There is far more going on than meets the eye. There are angelic forces doing battle with evil demonic leaders of world governments, which may give us some insight into current conflicts and governmental actions. It all may sound like far-fetched fantasy, but the biblical evidence is hard to ignore.
"In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a message was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belteshazzar; and the message was true and one of great conflict, but he understood the message and had an understanding of the vision" Daniel 10:1.
Daniel, a student of Scripture as well as a man of prayer (Daniel 9:1-2), was given insight into God's plan for His chosen people as well as all of human history. An angelic messenger was dispatched to reveal God's plan as well as to make Daniel aware of a great cosmic, spiritual battle.
"Then he said to me, "Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was withstanding me for twenty-one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia" Daniel 10:12-13.
Notice also: "Then he said, 'Do you understand why I came to you? But I shall now return to fight against the prince of Persia; so I am going forth, and behold, the prince of Greece is about to come'" Daniel 10:20.
The Apostle Paul wrote similar words in his letter to the church at Ephesus: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places" Ephesians 6:10.
Understanding the true nature of the great cosmic struggle should not lead to fear, but to renewed determination to "wage war" in the arena of truth and prayer. Like Daniel, we need to diligently seek understanding from God's word so as to direct our efforts in prayer. A study of Daniel 9 is especially helpful in giving us perspective and motivation.
In the spiritual realm, the stakes are far higher than we know. Bible study and prayer are key tools in our arsenal, and need to be used with skill and precision in the great battle. The good news is that "the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses" 2 Corinthians 10:4.
May we go forward today with an awareness of the true nature of the battle, as well as a great appreciation and utilization of the mighty tools at our disposal.
©Steve Taylor, 2023 --Used by permission
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