Stand Firm

 Daniel 11:29-35

 

April 9, 2024

 

“At the time appointed, he shall return and come into the south, but it shall not be this time as it was before.  For ships of Kittim shall come against him, and he shall be afraid and withdraw, and shall turn back and be enraged and take action against the holy covenant. He shall turn back and pay attention to those who forsake the holy covenant.  Forces from him shall appear and profane the temple and fortress, and shall take away the regular burnt offering. And they shall set up the abomination that makes desolate.  He shall seduce with flattery those who violate the covenant, but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action.  And the wise among the people shall make many understand, though for some days they shall stumble by sword and flame, by captivity and plunder. When they stumble, they shall receive a little help. And many shall join themselves to them with flattery, and some of the wise shall stumble, so that they may be refined, purified, and made white, until the time of the end, for it still awaits the appointed time.

 

Many can give you great insight on Daniel 11:29-35, but let me share how encouraging this one verse is.  He shall seduce with flattery those who violate the covenant, but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action.  It brings me back to being a child in VBS, and learning a song about one door and only one, and yet the doors are two, I’m on the inside, and with side are you.  One door and only one, and yet the doors are two, I’m on the Lord’s side, and with side are you.  I sang that song with gusto and belief, but though I believe that Jesus was the Only Son of God, that He was born of a Virgin, and died for the sin of all people, for 26+ years I was not on the Lord’s side; I was trying to get my needs met outside of Christ.  In a motel in Victoria, Texas, about 10 p.m., as I put the key in the door, I heard a voice, it said, Bob, tonight is the last time I'm dealing with you.  For six months, I had tried to get God to receive me on my terms.  That night, I opened the hotel Bible to Romans 10:9-10, ^“because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For with the heart, one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”   That was 55 years ago, I went through the door that led me to Grace and forgiveness, and Jesus and I now understand my Identity in Christ.  Tomorrow, I turn 82, and it took years of training by men God sent to mentor me in how to stand firm.  He has promised to never leave me or forsake me, I’m a child of the King.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice