proper diet. By eating the right foods.
This morning, which table are you eating at - the table of truth or the table of lies?