SPIRITUAL POWERS ARE INFLUENCING EMPIRES ON EARTH
When one reads certain historical events in the Bible it becomes clear that an over arching power struggle exists unseen above the physical realm. A battle between high ranking demons and angelic forces swirled around the Persian Empires. Note what Daniel is told:
Daniel 10:18-21, “Then again, the one having the likeness of a man touched me and strengthened me. 19 And he said, ‘O man greatly beloved, fear not! Peace be to you; be strong, yes, be strong!’ So when he spoke to me I was strengthened, and said, ‘Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.’ 20 Then he said, ‘Do you know why I have come to you? And now I must return to fight with the prince of Persia;and when I have gone forth, indeed the prince of Greece will come.21 But I will tell you what is noted in the Scripture of Truth. (No one upholds me against these, except Michael your prince.’” (NKJV)
What we note is that the powerful angel was delayed by the demon who ruled the Persian Empire and this angel messenger had to get the help of the archangel Michael, who stands for the people of God –– Israel. Further, it is revealed that this demonic force that is called the Prince of Persia, is being pushed aside by the Prince of Greece. This change in dominant empires is being driven by unseen spiritual forces. Alexander the Great was empowered to win dynamic, fast victories, against superior forces and alter the world. Why did this happen?
Daniel 10:13-14, “But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia. 14 "Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come."
It happened because of ruling spirits. The demonic Prince of Persia in verse 13 did not want this portion of the Bible to be written. He did not want these end times prophecies given to Daniel. One reason is that this upcoming portion of Daniel proves the infallibility of the Bible. Further, it will help believers in the end times. If what we see is basically controlled by the unseen spiritual powers, then our prayers are vitally important to marshal Godly forces.
PRAY FOR ISRAEL AND PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST & VICTORY OVER EVIL
Note what was revealed to Elisha's assistant when thought that they were going to be harmed by forces of their enemy, Syria.
2 Kings 6:17, “And Elisha prayed, and said, ‘LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.’ Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”
These glowing angels were guarding the prophet from danger but they could be seen only by spiritual eyes. We humans cannot normally see the spiritual dimension. We need to pray for victory for America and Israel in the middle east against high ranking spiritual forces who want evil to continue. The Apostle Paul warned of the same forces in his day and ours.
Ephesians 6:10-14, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.”
Our righteousness is to be under the protective sacrifice of Jesus of Nazareth. Further, pray that we can stand against these evil spiritual forces ruling our age. Pray that we stay in Christ. Pray for the victory of the archangel Michael who stands for Israel. Remember God is in control and that we win in the end, however we are in a spiritual war for now and so is Israel and the church. Paul said prepare for spiritual warfare to help them.
2 Corinthians 10:2-5, “But I beg you that when I am present I may not be bold with that confidence by which I intend to be bold against some, who think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,”
Why is the Apostle having to write this? Because of the influence of high level demonic forces.
2 Corinthians 11:13-15, “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.”
Paul's work in bringing the gospel to the world outside of Judaism was a vital target for powerful demonic forces to block.
HIGH LEVEL SPIRITUAL MANIPULATIONS ARE COMING IN THE END TIMES
Somewhere in the far future Iran or Persia will be part of a large force opposing God’s people and the land of Israel.
Ezekiel 38:2-5, “Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog,the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal, and prophesy against him, 3 and say, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I amagainst you, O Gog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal. 4 I will turn you around, put hooks into your jaws, and lead you out, with all your army, horses, and horsemen, all splendidly clothed, a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords. 5 Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya are with them, all of them with shield and helmet;
Persia will someday be inspired by spiritual evil to join an ungodly cabal that confronts God.
Ezekiel 38:14-15, “On that day when My people Israel dwell safely, will you not know it? 15 Then you will come from your place out of the far north, you and many peoples with you…”
Revelation 20:7-8, “Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison 8 and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea.”
Satan will lead many nations to attack God's land and this will include Persia. Further at the end of this age prior to Christ second coming, Satan will lead the evil dictator of Babylon. They will gather the world to oppose Jesus's second coming. Spiritual deception will reign on Earth because people do not love the truth.
2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, “Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.”
Verse 8, “And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders,”
Verse 10, “And with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.”
High level spiritual forces are prophesied to lead this world someday into chaos, lies and disaster that Jesus will end with powerfully. Paradise will follow, wonderful!
