A Rebellious Kingdom (pt. 2)

In Chapter 11:36-45 we are going to see the vision go from past and current time to the time of the end. There are some who believe that this section only addresses Antiochus Epiphanes during his reign. I believe starting in verse 36 begins the eschatological journey given to us from the angel. Verse 36 tells us that the king will instill his way to do whatever he wants and blasphemes God while exalting himself above all gods. Verse 37 tells us he does not like women and has no regard for anyone including his gods. Verse 38-39 tells us that he will honor war and those who fight with silver, gold, precious stones and pleasant things. He then comes against the strongest fortress with a foreign god advancing his glory. He causes them to rule over many and divides their land for gain. Verse 40-41 scripture takes us to the time of the end, the South attacks the North like a whirlwind. He enters the Glorious Land with many countries being overthrown with some (Edom, Moab, Ammon) escaping his hand. Verse 42-43 he comes against many countries including Egypt. He has power over the gold, silver and the precious things of Egypt. The Libyans and Ethiopians follow at his heels. Verse 44 He is troubled by the news from the east and the north and goes out with great fury to destroy and annihilate many people and land. Verse 45 he plants his tent between the seas and the glorious holy mountain but his end is near and no one helps him.

The end of Chapter 11 is a continuation of the long dream that started in chapter 10 and continues through the end of chapter 12. Here we see a shift from the past/present to the future where the angel tells Daniel of the things that will come to pass. The king referenced here is the final antichrist that is discussed in Revelation. We read in scripture that Satan has a short time and that God allows him to wreak havoc for a short time (forty two months). The time to the end refers to beginning of the tribulation until the end. That is seven years broken into 3 ½ year increments. The antichrist will create peace in Israel and the world for short time (3 ½ years). He then gets more arrogant thinking he can win the battle. God shows the world that there is only one outcome that is written, one which tells that God wins and Satan with his minions and those who take the mark of the beast are thrown into the lake of fire during the second 3 ½ year tribulation period (Revelation 19:20).

The question we should all be asking is how close are we to the end of times? There are many who believe we are very close because the signs of the times as described in (Matthew 24:3-28). Paul also warns us in (2 Thessalonians 2:3-12) that the rebellion will come against the church and Christ, the lawless one will be revealed and exalt himself before everyone and God. The bible also tells us that no one knows the day or the hour (Mark 13:32). Because we do not know the time I believe that we all need to get our life right with God now. We need to develop a strong personal relationship with God through Jesus to ensure we have a seat in His heavenly kingdom. If you find yourself spending more time away from God than you are spending with God, then you should consider re-prioritizing the most important things in your life, God!

God does not want to see any of us perish (John 3:15) and He wants us all to make the choice to live for Him, live with Him for the rest of our days and for eternity. If you are someone who is betting that God does not care about you and your choice or if you think God does not know your heart, I submit to you that you do not know God in the way that He wants you to. God is omniscient, omnipresent and omnipotent, He is all knowing, everywhere simultaneously and all powerful. It is only through our relationship with God that we realize His supreme qualities and will take full advantage of God’s availability through His grace and mercy.

The best way to make ourselves available to God is through prayer, through faith and through obedience to Him. When we decide to live for Christ, then we have decided not only to live a better life on earth but we have also secured our seat in heaven. A seat is waiting for each one of us when we allow God to mold us into His children, when we allow God to hold us as His children and to love us because we are His children. Time is now to give your life to Christ because time is short, don’t be like the second thief (third person) on the cross and ignore Jesus when He is right in front of you calling your name. Answer the call, be strong in the Lord and never compromise your relationship with Christ.

I pray that we stand tall for God and that we seek His face and answer His call to His name. I pray that we move closer to God and farther away from the world. I pray that the Lord speak into our hearts, minds and souls so we may hear His voice clearly and answer resoundingly with a Yes Lord I am here, I want to live for You the rest of my days. In Jesus Name I pray Amen! Amen!