SCRIPTURE: Daniel 10:1-11:1
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
What an amazing experience. As I reread it, and tried to rephrase it somewhat in contemporary language, I was drawn into Daniel’s vision. I could feel his fear, his weakness, his trembling, his lack of breath. This angel (messenger from God) was terrifying to see. And yet he speaks with comfort, with strength, with hope, with purpose. Like the lion Aslan from the Narnia series, God and His messengers are not safe or tame, but they are good.
An interesting insight into angelic warfare. This angel was held back by the angel (prince) of Persia, then assisted by Michael, a chief angel (Jude 1:9, Revelation 12:7). Not sure how it works, but it suggests that the angels as least (as created beings) are not all-powerful nor all-knowing, nor everywhere present. They are limited beings, locked in a battle themselves, serving God’s Cause, and His children (Hebrews 1:14).
PRAYER:
Lord, there is much that I do not comprehend about angels and demons and angelic warfare, but I do believe that You are in control, and that Your Servants may be embattled, but they will never be defeated. Amen.
Verse 12 of the reading ‘jumped’ out while reading and re-reading this passage, trying to understand what it was saying to me. Daniel had set his mind to gain understanding and humble himself before God. All of God’s people need to decide ‘as for me and my household, I will praise/serve the living God.’ God hears our choice and responds. In our daily living, whatever we experience and have received has shaped us who we are and because of that we are qualified servants of Him. Continue to use me and direct me by Your Spirit, O Lord. You are my God. Help me in my service also today. It is by Your power I have the strength to face each day. I need to be like a Samuel, ‘Speak Lord for Your servant is listening.” You are my Light and Strength each and every day. God must be first each day I live for Jesus.
I am weak and I need Thy strength and power,
To help me over my weakest hour.
Let me through the darkness Thy face to see,
Lead me, oh Lord lead me.
Chorus
Lead me, guide me along the way,
For if you lead me I cannot stray.
Lord let me walk each day with Thee.
Lead me, oh Lord lead me.
Help me tread in the paths of righteousness.
Be my aid when Satan and sin oppress.
I am putting all my trust in Thee:
Lead me, oh Lord lead me.
Chorus
Lead me, guide me along the way,
For if you lead me I cannot stray.
Lord let me walk each day with Thee.
Lead me, oh Lord lead me.
I am lost if you take your hand from me,
I am blind without Thy light to see.
Lord just always to me thy servant be,
Lead me, oh Lord lead me.
Chorus
Lead me, guide me along the way,
For if you lead me I cannot stray.
Lord let me walk each day with Thee.
Lead me, oh Lord lead me.