Reality: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens” (Ephesians 6:12).
Really?
How easily we find ourselves thinking that Twitter feeds, mindless sound bites, even whole paragraphs about presidents, protestors, politics, and pandemics are the substance of our realities. Turns out the apostle Paul did not think of reality so superficially. Neither did Daniel.
Looking back 2500 years ago, international politics were dicey then too. The super power had shifted from Babylon to Persia practically overnight. There seem to have been crises at the top; the alternating names Darius the Mede and Cyrus leave a whiff of uncertainty, not just for puzzled commentators but possibly for real people at that time.
Daniel was a venerable statesman—probably in his eighties at this point—when he chose to fast, humble himself, and seek greater understanding of the rapidly changing circumstances surrounding him (Daniel 10:2–3,12). He commenced these disciplines just prior to the festival of Passover, three years into the Persian rule. Perhaps he anticipated an immediate response in time to celebrate the Passover traditions of redemption from bondage. His previous prayer experience might have led him to expect it. Directly after the Persian takeover, he had prayed earnestly, and the angel Gabriel arrived in swift flight with an answer, even while Daniel was still praying (chapter 9).
This time was different. Three long weeks passed before the response came. In the meantime, Daniel likely did not eat the Passover meal or drink the cups of wine. When the vision did come, it was overwhelming. Daniel fell to his face before the linen-clad figure, who was wearing a sash of gold, had flaming eyes, a face like lightning, and a thunderous voice (note Revelation 1:13–15).
The messenger spoke of warring dark powers in the heavens, reaching their tentacles into every earthly turmoil. Evil and sinister “princes” underlay the destructive kingdoms of the Persians and Greeks, both of whom would oppress God’s people severely. The future trauma detailed in chapter 11 would occur more than two centuries after Daniel’s lifetime. Nevertheless, Daniel’s revelation here made it clear these tumultuous events were not outside God’s sovereign plan (Daniel 4:34).
Back to our present: the brutal evil we see daily is an imprint of cosmic war; it requires vigilance and powerful prayer intervention. Hence, Paul’s admonition to put on the full armor of God and to stand, stand, stand firm. Daniel, a ”treasured” person, heard the same admonition: stand and be strong (Daniel 10:11,19).
How do we stand strong when lies incessantly rage and evil powers rear their ugly heads? “Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10) takes on another dimension, doesn’t it? We must stand against everything false and contrary to the knowledge of God, taking every thought captive to Christ (2Corinthians 10:3–5), ordering our lives by God’s truth, and praying faithfully that the burning arrows of the evil one will be extinguished.
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30 thoughts on "Angelic Conflict"
Does Chris Tomlin’s Angel Armies song come to mind today?! ( Sorry about my copy and pasting effort).
You hear me when I call
You are my morning song
Though darkness fills the night
It cannot hide the light
Whom shall I fear
You crush the enemy
Underneath my feet
You are my sword and shield
Though troubles linger still
Whom shall I fear
I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side
The one who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side
My strength is in your name
For you alone can save
You will deliver me
Yours is the victory
Whom shall I fear
Whom shall I fear
I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side
The one who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side
And nothing formed against me shall stand
You hold the whole world in your hands
I’m holding on to your promises
You are faithful
You are faithful
Nothing formed against me shall stand
You hold the whole world in your hands
I’m holding on to your promises
You are faithful
You are faithful
You are faithful
I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side
The one who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side
I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side
The one who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side
❤️
Love this song and so timely with our reading!❤️
Yes! Thank you, Elaine, for this devotional today. Spiritual warfare is not talked about enough in my church and community. The presence of dark forces is so evident today — Pray offensively against it. Your prayers matter! Make sure to put on the armor of God and pray for protection over you heart and mind. Be bold and courageous, prayer warriors!
Debra – search The Bible Project Daniel on youtube! It does a great overview of the book and I hope it would help you understand the story line and God’s intended purpose/message!
This reading through Daniel is tough. But every time I read “Daniel, greatly loves” it sweeps over my heart. There are bits I understand like this. But the rest is a confusing story line.
Typo correction: “Daniel, greatly loved”
I’m right there with you Debra. It stirs my heart every time I read that. God made it a point to have his messengers remind Daniel that he is greatly beloved by God. I can only imagine the distress and turmoil these terrifying visions would cause, but God entrusted them with Daniel and reminds him each time that he is greatly loved.
“The message was true and was about a great conflict.” This is written of the message revealed to Daniel but it is true of the entire Bible. The Book we hold in our hands reveals Truth and is about the greatest of conflicts. We are called to be active participants, not passive observers.
Several years ago there were opposing factions within the church we were attending. A church split was on the horizon. It was a sad time. How different the outcome could have been if all had prayed more than they gossiped. How true for today as it was then.
The enemy is not each other.
We are all enlisted in the Lord’s army. Engage in the battle. Be brave and courageous. Be bold. Stand firm. Pray.
Taylor – I will join you in prayer for this women and her family. I’m so sorry.
CC – I prayed for you last night and again this morning. May God’s care over your mind and heart be poured out and recognizable. May He guide and may you know His peace.
Chris Swan – I pray that God will comfort you in your many losses recently and even more so that these people you love are celebrating lives lived for Jesus right now with Him. Just think…they are getting the party ready for either the day Jesus brings you home also or comes to get us all. Hooray!!!! Thank you also for your kind words about technology and the joy even in retirement as you continue to serve the Lord in different ways. You will perhaps find humorous that I spent almost 2 hours trying to print lesson plans for a sub I need this morning…but nothing would work on our technology. I found out later is was down for everyone. I found out this morning…there are no subs so I’ll go in right after my doctor’s appointment and didn’t need printed plans anyway. I love God’s care and even humor.
Kimberly Holman – Thank you for the suggestion of using Saturday. I am on the computer so much during the work week, and even for the devotions Monday-Friday on She Reads Truth that normally I take a break from anything techy on Saturday and Sunday. I sort of “fast” from the internet except for checking the SRT posts before going to bed and praying for those needs. I also have the friends Bible study on Saturday mornings, a house to clean and laundry to do…BUT…I think Sunday afternoon might work, right after my nap. If I turn it on and listen and take notes…it will be more like audio than techy stuff, maybe.
Finally, this morning I go to a specialist for my ankle. I still have pain and swelling. The MRI showed that the vertical break is not all healed and that ligaments were severed. It didn’t break in any of the 4 traditional ways it normally does but, they need to determine if I need surgery with screws, wires, and stuff or just lots more time. Obviously teaching on the 3rd floor with no elevator is an issue, but I will not worry about that. God’s got this. I ask for prayer for wisdom, direction, and discernment…if you think about it.
Thanks ladies. Blessings to everyone of you.
When our sons were younger, every morning and evening I would pray with them. Part of our prayer, was that their angels would guard and protect them. Somehow in our talks and studies we decided they each had two each. We pictured mighty, powerful, strong warrior angels. In some of our readings the boys read about Gabriel and Michael and wanted to know what their angels names were. Since we didn’t know, they decided to name them. You can imagine my laughter (& probably the angels cringe) when our oldest named his angels, Twinkie and Dinkie.
The ultimate battle of Good and evil is raging in the heavenly realm. God treasured Daniel. In the midst of battle He sent an angel to answer his prayers. God cared about his distress and strengthened him. God treasures us, cares about our distress, strengthens us, and even provides us His armor.
I lean into peace, niceness, ease, feel-good emotions. But, I will fight for the kingdom of my God and I will battle against evil for the souls of His children. Not in my own strength or power, for I have none, but, my God, I will battle in You by your strength, power, and plan. I will battle on my knees. I will battle in the step by step. I will remember this is war. But I pray Lord that I will live your Light in the daily, remembering and claiming the victory is Yours alone.
I love this. Thank you for sharing Angie!
Amen ❤️
Amen, thank you Angie for your sweet story and powerful thoughts! Yes, we must ALL stand strong in our God and Savior. He is in control!
Little bit of a mind dump in this comment so I’ll try to keep it organized:
1. Please join me in prayer for my alma mater’s athletic community. A very beloved women’s lacrosse player took her life recently and while I did not know her very well during my time in college, she made a huge impact on everyone she met and the I deeply felt the weight of her loss upon hearing the news yesterday. Last night I embraced the power of prayer and interceded for the young woman’s family, teammates, and all those who knew and loved her.
2. Speaking of “Your Will be done”, our pastor challenged us to reframe the question “God, what’s your plan/will for my life?” into “God, what’s my life in Your plan/will?” I liked that slight semantic change to emphasize that our lives are but small specs in God’s greater plan and His will for humanity, and that even when things seem out of control in our own lives, God is still on His throne working, moving, and changing hearts and lives.
3. God, may I order my life by YOUR truths, and not by my own “truths” or the world’s “truths”. May you reign supreme in my heart and mind, that I might die to myself, my wants, my desires, so you and yours can shine through. Amen!
Have a blessed day everyone!