END-TIME INSURGENTS!

I don’t have strong feelings about the exact timing of end-time events. I really don’t have an opinion (well, I do, but I’m not going to share it) on which one of the rapture theories I think is correct. I am very sure of one thing, however. No matter what we go through, He has promised to walk with us and that’s important—and the rest, to me, is inconsequential.

Scripture tells us that the days prior to Christ’s return will be chaotic and evil. Antichrist will arise and come to prominence, attempting to destroy or desecrate everything that is of God’s Kingdom, including the church and all who are a part of it.

Daniel 11 is both a prophetic picture of a time period before Christ first came to earth and a prophetic preview of Antichrist’s last-day activities, before Christ’s second coming. In approximately 175 B.C. a Syrian king, a certifiable madman, Antiochius Epiphanes, as he called himself, conquered Israel and held it in his control for about twelve years. Antiochius set out to destroy everything he could of the God of Israel. This madman’s activities are a preview of the evil destruction that Antichrist will unleash on the world and specifically against the Kingdom of God.

This time period in Israel’s history was perilous for all the Jews. The corruption of Antichrist and his legions, likewise, will be extremely difficult for all believers. It’s very likely that Antichrist is alive now and may be living in your neighborhood (just kidding—or am I?).

In verse 31 of Daniel 11, it speaks of the armed forces of Antichrist rising up to desecrate the worship of God. Tucked away in verses 32 and 33 is a fascinating insight into what happens with many of God’s people during this time of intense persecution: “….but the people who do know their God, shall be strong, and carry out great exploits. And those of the people who understand shall instruct many…” (Daniel 11:32b -33a).

There is a sense about this passage and the way it is presented that has the feel of an insurgency where God's people are fighting from a minority position against impossible odds, but God gives them the victory.

Again, we need to go back and look at the inter-testamental period where Antiochus was attempting to destroy everything that had to do with the worship of Jehovah. It was a small group of rebels led by the Maccabee family that fled to the mountains and although vastly outnumbered, soundly defeated the Antichrist-like Syrian army. It will be this type of insurgency that manifests itself during the reign of terror of Antichrist.

The secret to the victory of the end-time insurgents is found in this passage and specifically in 11:32: “…but the people who know their God shall be strong and carry out great exploits.”

The word “know” is the Hebrew word yada. One of the tried and true methods of understanding the meaning of a specific word is to see how it is used elsewhere in Scripture. One of the first uses of the word yada is in Genesis 4:1: “Now Adam knew (yada) Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain….”

In knowing God, as described in these verses, we are talking about a very intimate relationship between a man/woman and God, no barriers, nothing hidden. Everything is honest and transparent and out in the open; the relationship can be called “intimate” and only then do people really know each other.

It is out of the intimacy of a growing relationship with God that the seeds of victory and strength are planted in the Christ follower. It will not happen overnight but it will happen over time as you expand and deepen your relationship with Him.

You are not going to learn to be victorious and strong by going to another convention, watching another T.V. program, or reading the latest Christian bestseller. The seeds of your strength and victory will be planted and grow out of those intimate times when it is just you and God alone, and the relationship, your “knowing,” goes from casual to intimate.

The word “exploits” used here is not in the original manuscripts. It was added by interpreters but it is implied in the sentence construction and it is helpful that it is there. The actual Hebrew would read more like “the people who know their God will be strong and do.” It’s like it’s saying that because of the strength that God gives, we will be able to do whatever is required.

Verse 33 indicates that this group of end-time insurgents will be a magnet for ministry to those that are hungry. “…And those of the people who understand shall instruct many.” God’s insurgents will draw others to them and teach them how to walk with God and how to live in victory.

As you wait and anticipate the coming of the Lord…..don’t waste your waiting!