LORD’S DAY, JUNE 17
Daniel 10:20-11:1
Revelation 12:11

“And they overcame him by
the blood of the Lamb …”

A CONTINUING CONFLICT

Having strengthened Daniel, our Lord announced to him His continuing struggle with the prince of Persia, and a later conflict with the prince of Grecia. From this we see that there are supernatural and demonic forces supporting and energizing the heathen nations (through their national gods and idols). These nations are in truth captive pawns of the supreme evil angel Satan. The “prince of Persia” may properly be called the “guardian spirit of Persia.” Through these evil angels, Satan directs the nations to oppose God’s people on earth. Satan’s one object is to obstruct and defeat the purposes of God. Hence the statement: “Now will I return to fight …”

In our struggles against the wiles of Satan, we may derive comfort and courage in the knowledge that our Lord and His holy angels are on our side. Has not our Lord said, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth” (Matt 28:18)? So while the forces working against us may appear fearsome and formidable, nevertheless we may face the foe with confidence. God’s Word assures us: “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4). On our side is the risen Lord who makes war on behalf of His own against the hostile spirits of the invisible world.

Of all the countless millions of angelic beings serving God, we are told the name of Michael the archangel. Thank God for this loyal and mighty angel also called “one of the chief princes” (Dan 10:13) and “Michael your prince” (Dan 10:21). In Revelation 12:7-11 we read of the final battle of Michael and his angels against Satan and his evil angels, a battle whose outcome has been sealed at Calvary, for Michael and his angels overcame Satan “by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony” (Rev 12:11). In the conflict with the princes of Persia and Grecia, our Lord revealed to Daniel: “… there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.” (Dan 10:21). Our Lord could always depend on him.

THOUGHT: Can my Lord count on my loyalty?
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, strengthen me for the conflicts of my day.