Rutashubanyuma
JF-Expert Member
- Sep 24, 2010
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- #31,341
Daniel 11:2–35
Stand firm in the love of God
People who know their God (v.32) are people of love. Love is not weak. The people who really know God resist evil leaders. Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a man who knew God and firmly resisted Adolf Hitler while praying, ‘Give me such love for God and men, as will blot out all hatred and bitterness.’ Over the centuries many people who have known their God have stood firm and resisted evil.
Once again, this prophecy (vv.2–35) has different levels of fulfilment. The immediate historical fulfilment concerns the various kings and rulers who reigned between 530–150 BC, many of whom were evil and ungodly in their actions.
However, there is also a long-term fulfilment. As we saw yesterday, Jesus referred to the abomination that causes destruction (9:27; 11:31; Matthew 24:15). He was probably referring to the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, which was a foreshadowing of the end times.
In the midst of all this evil ‘the people who know their God will firmly resist [the evil one]’ (Daniel 11:32b). As the RSV puts it, they will ‘stand firm and take action’. Or as The Message puts it, ‘those who stay courageously loyal to their God will take a strong stand’ (v.32b). It goes on, ‘those who keep their heads on straight will teach the crowds right from wrong by their example... The testing will refine, cleanse, and purify those who keep their heads on straight and stay true’ (vv.33,35, MSG).
Today, thank God for his love, live in the love of God, overcome your fears, stand firm and resist evil.
Lord, help us to be a people of love who know their God and stand firm, overcome our fears, resist evil and take action.
Stand firm in the love of God
People who know their God (v.32) are people of love. Love is not weak. The people who really know God resist evil leaders. Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a man who knew God and firmly resisted Adolf Hitler while praying, ‘Give me such love for God and men, as will blot out all hatred and bitterness.’ Over the centuries many people who have known their God have stood firm and resisted evil.
Once again, this prophecy (vv.2–35) has different levels of fulfilment. The immediate historical fulfilment concerns the various kings and rulers who reigned between 530–150 BC, many of whom were evil and ungodly in their actions.
However, there is also a long-term fulfilment. As we saw yesterday, Jesus referred to the abomination that causes destruction (9:27; 11:31; Matthew 24:15). He was probably referring to the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, which was a foreshadowing of the end times.
In the midst of all this evil ‘the people who know their God will firmly resist [the evil one]’ (Daniel 11:32b). As the RSV puts it, they will ‘stand firm and take action’. Or as The Message puts it, ‘those who stay courageously loyal to their God will take a strong stand’ (v.32b). It goes on, ‘those who keep their heads on straight will teach the crowds right from wrong by their example... The testing will refine, cleanse, and purify those who keep their heads on straight and stay true’ (vv.33,35, MSG).
Today, thank God for his love, live in the love of God, overcome your fears, stand firm and resist evil.
Lord, help us to be a people of love who know their God and stand firm, overcome our fears, resist evil and take action.