LORD’S DAY, MARCH 26
Daniel 11:36-45
Daniel 7:25

"… he shall speak great words
against the most High,
and shall wear out the saints..."

THE ANTICHRIST SHALL MAGNIFY HIMSELF

The Antichrist will make himself big and strong. It speaks of growing in wealth and power. These shall be for the physical well-being and prosperity of the people as well as the increase of things tangible and intangible whether objects, feelings or authority. The king increases himself not only with glory and honour but in material riches as well. The heart of the Antichrist is for health and wealth!

He speaks of extraordinary things that oppose God. They involve wonderful words that are presumptuous and blaspheme God. This refers to a diabolical apocalyptic figure who hatches "incredible schemes" or speaks "incredible blasphemies" against God. He speaks greatly of himself and takes a low view of Christ and His Word. This is the humanistic teaching of most churches today. Preachers elevate man and demote God.

The king seems to have his own power to succeed in what he will be doing, yet Satan is actually enabling him. He will only acknowledge his own discernment and understanding. He focuses on himself as the only wise being and therefore he does not need the perception of others. He just regards himself as the only one who has the intelligence and wisdom to interpret circumstances in life. This rationalistic Christianity is certainly in the churches today.

Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ came exactly in the opposite way. As a hymn aptly tells, "Hail, Thou once despised Jesus! Hail, thou Galilean King! Thou didst suffer to release us; Thou didst free salvation bring. Hail, Thou agonizing Savior, Bearer of our sin and shame! By thy merits we find favour; Life is given through Thy name" (John Bakewell, 1721-1819).

THOUGHT: Is Jesus Christ my Lord and my King?
PRAYER: "I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together" (Ps 34:1-3).