Tuesday, 24th October 2023
Andrews Ampomah
TOPIC: YOU WILL DO EXPLOITS
THEME SCRIPTURE: “And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries; but the people that do know their God shall be strong and do exploits.” – Daniel 11:32
PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:
- What does it take to do exploits for the Lord?
The word "exploits" resonates with a vibrant sense of excitement and energy in Christian circles. It simply means bold or daring feats or accomplishments.
All over the world, individuals aspire to achieve remarkable feats in their respective fields. From a biblical or historical perspective, those in Christian circles who have accomplished great exploits are often the ones who have confronted severe opposition or even threats to their lives; thus, wherever there are remarkable exploits, one is likely to encounter instances of torture or persecution. A careful read of Hebrews 11 confirms how ordinary men and women refused conformity with the status quo: “who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight... Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life (Heb 11:33–35).”
Daniel 11 discusses the future of the Greek and Persian empires and the challenges they present to the Jews.
It subsequently revisits the description of the "little horn" (Dan 8:9), an allusion to Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Historically depicted as the "contemptible one," Antiochus inflicted significant suffering upon the Jews and defiled their temple in Jerusalem. His deceitful tactics led some Jews who were wicked to betray their covenant with God and their own people, as evidenced in Daniel 11:32, "And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries; but the people that do know their God shall be strong and do exploits." Significantly, he deceived some Jews through flattery, yet others, grounded in their profound understanding of their unique relationship with God, resisted his deceit. With their unwavering faith, they defied the flatteries of the "contemptible one" due to their firm roots in their knowledge and relationship with God.
Dearly beloved in the Lord, according to scriptures like Matthew 24, Christians will experience severe persecution in the years leading up to Christ Jesus' second coming, which may even be worse than what the Jews experienced.
We are called upon to resist any form of corruption and take a stand for Jesus, whether subtle or pronounced, as Christians at home in our marriages, in our communities, at our workplaces, and even in the Church. It takes those who understand their relationship with Christ Jesus, who are deeply rooted in Him, and who have an increased knowledge of His person to take a stand for Him in times of flattery and persecution. Prepare and get ready for exploits by getting deeper into your relationship with God and His Word (the Bible). God bless you.
FURTHER READING – Daniel 11
Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.
QUESTION TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:
- How ready are you to take a stand for Jesus?
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, help me by Your Holy Spirit to dig deeper in fellowship with You and to discipline myself to study Your Word so as to take a stand for You wherever I find myself in Christ Jesus, Amen.
1-Year Bible Reading Plan
2 Chronicles 20; Daniel 2; John 20; John 21
Comments powered by CComment