Persia

Daniel 10:1 “In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, a revelation was given to Daniel (who was called Belteshazzar). Its message was true and it concerned a great war. The understanding of the message came to him in a vision.”

The image above is the Jezreel valley, it is uniquely known as 
the highly fertile and strategic “crossroads” of northern Israel that historically connected international trade routes between Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the Mediterranean. Running northwest to southeast, the valley provides the perfect habitat for agriculture and farming. It was also described by Napoleon as the perfect battlefield.

In the last days, this valley will be at the epicenter of a great battle.

When Daniel received a revelation of the last days, it’s interesting how the event unfolded…

Daniel 10:5 “I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, a man clothed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a multitude.”

At the time of the revelation Daniel was in exile. The nation of Israel had acted unfaithfully and so both young and old, righteous and unrighteous were taken to Persia to live out their sentence. Just like during the rebellion of Korah, God was about to destroy the entire congregation and as Moses pleaded their case before the Lord, God’s judgment preserved a remnant. Daniel was also part of the remnant that was spared God’s wrath.

Just because the righteous dwell in the land, doesn’t mean the Lord won’t judge it. The righteous may suffer by association but the Lord remains faithful to His people.

Daniel was approach by a heavenly visitor, and the glory of God was revealed in the angels countenance. Like Moses, anyone who dwells in the presence of God is transformed by His power. The angel had to comfort Daniel who appeared trembling at the sight.

Daniel 10:10-11 “And behold, a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. And he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly loved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for now I have been sent to you.” And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling.”

The angel had been sent directly from the throne room of God, no wonder Daniel could barely stand. The trembling demonstrated Daniels healthy fear of God. How many people today gladly blaspheme God’s name without a care in the world, they think there are no consequences to their actions but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. The Lord knows the thoughts of man and will by no means acquit the wicked, but to the faithful He shows Himself faithful.

When the messenger spoke to Daniel, he revealed a reality few are keen to know.

Daniel 10:12-13 “Then he said to me, “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words. The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia”

The prince of the kingdom of Persia was the demonic ruler who reigned over an idolatrous nation. Persia (Iran) has existed for thousands of years and I would venture to guess the prince still rules over them today. Most recently an uprising occurred in Iran that resulted in the slaughter of around 40,000 people. If that isn’t an open display of wickedness, I find it hard to see anything less. The excuse for murdering so many people was a rebellion against Islam, specifically a radical group of shiites who dominate the land in subjection to Islamic rule.

Where many claim to be blessed by Allah, the Lord has denounced their idolatry and brought judgement. The wickedness of that land has been prominent throughout world history, the prince is strong, and the “kings” represent other evil spiritual rulers who have dominated the region. The ability to hold off an angel of the Lord for 3 weeks showed their strength and it wasn’t until the archangel Michael came to his aid did he finally prevail.

Why would there be such opposition to an angel of the Lord coming to reveal a prophecy to just one person? They couldn’t have known his intentions, so they must have assumed he posed a threat to their rule.

It is highly unlikely that Persia is alone in demonic rule. What other spiritual forces are at work in the affairs of nations? Inhibiting the servants of the Lord, leaving people isolated and entrapped by wickedness, imposing wicked laws and murdering those who don’t follow their ways. Has the world really changed at all?

The angel of the Lord came for a specific purpose…to help Daniel understand what was to happen to his people in the latter days.

The latter days have come.

When the reality of an angelic visit set in, Daniel grew faint and weak. The Lord in His mercy knows the frailty of man and he strengthens those in whom He calls.

Daniel 10:18-19 “Again one having the appearance of a man touched me and strengthened me. And he said, “O man greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage.” And as he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.” 

Today, the Lord has revealed the blessing of the gospel. The blessed message carries the greatest hope known to man. The nations entrapped by darkness need the light, they are all around us, no matter how free or enslaved the people may be. The Lord strengthens His anointed and supplies them with all they need to complete His work.

How has the Lord instructed you today?

With the outbreak of war in Iran, the stage is being set for a great clash of nations. Great Britain has been slowly eroding through the influence of Islamic refugees and clerics. Spain has demonstrated a darkened view of liberal influence as well as many other once free societies. Islam has become a virus infecting government after government, leading people into darkness. The christian influence in American politics is unprecedented in these times and may be a moment that never returns.

The supreme leader of Iran has been eliminated and the effects have yet to be fully felt. The islamic spiritual leader of Iran was more than a local influence, he had been a global influence among many shiite muslims. A time of change is happening before our eyes.

The prophecy of Daniel has proven true, the kings have come and gone and the kingdoms brought exactly what God needed to get His message to the world. Today, Sudan is claiming allegiance to Iran, as well as Turkey, Russia, North Korea, and many others. The formation of the evil alliance is drawing together, awaiting the Anti-Christ to lead them.

Daniel 12:1 “At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book.”

A time of great persecution will happen against Israel, but the Lord remains her leader. He is the One who determines her times, and He will be her protector until the end. The greater Israel, the church of the living God has a mission that must be fulfilled…spreading the news of the gospel far and wide.

The Lord, He is God, there is no other. The times are in His hands. Fear not.

Daniel 12:8-10 “I heard, but I did not understand. Then I said, “O my lord, what shall be the outcome of these things?” He said, “Go your way, Daniel, for the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end. Many shall purify themselves and make themselves white and be refined, but the wicked shall act wickedly. And none of the wicked shall understand, but those who are wise shall understand.”

The times are being revealed by the hour.

Be ready when the Lord calls…He is coming very soon.