Beyond This Darkness

In Daniel 10, we get a glimpse into the spiritual warfare behind the scenes. The prophet Daniel had received a troubling vision of a great war. It shook him up so much that he went into a three-week period of intense mourning, fasting and prayer. 

After those three weeks, God sent an angel to minister to Daniel. The first thing he wanted Daniel to understand was that, “From the first day you humbled yourself before God in prayer, you were heard, but the Prince of Persia resisted me 21 days. Then Michael, one of the Chief Princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the King of Persia” (Daniel 10:12, 13). 

It helps us to understand that demonic entities are given a jurisdiction to rule over. This powerful demon was given hold over Persia (modern day Iran). There was also a demonic ruler over Greece (spoken of in Daniel 10:20). Their purpose is the same… to destroy the nation of Israel so that the Messiah could not come, as was prophesied. 

We know that their attempts to thwart God’s plans were completely unfruitful - He came! And He conquered death! So now, their strategy has shifted - their goal is to destroy the present Israel so Jesus cannot fulfill prophecy by sitting on the throne of David upon His return (Luke 1:26-33). There is a convergence of evil that will rise up against Israel, and we are watching it form…  “They say, ‘Come, let us wipe them out as a nation; let the name of Israel be remembered no more!’” (Psalm 83:4). But like before, they will not succeed… 

A Glorious day is soon coming when this dark evil, that is determined to destroy Israel, will be dealt with. Christ is coming in power and great glory to destroy evil and unbelief on the earth. He will reign with perfect love and righteousness. What a wonderful change that will be! We have so much to look forward to.

(Devotional by Cheryl Hall-Laos)