What was it? Why was it? Why is it? And Why isn’t it?

Last time, I talked about Zechariah, Mary and Daniel, ending with the discussion of Daniel’s 3-week fast and the spiritual battle surrounding it. I want to pick up where I left off by asking 4 questions:

 

What was it? - What was the message that Satan tried to stop?

Why was it? - Why was it so important that Satan wanted to stop the delivery of the message?

Why is it? - Why is it important for us to know?

Why isn’t it? – Why isn’t it talked, discussed or taught about more?

 

WHAT WAS IT?

Let’s look at the events surrounding the delivery of the message.  In the two previous appearances, Daniel tell us that it was Gabriel who was speaking to him and that he looked like a man.  In this case, we are not told that it was Gabriel but that it was a man; but unlike a normal man.  He was dressed in linen with a belt of gold, “his body was like topaz, his face like lightening, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze and his voice like the sound of a multitude.” Only Daniel saw him; but, he caused so much fear and terror that those with Daniel fled and hid.

 

The person speaking to him tells Daniel that he is going to “tell him what is written in the Book of Truth”.  What follows is a very detailed foretelling of world events that would take place during the next 400+ years, the silent period between the Old and New Testament. It is so accurate that is has led liberal theologians to say that it was written after the events occurred.  In the middle of the prophecy, it is clear that the prophecy switches for the immediate future to the end times. 

 

Daniel 12 starts out, “at that time Michael, the great prince”.  It continues, “at that time your people-everyone whose name is found written in the book-will be delivered.”  Next comes probably the strongest, most explicit Old Testament statement concerning the resurrection of the dead. “Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.”

 

Daniel asks one final question, “My lord, what will the outcome of all this be?  The answer is “the words are rolled up and sealed until the time of the end”.  The final words of the messenger are “from the time that the daily sacrifice is abolished and the abomination that cause desolation is set up is 1290 days.  Blessed is the one who waits and reaches the end of the 1335 days”. 

 

WHY WAS IT?

For Daniel and the Jewish people, it was a message of hope within a message of despair.  God would go silent; but, he was not ceasing to have His hand directing the events leading to the birth of Christ.  Satan would have Daniel, his people and us today, think that he is in control, that he is winning.  Satan wants to subvert everything that God is doing.  This message is a foretelling of Satan’s ultimate defeat and casting into hell of him and his followers.  Satan does not want to hear this and does not want anyone to know this.  It took a 3 week fast for this message to get through to Daniel.

 

Why is it?

Why is it important to us, today?  it is the same message of hope in a time of despair.  God is and will continue to direct the events leading to Christ’s second coming, in the same manner to His first coming. In fact, when the disciples asked Jesus “when will this happen and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age? (Matt. 14:3), Jesus quoted Daniel, “So when you see standing in the Holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel, let the reader understand.”  Going back to Daniel, remember it is 3 ½, 1335 days until the end.  Is was so important that Jesus referred to this message.  Is the most specific timeline given by God as to the end of time.

 

Why isn’t it?

 

Why isn’t it taught and discussed?  Satan has not changed. The spiritual warfare in ongoing.  Satan did not and does not want this message getting out.  It is a message of hope for the believer but warning to the unbeliever.  Satan does not this message preached and most pulpits are more than happy to oblige!  We are in a fierce battle that is being poorly fought by the church in America.  Most people are ignorant and don’t want to hear it, much less have to wage it.  May God have mercy on us!

 

 

WHAT DO DANIEL, ZECHARIAH AND MARY HAVE IN COMMON?

They were the only three people recorded to have had an encounter with the angel Gabriel.  Surprisingly, Daniel had 2 encounters.  They all had a common response, fear.  Only, Daniel gives a description, saying he had the appearance of a man; but there was something that caused all three to fear.  In all of Gabriel’s appearances, he is prophesying.  They all involve the Messiah.  In fact, Gabriel’s prophecy to Daniel, gives a very exact prediction as to the timing of His first coming and relative events surrounding His second coming.  Gabriel, in fact, is the only agent of God, to speak specifically about the 70 week prophecy.  

 

Let’s look at what they were doing when Gabriel appeared.

Zechariah was praying and burning incense

Mary: we know little about circumstances; but we know she was betrothed to Joseph

Daniel: the first appearance was after receiving a vision and he was trying to understand it.  Gabriel explained it; but Daniel still could not understand it. The second time, Daniel was studying the prophecy of Jeremiah, in prayer and fasting in sackcloth and ashes, and confessing his sin and the sin of his people Israel.

 

Let’s look at their response:

Zechariah’s response was one of doubt and disbelief.

  

 Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” Luke 1:18

 

For this he was struck dumb!

 

And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.” Luke 1:20

 

Mary’s response was a question as to the mechanics how this would come about, not one of doubt but “HOW”. Gabriel told her: 

 

The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 

“You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 

and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” Luke 1:30-33

 

Consider for a moment, Mary knew about her cousin, Elizabeth’s pregnancy.  It was a normal conception, how be it, unique in that Zechariah and Elizabeth were old.  Mary was a teenager, not married; but betrothed.  The first thought might be, do we need to quickly get married and consummate the marriage.  Note at this time, Gabriel had not yet told her that it was going to be a virgin birth.  It is very unlikely that she would have instantly recalled Isaiah’s words to King Ahaz:

 

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14)

 

After her question, Gabriel gave her the details as to the “HOW”.  No, she was not to have relations with Joseph.  The Holy Spirit will conceive the child.

 

Now let’s look at Daniel’s response:

Daniel began a 3 week fast, praying and depriving himself of personal hygiene.

“At that time, I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.”  Daniel 10:2-3

 

During this time one of the greatest spiritual battles occurred.

 

Most Christians don’t even know about this battle, much less comprehend the significance of why Satan wanted to stop Daniel from receiving the answer or even worse care about this battle.

 

We don’t know for sure who the messenger angel was but many believe it to be Gabriel because he had delivered the 2 previous messages. Immediately, upon Daniel making his request, the messenger angel left the throne of God; but a demon, “the prince of the Persian kingdom, hindered him for 3 weeks. It was not until the Archangel, Michael, the only archangel mentioned in the Bible, assisted the messenger angel, that the message was delivered.

 

What was so important that Satan did not want Daniel to get his answer?  I am not going to provide the answer at this time; but will later or better yet leave you to search it out!

WHY IS IT?

 Why is it that the Holy Spirit inspired the Scripture writers to record these Truths, BUT, most Christians don’t  practice these truths, or even know them ?

 

There are 25 Bible verses about Jesus casting out demons.

https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Jesus-Casting-Out-Demons

 

There are 6 Bible verses about demons causing illness.

https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Demons-Causing-Illness

 

There are 68 Bible verses about evil and victory over

https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Evil,-Victory-Over

 

There are 23 Bible verses about A Christian’s authority over Satan

https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Man~s-Authority-Over-The-Devil

 

Where do you get your theology?

We all have a theology.  Merriam-Webster defines theology as: “the study of religious faith, practice, and experience especially: the study of God and of God's relation to the world.”  Most Christians would quickly respond, “The Bible”.  That would be mostly true but we get a lot from Bible scholars, who well meaning, have tried to expound and explain what is written in the Bible.  For example, the doctrine of the trinity.  The word “trinity” is not in Bible, but the concept of God being triune is.  In trying to help understand it, there have been books written.  Eschatology, doctrines or beliefs of last days is one example where there are differing beliefs, all claiming to be Biblical.

 

Over the years, gospel songs have become a source of theology, however, not intentional.  There are many songs that sound nice but don’t line up with scripture.  Famed theologians have also become a source.  We often see this appearing on Facebook as quotes.  I have done this at times.  Sometimes these are Biblically sound but not always. 

 

 Recently, I have heard from multiple teachers in different settings quote Saint Francis of Assisi, "Preach the Gospel; use words if necessary." Even though this quote is often attributed to Saint Francis, it is questionable whether he said it.  I am not concerned who said it originally; but, I am concerned that is not Biblical and worse even damaging.  I don’t think that those quoting this are evil or of false teachers; but maybe have not given it great thought.  The danger is that people think that they are witnessing through actions only.  It is my opinion that it gives people an excuse not to witness.

 

Scripture is clear:” But how can they call on someone if they haven't trusted in him? And how can they trust in someone if they haven't heard about him? And how can they hear about someone if no one is proclaiming him?” Romans 10:14

 

But ye shall receive power, when the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and ye shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea and Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8

 

A witness must speak. A witness talks!

 

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15

 

Now I agree that if our actions do not line up with our speech, our witness may be null and void; but if we think that actions alone are sufficient, we are sadly mis-informed.  WORDS are always necessary.  God’s WORD is necessary.  Romans 10:14 is very clear.  

 

There are many other examples where tradition has been a basis for theology.  We need to be very careful that regardless of how “nice”, something sounds; that our theology is sound scripturally

 

 

 

 

 WE WOULD NEVER DO THAT.

 

Psalm 106:37-39 “They even sacrificed their sons and their daughters to the demons.  They shed innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters. By sacrificing them to the idols of Canaan, they polluted the land with murder. They defiled themselves by their evil deeds, and their love of idols was adultery in the LORD’s sight.”

 

It is Thanksgiving, 2020.  What am I doing talking about demons?  Well, at this season, we are usually thinking of, or are with family.  We all value are family and want what’s best for them.  We try to provide for them.  We shower them with gifts, many of them.  Thinking back on my childhood, we usually received A Christmas gift.  We had stockings stuffed also. They were stuffed with nuts and usually an orange.  Our church also gave everyone an orange at the Christmas service on Christmas day.  That was usually it.  I never entertained the idea that we were poor.

 

We were poor by today’s standard and even by the standard back then; but my parents sent us to a Christian school.  They worked multiple jobs and sacrificed to afford the tuition.  

 

How does that relate to the scripture verses that are written above.  Most Christians that I know are anti-abortion and anti-LGBTQ.  Most are creationists but there are many who are theistic evolutionist to some extent.  Yet, in spite of this 90% of this, Christians nationwide, send their kids to schools that are anti-God, with textbooks based on secular humanism. 

 

Why?  They want their kids to get a great education.  They want their kids to be able to play sports.  They can’t afford Christian schools.  And the worse of all reasons, they want their kids to be a witness.

 

“They sacrificed their sons and daughters to the demons”.

 

While this happens, the church remains silent.  Pastors say NOTHING!  Why?  They don’t want to offend people.  If they saw kids in the church malnourished, do you think, someone would step up and say something?  Today’s kids,in our churches, are be spiritually starved, being fed poison, daily!

 

Woe on us! Woe on Pastors! Woe on the elders and deacons!  We sit in air conditioned, cushioned pews.  We have first rate sound systems with fancy spot lights.  We have built huge altars that we call churches that set empty 6+ days a week, spending thousands of dollars on maintenance.  Thousands, millions of dollars are spent on encouraging and massaging the members.  All the while, our children are being sacrificed to the demons of secular humanism.

 

At this thanksgiving time, please consider and ask ourselves, “Are we really doing what’s best for our kids?”

If you want to see your friends....

“If you want to see your friends in Heaven, invite them.  If you don’t want to see them in Heaven, don’t invite them”

HEY STRANGER!

HEY STRANGER!

When was the last time you talked to a stranger? About sports?  About politics?  About the weather? About anything?  About your last vacation? About the last cruise you took?  About your Jesus?  About your final trip? FINAL TRIP?  What do you mean?  I mean when you breathe your last breath on earth and your first breath in ETERNITY! Yes, you will be alive! Everybody has eternal life!  Some in Heaven and many more in Hell!  You get to pick!  Jesus said: “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them”.  Why is it that we find it so hard to talk to anybody about our Jesus? Myself included!  Are we in denial?  I know my kids don’t like to talk about their mom’s and my death.  Do you know anybody recently that has avoided death?  You do know that just because someone does not believe in heaven or Hell, does not change reality and the truth.  You can pretend you are one of the three monkeys: “See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.”  Death, Heaven and Hell are still there when you take your hands down.  Jesus believed in “stranger evangelism”, ask the woman at the well! (John 4). People in hell believe in “stranger evangelism”.  Jesus told us in the account of the rich man in hell and Lazarus.  (Luke 16:19-31). If people in hell believe in and Jesus believes in it, who are we to disagree?  Do we so much hate the people around us, who serve us our meals, who fix our cars, who check us out at Walmart, who share meals with us, that we don’t care that they may be headed to HELL FOREVER!!!!  Sharing our plans for our last trip is not a presentation.  It is a conversation.  Plant a seed! Don’t worry about the results. Maybe you are watering a seed previously planted.  God will take care of the harvest!  Don’t worry what people think about you.  In fact you need to be concerned when everybody thinks well of you.Jesus said “Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets.”Luke 6:26