Daniel
10 reminds me of wrestling. I competed for many years in the sport
that has two fundamental regulations; weight class divisions and
rigid timing. Wrestlers compete against one another by weight class
because bigger and stronger wrestlers have an advantage. Also, the
referee is the only person that can stop the clock. It is important
to understand that Jesus is God, while the angels and demons are
created beings. God is separate from His creation; He is the Creator
and everything else is His creation. God’s creation was perfect,
until sin entered the world. From that moment on, God set His plan
for Man’s redemption into motion; and Satan has tried to foil it by
deception and delay ever since. Today’s chapter happens “In
the third year of Cyrus king of Persia“;
Daniel is now in his mid-80’s and the first of many waves of Jews
had begun returning to Jerusalem. We read a revelation was given to
him “concerned a great war“.
Apparently Daniel had been fasting and praying for three weeks when
he was given this message. “I
looked up and there before me was
a man dressed in linen, with a
belt of fine gold… His body was like topaz,
his face like lightning…
his voice like the sound of a
multitude“. Brilliant
scholars and great men of God disagree, but I believe this is Christ
Himself because it exactly matches the description in Revelation
chapter 1. Daniel can only helplessly gaze and listen. “A
hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees“.
This hand does not push down and oppress, it heals and restores. He
said, “consider carefully the
words I am about to speak to you, and stand up, for
I have now been sent to you“.
Being down is not permanent.
He
gave Daniel insight into the spiritual realm, “Since
the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to
humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have
come in response to them“.
The moment Daniel began to pray, God heard him and responded. Why
the delay? He says, “The
prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days… Then
Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me“.
Many reason that, Jesus does not need help; therefore this must be
an angel. It is not possible for Satan to battle with Christ to a
stalemate until reinforcements arrived. I do not know why God
allowed a delay, but I know God’s timing is always perfect. God
alone controls the clock. Someone once described love as “faith in
action”. Friend, have you been stalling?
Next Daniel is told, “I
have come to explain to you what
will happen to your people in the future“.
Daniel was still bowed with his face to the ground, speechless,
“Then one who looked like a man
touched my lips, and I opened my
mouth“.
Daniel spoke, “I am overcome
with anguish because of the vision“.
The Lord touched Daniel again
“and
gave me strength“. Daniel is
told three things that can change your life. “Do
not be afraid, you who are highly esteemed“.
Jesus Christ laid down His life for you. “Peace!
Be strong now“. Jesus always
greeted His disciples with this word of peace. And Daniel notes,
“When he spoke to me, I was
strengthened“. And lastly, “I
will tell you what is written in the Book of Truth“.
Friend, do not try to fight
spiritual battles on your own, you are out of your league. God’s
victory is already assured when this period comes to an end. Christ
will raise your hand with His. “Everyone
who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved”
(Romans 10:13). Maybe it is time for you to pray? What are you
waiting for?