Prepare for Battle
Prepare for Battle
THE POINT
God strengthens us as we pray and engage in spiritual battle.
THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE
At Christmas, we usually put out a ceramic nativity set my wife made several years ago. On the wall above the scene hangs a large, winged angel. We normally associate angels with Christmas, don’t we?
Do you remember a few years ago, though, when angels were all the rage year-round? We saw them on the front of shirts, as figurines on shelves and tables, or in a picture hanging on the wall. Whether we were touched by an angel or saw one in the outfield, angels were everywhere. Typically, they were depicted as one of two extremes. Either they were little winged cherub babies with innocent faces and halos, or they were mighty flaming warriors watching over a home, family member, or rescue situation.
Most of us, though, have never seen a real angel. Not so with Daniel. In today’s text, he has an encounter with an actual angel. The angel spoke to him about future events, including a great conflict. In today’s session, we focus on that great conflict and look at what it can teach us about having victory when we are faced with spiritual warfare.
Question 1:
When was the last time you felt totally unprepared?
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
Daniel 10:1-3
1 In the third year of King Cyrus of Persia, a message was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belteshazzar. The message was true and was about a great conflict. He understood the message and had understanding of the vision. 2 In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three full weeks. 3 I didn’t eat any rich food, no meat or wine entered my mouth, and I didn’t put any oil on my body until the three weeks were over.
Understanding the date in Daniel 10:1 is not an insignificant detail. Daniel lived during a historically rich era in the ancient Near East.
- About 100 years before his birth, the Assyrians conquered Israel and established itself as the dominant power in the region. So, when Daniel was born about 620 BC, Judah was under the thumb of Assyria.
- The Babylonians rose to power; in 605 BC, they conquered Assyria and the lands it held, including Judah and Jerusalem. At this time, Daniel, and his friends (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego), still in their teens, were taken as captives to the city of Babylon. There they served in the king’s court.
- In 539 BC, Daniel, who was over eighty years old and likely served as a retired senior statesman, was summoned to interpret the handwriting on the wall at Belshazzar’s feast. That very night the Persians conquered Babylon.
The following year Persia’s King Cyrus issued a decree that allowed captives to return to their homelands, including the Hebrews. The first wave of Jewish exiles returned to Israel; construction began immediately on the foundation of the Jerusalem temple. Daniel, however, remained in the city of Babylon. Besides being concerned about the physical demands of such a journey, Daniel may have thought he would be of more value in Babylon than in Jerusalem.
Thus, Daniel lived under the rule of the Assyrians, Babylonians, and Persians. He had seen kings and kingdoms rise and fall; he had endured conflicts and conquests. What God revealed in this vision, though, was a coming “great conflict.”
Question 2:
When have you been encouraged by someone responding well to bad news?
Scenes of this future struggle caused Daniel to mourn for three full weeks. He broke with his regular meal routine and implemented a modified fast. Additionally, he didn’t soothe himself with oils as people in his day normally did in their hot, dry climate. His focus was not at all on himself; it was on the future but certain conflict. We can imagine him as an aged man, bent over, facing the earth, and seeking God’s face.
The model we see in Daniel is that the troubling news of pending warfare sent him to his knees before God. What a great example Daniel is for us. When we are faced with troubling situations, our first inclination ought to be to bring this issue to the Father. He can work in ways we can’t and can give strength when we have none.
Daniel 10:10-13
10 Suddenly, a hand touched me and set me shaking on my hands and knees. 11 He said to me, “Daniel, you are a man treasured by God. Understand the words that I’m saying to you. Stand on your feet, for I have now been sent to you.” After he said this to me, I stood trembling. 12 “Don’t be afraid, Daniel,” he said to me, “for from the first day that you purposed to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your prayers were heard. I have come because of your prayers. 13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia opposed me for twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me after I had been left there with the kings of Persia.
While Daniel was beside the Tigris River, someone appeared in the form of a man who wore white linen. Although this was the cloth the priests wore (Lev. 6:10), the Bible describes angels as wearing linen (Ezek.10:2; Rev. 15:6). Only Daniel saw the being, which evidently hovered above the river (Dan. 10:4-6; 12:5-6)
If this being had been Gabriel, who had appeared to him twice before, Daniel might not have been so afraid. Many believe this was Jesus making an appearance long before His incarnation (3:25). Supporting the thought that this was Jesus, the sense of fear and awe that those with Daniel had in this instance was similar to what Paul’s traveling companions experienced on the road to Damascus. When Daniel heard the thunderous voice, he fainted, face down in the dirt. An unspecified amount of time passed. Another being, likely Gabriel, helped Daniel to his feet and offered assurance.
Daniel’s experience here can be instructive to us when we find ourselves in times of great conflict, including spiritual warfare. What does this scene teach us about spiritual warfare?
- Spiritual warfare is real. Daniel’s experience pulled back the curtain somewhat and allows us to catch a glimpse of the unseen realm. This being (again, likely Gabriel; Dan. 10:10) had been involved in a battle with “the prince of the kingdom of Persia”—a battle he would resume after he finished delivering Daniel’s message (v. 20). The identity of this Persian prince is not given. The fact it had withstood Gabriel for three weeks indicates it was another powerful being, one that tried to hinder the Lord’s work. This was likely a demon whom Satan had assigned to work in Persia. Gabriel got away only with the aid of Michael the archangel (Jude 9). This was thus a conflict between created beings who are doing God’s work and those who oppose His work. Paul spoke of spiritual warfare between believers and those who oppose the Lord (Eph. 6:12). Spiritual warfare still exists today.
- Again, the timing was significant. The children of Israel being able to return to their homeland should have been a time of great joy and fulfillment. This did not diminish, though, the conflict. Daniel still had a persistent concern about what was going to happen to his people (Dan. 10:14).
The enemy often attacks right after someone has had a spiritual victory. Satan tempted Jesus after His baptism. The Pharisees put forth efforts to kill Lazarus after Jesus called him from the tomb. The enemy will do anything to tarnish or eclipse a victory that God has won.
- God doesn’t abandon us when we’re under spiritual attack. When Daniel found himself overwhelmed and filled with concern, God responded.
When we’re under spiritual attack, we can easily think, God, why are You letting this happen to me? Our spiritual warfare doesn’t mean God has turned His back. The first words Gabriel spoke to Daniel were, “You are a man treasured by God.” The fact God had sent angels to fight against unseen evil forces shows how much the Lord treasured Daniel and wanted him to receive His message. Similarly, God is willing to work on our behalf when we are attacked.
- Prayer and God’s Word are our two best defenses when we are under spiritual attack (Eph. 6:17-18). Daniel had been praying for three weeks. God had heard Daniel the first day he began praying, and He sent a powerful angel in response.
In our times of spiritual warfare, we are to use the Word, quoting it directly to the enemy and his forces. Through it, we resist the devil, and he flees (Jas. 4:7).
Question 3:
What’s the role of prayer in spiritual warfare?
Daniel 10:16-19
16 Suddenly one with human likeness touched my lips. I opened my mouth and said to the one standing in front of me, “My lord, because of the vision, anguish overwhelms me and I am powerless. 17 How can someone like me, your servant, speak with someone like you, my lord? Now I have no strength, and there is no breath in me.” 18 Then the one with a human appearance touched me again and strengthened me. 19 He said, “Don’t be afraid, you who are treasured by God. Peace to you; be very strong!” As he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.”
Engage
Prepare for Battle
Spiritual warfare is a constant reality. Choose one of these images that depict a spiritual battle you’re familiar with. Then write a prayer asking God to help prepare you for the next time it occurs.
My Prayer:
Visions of the warfare were overwhelming for Daniel. He was overcome with grief, having seen the trouble that would impact the world in the future. Having appeared earlier to Daniel as a man, Gabriel continued comforting the wearied prophet. He was there to strengthen Daniel and interpret what he had seen.
Question 4:
How does it help you to know that God treasures you?
Why was Daniel so weak? First, he was in his eighties, which meant he no longer had the vigor he enjoyed earlier in life. Second, he had been fasting for three weeks. Third, he was greatly troubled by what he had seen. This is a reminder that emotional exhaustion can be as wearying as physical exhaustion.
Gabriel touched Daniel, which restored the prophet’s ability to speak. Daniel’s first words were an apology for his anguish and weakness. As had happened when Daniel stood before earthly kings, the prophet’s words revealed a consistent attitude of humility. Gabriel touched Daniel again. This third touch strengthened the prophet and prepared him to receive additional revelations about Persia, Greece, and more. Gabriel’s words at this third touch encouraged the prophet. They should be equally encouraging to us when we find ourselves weakened by troubling news or by spiritual warfare. Why?
- We don’t have to be afraid. The most repeated command in Scripture is “Fear not.” Just as happened with the terrified disciples one stormy night on the Sea of Galilee, we need to allow ourselves to hear the voice of the Galilean say in our times of great fear, “It is I. Don’t be afraid” (John 6:20).
- We need to remind ourselves that God also treasures us. God sent His angel to deliver a message and to strengthen His prophet in the Old Testament. For us, He sent His only Son, who paid the ultimate price, so we might become part of His family as well.
- God wants us to experience peace. Isaiah prophesied of the Messiah who would come as the “Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6). Peace is an inner tranquility that comes only through the presence of Christ, in the person of the Holy Spirit, abiding within the believer.
- We don’t have to rely on our own strength. We can rely on God’s strength rather than our own in times of turmoil and spiritual warfare. He is always faithful.
The message of Daniel is that God is in control of history; despite the current evil situation, things turn out right in the end. We who live on this side of Easter recognize that His power over the enemy was ultimately demonstrated in Christ’s work on the cross. The enemy is defeated, and in Christ’s name, we win.
Question 5:
What are some ways God strengthens us for spiritual battles?
LIVE IT OUT
God strengthens us as we pray and engage in spiritual battle. Choose one of the following applications:
Recall. The time to prepare for warfare is before we are attacked. Make a list of Scriptures that offer you encouragement and assurance for troubling times. Keep those nearby and pull them out when needed.
Resist. Jesus quoted Scripture when He was tempted. Memorize some of the Scriptures on your list so you can be ready to quote them when you feel attacked spiritually.
Read. Find a good book on spiritual warfare that is written by a solid Christian author. Ask the Lord to speak to you through this book and to strengthen you spiritually.
Teacher Notes:
World Braces for
Israel-Hamas War
The Epoch Times
Greg Laurie Article:
Greg Laurie Writes…I
woke up Saturday morning, and I was shocked to read the headline: “Israel Is at War.”
It is almost 50 years
to the day the last time Israel was officially at war in what is known as the
Yom Kippur War back in 1973 when she was attacked by Egypt, Syria, and others.
But this is a different kind of war.
Thousands of
rockets rained on Israel from multiple directions, and Hamas gunmen invaded by
land, sea and sky. Now, hundreds of people have been murdered and kidnapped,
and they were using what we might describe as Isis-like methods: targeting
young women and young children, launching massive indiscriminate rocket fire
towards civilian population centers, as well as terrorist infiltration of
cities and settlements close to the Gaza border.
They went literally
home to home, door to door, looking for the young and for the elderly. They’ve
taken hostages. Old women, little children, young women — they specifically
targeted civilians in this attack. Some of the women they took as hostages were
survivors of the Holocaust. To date, and this number tragically will only get
larger, there are 1,300 dead and 2,000 wounded. This attack is simply without
precedent, causing Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu, to say, “We are at war.”
Israel’s Enemies
Who is Hamas?
They’re a terrorist organization funded by Iran. That’s not a secret.
The Hebrew word for
Hamas means “Violence”
A spokesman for
Iran, told the BBC that terrorist group had received funding for the attack,
according to the Wall Street Journal. And Iran has for a long time stated that their objective
is to destroy Israel. They have also signaled that they are developing a
nuclear weapon. In the past they have threatened to, in their own words, wipe Israel off the face of the
Earth.
One leader of Iran
said, “They ask, ‘Is it possible for us to witness a world without America
and Zionism?’ But you had best know that this slogan and this goal are
altogether attainable, and surely can be achieved. The regime that is occupying
Jerusalem must be wiped off the map.”1
Interesting how it always comes back to Jerusalem.
The Bible predicted, thousands of years ago, that the end time events would
revolve around Jerusalem. Not San Francisco. Not Los Angeles. Not Moscow. Not
Paris. But Jerusalem,
this tiny little city, in this tiny sliver of land, will play a key role in the
events of the last days. It’s the focal point of end times events. It’s amazing
when you think about it, because in Zechariah 12:3–4 God says, “I will make
Jerusalem like an intoxicating drink that makes the nearby nations stagger when
they send their armies to besiege Jerusalem and Judah. On that day I will make
Jerusalem an immovable rock. All the nations will gather against it to try to
move it, but they will only hurt themselves” (NLT).
Pay Careful
Attention
Those that study Bible
prophecy should pay attention. The Bible tells us in the end times that Israel
would be scattered and regathered. This has happened, and this really was the
sign that set the prophetic clock ticking. On the heels of the Holocaust, who
would have ever thought that these Jewish people who lost six million lives to
the Nazis would somehow regather in their homeland, but it happened, against
all odds. And on May 14,
1948, Israel became a nation. I’m proud to say the United States was the
first nation to acknowledge that.
But after Israel
was regathered, the Lord said she would come under attack. Specifically in
Ezekiel 37 and 38, the Bible speaks of the regathering of Israel, and then it speaks of a large force from
her north attacking her. That force is identified as Magog. Who is Magog? No
one can say with absolute certainty. But many Bible students and
prophecy teachers believe it’s modern-day Russia. I think you can make a very good case for
that. If you get out a map of the Middle East and look to the north of Israel,
you will find Russia.
Map
Why would Russia
ever want to invade Israel? Well, there’s another thing the Bible says about Magog, if she is indeed
Russia, and that one of her allies that will march with her is Persia. Persia is the ancient name for
modern day Iran. So, the Bible predicted hundreds of years ago that this
large force from the north of Israel would attack her after she was regathered,
and one of the allies that would attack Israel with Russia or Magog, whoever it
is, would be Iran or Persia.
