"Those who do not learn from the mistakes of the past are destined to repeat them."
Ecclesiastes 1:9 The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.
I have been studying through the book of Daniel again for my morning devotion because as we hurtle toward a cataclysmic collision course between time and eternity, the significance and truths of this book continue to burn with brighter and brighter lustre.
Not only that, Ministers and Gospel Workers are counselled to drink deeply and eat their belly full on the books of Daniel and Revelation. We must also feed those whom God has placed under our watchful care and influence, for we must "give an account" for them.
When the books of Daniel and Revelation are better understood, believers will have an entirely different religious experience. They will be given such glimpses of the open gates of heaven that heart and mind will be impressed with the character that all must develop in order to realize the blessedness which is to be the reward of the pure in heart. [Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers 114.3]
The Lord will bless all who will seek humbly and meekly to understand that which is revealed in the Revelation. This book contains so much that is large with immortality and full of glory that all who read and search it earnestly receive the blessing to those “that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein.”
[Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers 114.4]
A wonderful connection is seen between the universe of heaven and this world. The things revealed to Daniel were afterward complemented by the revelation made to John on the Isle of Patmos. These two books should be carefully studied. Twice Daniel inquired, How long shall it be to the end of time? [Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers114.6]
Will our brethren bear in mind that we are living amid the perils of the last days? Read Revelation in connection with Daniel. Teach these things. TM 115.4
So this morning, while studying through Daniel 10, I was impressed to spend a little more time looking at this particular verse:
Daniel 10:13 - 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.
This text in my Bible is already marked with cross references and quotes from my previous studies of this chapter, but with the time passing of time, the unfolding of events and the prophetic fulfillments of other passages of scripture, we uncover richer, deeper meaning and potent parallels with our day.
Let me share a thought with you from this morning.
Note: You'll understand that the writing in [parenthesis] are my own. I have used either synonyms or modern parlance to bring out the richness of what has been written and to make it easier to see the parallels with our day.
While Satan was striving to influence the highest powers in the kingdom of Medo-Persia [the governments of the world] to show disfavor to God's people [restrict liberties and bring them into strait places], angels [Heaven] worked in behalf of the exiles [worked to repeal these mandates and unmuzzle the truth]. The controversy was one in which all heaven was interested.
Through the prophet Daniel we are given a glimpse of this mighty struggle between the forces of good and the forces of evil. For three weeks Gabriel wrestled with the powers of darkness, seeking to counteract the influences at work on the mind of Cyrus [the minds of monarchies, presidencies, rulers and legislators]; and before the contest closed, Christ Himself came to Gabriel's aid. “The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days,” Gabriel declares; “but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.” Daniel 10:13. All that heaven could do in behalf of the people of God was done. The victory was finally gained; the forces of the enemy were held in check [the mandates and draconian policies were held at bay...] all the days of Cyrus, and all the days of his son Cambyses [...for a time], who reigned about seven and a half years. [Prophets and Kings 571.2]
This was a time of wonderful opportunity for the Jews [God worked on behalf of His church to give them opportunities and access to the people that would have proved difficult previously]. The highest agencies of heaven were working on the hearts of kings [The Godhead were working on the minds of rulers, legislators, kings, queens and those with executive powers. Why...], and it was for the people of God to labor with the utmost activity to carry out the decree of Cyrus [...so that God's denominated people could do the work they were commissioned to do by God's 'typical' anointed - Isaiah 45:1].
They should have spared no effort to restore the temple and its services, and to re-establish themselves in their Judean homes [After the lockdown had decimated the congregations and some worship services, God's people should have been more fervent in restoring a more poignant and relevant worship/ministry. One that spoke to the times that God had miraculously brought them out of.]. But in the day of God's power many proved unwilling [Some however, did not want to press home the opportunity of declaring our distinctive end-time messages. Messages that had begun to resonate with those who were previously antagonistic to religion, but now, because of what they had just experienced, were ready to listen and engage].
The opposition of their enemies was strong and determined, and gradually the builders lost heart [Some could not see that they had the advantage because they thought their enemies, seen and unseen were too many and were coming from too many different angles]. Some could not forget the scene at the laying of the cornerstone, when many had given expression to their lack of confidence in the enterprise [Many who had once proclaimed the message had talked doubt and drew back from pushing forward in the space that had been created by God. It would have been one thing to drawback themselves, but they discouraged many others who should have been engaged in building].
And as the Samaritans grew more bold, many of the Jews questioned whether, after all, the time had come to rebuild [Because the doubters voices grew louder and they seemed to have strong arguments, those who had once believed in the fulfilment of God's providence and fulfilment of prophecies began to question the very thing the scriptures had foretold].
The feeling soon became widespread [Like leprosy; the unbelief and ridicule of those who wanted to press forward and maximise the small window of opportunity; spread to others]. Many of the workmen, discouraged and disheartened, returned to their homes to take up the ordinary pursuits of life [The worst thing was that after God had worked to bring them out of lockdown, after He had made it easy for them to do the work, many just went back to doing what they were doing pre-pandemic]. [Prophets and Kings 572.1]
Friends, we are on the borders of the eternal world. God has made it easy for us to finish what we need to finish. He is working on the hearts of the leaders of the nations and He asks us to work on the people. We can do this!
Are you ready to finish this thing?
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