Main Idea: Spiritual warfare is a near and present reality.
A Look at the Text:
In today’s text, Daniel received another vision, this time a message that he could understand (Dan. 10:1). However, the answer came only after three weeks of fasting, during which Daniel was waiting for an answer from God (Dan. 10:2-3). After that time, Daniel encountered a glorious angel, and his strength melted away as he fell to the ground (Dan. 10:5-9).
But the angel raised him up, addressed him as one “greatly loved,” and told him not to fear (Dan. 10:11-12).
He assured Daniel that the first day that he set his heart to prayer, God heard him. The angel was then dispatched in response to Daniel’s prayer; however, the prince of the kingdom of Persia, apparently a demon of some rank appointed to Persia, opposed him for that period of twenty-one days (Dan. 10:12-13).
In the midst of the struggle came Michael the archangel, who helped the one speaking to Daniel in the conflict (Dan. 10:13). After this encounter, Daniel felt no strength and was breathless (Dan. 10:17). Yet once more the angelic messenger touched him and said:
“O man greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage” (Dan. 10:19).
Then, as the angel was departing, he predicted a fight with the prince of Greece, while also telling Daniel that Michael, your prince, the angel of Israel, was on his side (Dan. 10:21).
Bringing it Home:
Many people scoff at the idea of angels and demons, but the Bible is full of them. There are angels, God’s messengers, who do His bidding, and there are hosts of demons that oppose His will. This reality is made abundantly clear in this story in Daniel.
The answer to Daniel’s prayer was sent immediately, yet it was delayed in the spiritual realm. With this in mind, we must always remember that there is a whole realm of existence around us that we simply cannot see. Yet just because it’s not visible doesn’t mean it’s not real.
The apostle Paul in the New Testament speaks of rulers, authorities, cosmic powers over the present darkness, and spiritual forces of evil in heavenly places that the believer wrestles against rather than simply flesh and blood (Eph. 6:12).
Let us know then that this life is far more supernatural than we’ll ever realize on this side of glory. There are real foes that the believer has, and there is real angelic help as well. As the prophet Elisha once prayed for his servant’s eyes to be opened and he saw chariots of fire covering the hillsides around them (2 Kings 6:17).
These things shouldn’t frighten us. While of frightening appearance, angels consistently admonish people throughout Scripture While of frightening appearance, they consistently admonish people throughout the Scripture not to fear. to fear. Angels are powerful, but they are sent to help and serve us (Heb. 1:14).
As believers, we should strive to live with wisdom, knowing the reality of spiritual warfare. Some of our trials in this life, our discouragements, or even our temptations actually aren’t sourced in us. Let us then walk with awareness and always seek God’s help, knowing that the One who is in us is greater than the one who is in the world (1 John 4:4).
Challenge:
Do I see all problems as having a natural source when the Bible presents they might be spiritual?