Not once in the past 2,500 years has Russia formed a
military alliance with Persia, Iran, but they have recently developed a special
connection.
Russia has signed billion dollar deals to sell missiles to Iran, and the
Iranians have helped the Russians, providing them with drones, weaponized
drones to use in the Ukraine war.
Bible Prophecy
Before Our Very Eyes
How do you even
stop something like this? Let’s just say, for the sake of a point, that Israel
decided to strike out at Iran, specifically, because they’re funding all of
this.
What would that
produce? Well, it could produce a conflict we read about in Ezekiel 38. The Bible
says that Magog will come against her will; the Bible describes hooks in her
jaws, pulling her forward almost as though Magog is coming in reluctantly along
with her ally, Persia (or Iran).
Am I saying with absolute
certainty this is the scenario that will play out? No. But if you get up in the morning and
read this headline, “Russia Attacks Israel,” fasten your seatbelt because
you’re seeing Bible prophecy fulfilled in your lifetime before your very eyes.
We need to pray.
The Bible tells us
to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6). We want to pray that they
arrive at some kind of peace. We want to pray that this horrific terrorism
stops, and that they’re able to get their hostages back. And we want to pray
that God places His hand of protection on the nation of Israel during this
unprecedented war.
SETTING: Chapter 10
is Daniel’s final vision. In it, he was given further insight into the great
spiritual battle between God’s people and those who want to destroy them.
Daniel 10:1-3
In the third year
of King Cyrus of Persia, a message was revealed to Daniel, who was named
Belteshazzar. The message was true and was about a great conflict. He
understood the message and had understanding of the vision. In those days I,
Daniel, was mourning for three full weeks. I didn’t eat any rich food, no meat
or wine entered my mouth, and I didn’t put any oil on my body until the three
weeks were over.
We prepare
for battle with prayer.
We can prepare
ourselves to receive a word from the Lord when we stand before Him humbly and
submissively. Ultimately, the Lord makes known what He wants to make known when
He wants to make it known. We do not force His hand no matter what we do.
Daniel 10:10-13
Suddenly, a hand
touched me and set me shaking on my hands and knees. He said to me, “Daniel,
you are a man treasured by God. Understand the words that I’m saying to you.
Stand on your feet, for I have now been sent to you.” After he said this to me,
I stood trembling. “Don’t be afraid, Daniel,” he said to me, “for from the
first day that you purposed to understand and to humble yourself before your
God, your prayers were heard. I have come because of your prayers. But the
prince of the kingdom of Persia opposed me for twenty-one days. Then Michael,
one of the chief princes, came to help me after I had been left there with the
kings of Persia.
Prayer is our engagement of the spiritual battle.
We are to be in awe
of the holy and divine. The Lord calms our fears. The Lord hears the prayers of
the humble who call upon Him. Though beyond our complete understanding, the
powers of evil are unleashed against us when we pray. Ultimately, the Lord’s
will and purpose will be revealed and accomplished; hence, persist in prayer
with faith and believing.
How has your
understanding of spiritual warfare changed over time?
How does it make
you feel to know that your prayers are part of the spiritual battle?
Daniel 10:16-19
Suddenly one with
human likeness touched my lips. I opened my mouth and said to the one standing
in front of me, “My lord, because of the vision, anguish overwhelms me and I am
powerless. How can someone like me, your servant, speak with someone like you,
my lord? Now I have no strength, and there is no breath in me.” Then the one
with a human appearance touched me again and strengthened me. He said, “Don’t
be afraid, you who are treasured by God. Peace to you; be very strong!” As he
spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have
strengthened me.”
We can stand
strong in the Lord's strength.
We are weak within
ourselves, but the repeated touch from the Lord gives us strength to stand
strong. When the Lord comes to us, the best and appropriate response to Him is:
“Speak.”
Daniel was
frightened by this vision, but the messenger reassured him. Daniel lost his
speech, but the messenger’s touch restored it. Daniel felt weak and helpless,
but the messenger’s words strengthened him. God can bring us healing when we
are hurt, peace when we are troubled, and strength when we are weak.
Conclusion
The message to
Daniel is the message to us today. We live in stressful times, but also with
triumph. We are engaged in spiritual battle, but we have the assurance of
victory. God is greater than any person or any power in the news. Let’s pray
for His intervention, His protection, His will, and His glory. Let’s ask God to
step in — and do it in a way that brings Him glory! So, the next time you tune
in to current events …
God is greater than
any person or any power in the news. Let’s pray for His intervention, His
protection, His will, and His glory. Let’s ask God to step in — and do it in a
way that brings Him glory! So, the next time you tune in to current events …
Read Philippians
4:6
“Don’t worry about
anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God.”
Don’t ignore the news - trust it into God’s hands.
