Title Daniel 8:9~14 (2011.1.30)
Contents
Title: Powerful Horn
Text: (Daniel 8:9~14)
Hymns: 180. God's Trumpet
Date: January 30, 2011 (Sunday) 5:00 am
Venue: Jeonju Yebut Church Small Worship Room
The evil empires of the world are at war with each other. Among them, it is God's people who suffer. It seems as if the truth is being sacrificed. But this is not the end. God will not just watch the triumph of evil empires. God has promised the saints the final victory.
1. The growing little horn (verse 9)
From the horn of the he-goat came another little horn, which turned toward the south and east and toward the glorious land. That is, they reached Egypt, Persia, Patia, Armenia, and even Judea, where the people of Israel were inhabited. This vision is a prophecy that the Antichrist will grow and conquer other nations. This nation conquers even Judah and Jerusalem, the beautiful kingdoms of God. Historically, this little horn refers to Antiochus IV of Syria. He was a ‘little one’ at first, but after taking the throne, he conquered large nations and even conquered Israel, the land of God. If you look at the history of the world, unexpected countries or heroes appear and make the world chaotic. But their power never lasts.
2. The little horn that became a powerful horn (v. 11)
The little horn grew up to become a horn big and powerful enough to reach the sky, and it dropped the soldiers in the sky to the ground. Even against the commander of the heavenly army, he forbade the worship of God and demolished the temple. The horn also encouraged the people to betray God. The truth of God was thrown to the ground, and the might of the little horn reached the heavens. Historically, Antiochus IV invaded the world and even the holy place of Jerusalem, plundering and slaughtering many Jews. And he built a temple to Zeus in the temple of Jerusalem and sacrificed pigs, committing the sin of idolatry. Satan is trying to destroy the kingdom of God. Satan is the one who opposes God and destroys the truth of God. Believers must be awake and armed with the Word in order to not be defeated by Satan and to win.
3. The conversation between the two angels on this matter (verses 13-14)
At this time, two angels appear in Daniel's vision and talk. An angel asks the other when the temple sacrifices will cease and when the persecution against the holy people will end. The angel who was asked the question answered that it would be finished in about two thousand and three hundred days, and then the temple would be restored so that God's people could build an altar again. The persecution of the adversary may seem endless, but there is certainly an end. The reason God allows the persecution and prosperity of the wicked is to judge the wicked in the end and to refine God's people through them. Believers must wait for God's promise, believing that everything God has ordained will come true.
From the beginning, Satan's persecution of God's people has not ceased. But the end is definitely there. God will destroy and judge Satan's kingdom in the last days. And he will lead God's people to the best places.
<Prayer>
1. For the revival of Sunday worship and the grace of the Word
2. Send many faithful new families and co-workers!