Yet he will be destroyed

Yet he will be destroyed

Scripture: “In the latter part of their reign, when rebels have become completely wicked, a fierce-looking king, a master of intrigue, will arise. He will become very strong, but not by his own power. He will cause astounding devastation and will succeed in whatever he does. He will destroy those who are mighty, the holy people. He will cause deceit to prosper, and he will consider himself superior. When they feel secure, he will destroy many and take his stand against the Prince of princes. Yet he will be destroyed, but not by human power. Daniel 8:23-25

Observation: Daniel Chapter 8 is mainly about Daniel’s vision during the time of Babylonian captivity regarding the coming reign of Persia and then of Greece. Certain Scripture corresponds very clearly to Alexander the Great who led Greece to conquer vast territories all over the world in a very short time. Out of his kingdom, one of the kings of his divided territories was Antiochus Epiphanes, who as prophesied by Daniel, blasphemed greatly, defiling the temple in Jerusalem and taking away the daily sacrifice. He was known as the abomination that causes desolation and a very clear example of the future Anti-Christ that is to come. While some parts of Daniel 8 refers to Antiochus, it also refers to the future tribulation when the Anti-Christ appears in the end times.

The passage today focuses on the description of this future king, the evil Anti-Christ and his destiny. Firstly, it is written that it will happen in a time when the rebels have become completely wicked. In the world today, rebellion and wickedness abounds. Countries like the US, and those in Europe are even planning to outlaw anything that speaks against freedom. Freedom for divorce, freedom for abortion, freedom for same sex marriage, freedom for immorality, but rebellion against God.  With the family unit under severe attack, there is breakdown of marriages and conflict in the home, and children no longer respect their parents. These things have never been more serious in the world. We who are in Christ must take care to avoid rebellion and wickedness in our lives.

Secondly, it is written that this evil king will become very successful and destroy the holy people. What is the purpose of telling us this? It is so that we are not surprised when this happens. We may endure suffering or even death for a little while, but in the end all this evil will be destroyed and we will live forever in Jesus Christ. This gives us hope.

Thirdly, it is written that he will cause deceit to prosper and he will consider himself superior. This shows his characteristics of deceitfulness and pride. The Lord hates this kind of attitude. That is why we who follow Him must beware that we do not become deceitful and that we do not become proud. As pride goes before destruction, the Anti-Christ and his followers will be destroyed by Jesus Christ in due time.

Application: We need to examine our hearts to make sure wickedness, rebellion, pride and deceitfulness does not fester there. In all things, we are to remember that God is in control, and though we may suffer for a little while, Jesus will win in the end and He will make all things right.

Prayer: Father God, I thank You that You hold all things in Your hands and that though You may allow the enemy to remain for a little while, You will make things right in the end and put everything under the lordship of Your son. Forgive my sin, O Lord, and let no deceitfulness, wickedness, pride or rebellion be found in me. Keep me true to You to the end. In Jesus name, Amen.