The Persecution Of The People

Daniel 11: 1-4

Gabriel has told Daniel about the military and political career of the antichrist, now he will disclose this despot's policies against God's people during these last three and a half years. 

(1) "Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise. 

During that time, Michael the archangel who protects God's chosen, Israel, will become active in protecting the people from the evil forces attacking them. 

And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; 

He says that this antichrist's policy toward the people will be characterized by brutal oppression and persecution surpassing in severity every other tribulation; the bad times will be worse than the worst times ever before, since there were civilized nations. 

and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued. 

And all who are written in the Book of Life will be rescued, whether this means by protection or by death in martyrdom. 

(2) Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, 

This refers to the "first resurrection" (Revelation 20: 4-6) of those who have been cleansed by the blood of the Savior, and made fit to be in the presence of God. 

but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt. 

Then, after the thousand years, the rest will be resurrected to face the Great White Throne judgment (Revelation 20: 11-15). 

(3) Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. 

All of God's people who have applied themselves to know His word, and to teach it to others, and to show them God's ways, will have resurrection bodies that will shine with God's light, like the sun and the stars. 

(4) But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the end of time; many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase." 

Daniel was to write all this down, but put it away for others to find in later times, to be understood in the end of time. And at the end of time, people will be able to travel all over the world; and knowledge has been exponentially increasing, doubling every century, every generation, even every decade and less. So it looks like we may be at the end of the end of days, in our own lifetimes. 

God's timing goes by Israel. 

Jesus talked about when we see the "fig tree" which represents prosperity in Israel: "when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near: Truly I say to you, this generation shall not pass away until all these things take place" (Matthew 24: 32, 34). 

So everything to do with all the end of the end times happenings will all take place within one generation after the "fig tree" puts out its leaves. Israel has been a nation again since 1948, which is only one lifetime. So all these things will have happened very soon now. 

O my Father, please prepare Your people for Your Kingdom. Send us out into all the world to share with every living person how much You love them, and let every one of them have enough understanding to make an informed decision whether to accept or refuse Your gracious and generous gift of Salvation. 

Father, fill Your grand house with all of Your uncountable family members, and surround Your great Banquet Table will all of Your children, to enjoy sweet fellowship with You and one another forever. 

And every eye shall see, every knee will bow, every tongue will proclaim that Jesus is our Christ, the Son of the Father, our Savior and Redeemer, the Lord God Almighty, sovereign King over all Creation; to the everlasting Glory of Almighty God the Father, for ever and ever. Amen. 

Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus!