Daniel 11
HAVE you ever stopped to reflect on events in history? Have you ever felt the terror and suffering of civil war? If you have, then when you read my words in Daniel 11:9-13, you will appreciate the unrest and horror of living in such times.
Sometimes a ray of hope seems to break into the gloom. Peace is enjoyed for a while as fighting ceases. A treaty is in place and we all rejoice. But then that peace treaty is shattered, and fighting breaks out again, worse than before (Dan 11:6-8). Hopes are dashed, and despair sets in, deeper than before.
That was the world I lived in. A world of suffering, violence and terror. And please don’t think that those who believed in God were exempt from such suffering. Many devout and godly friends of mine suffered terribly, dying in flames; others were killed in the sword of battle (Dan 11:33). Believing in God never saved us from terrible suffering on earth.
Why am I telling you this? Why is Daniel 11 so long and full of distressing descriptions of wars and terrors experienced by people in my ancient time? I am not trying to frighten you. I would be surprised if I had to. I am sure that your world is also full of war and terror. I would be surprised if you did not also understand the fear of unrest and uncertainty.
None of us knows the future. But God does. And He asked me to write Daniel 11 to assure you of this. He wanted you to believe that the world is not out of His control. He knows that it often seems like that to us. All the bad and terrible things that happen – how can God be in control? Evil and anarchy, senseless fate and cruel destiny – these are the powers that seem to control our world today.
But God says, “No. I am in control. None of these evil things catch Me by surprise. I cannot explain to you right now why I allow such things to plague My world and your world (see reflection on Daniel 10). But I do want to assure you that this is still My world. And one day, at a time I will decide, I will put an end to the evil ones who rule this world. So don’t give up your faith. Trust in Me. In this world you will face much tribulation, but take courage, for I am in control of this world.” (John 16:33).
This is my Father’s world
O let me never forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong
God is the Ruler yet.
The Rev Dr Gordon Wong, a lecturer at Trinity Theological College, was recently appointed District Superintendent (East) of Trinity Annual Conference (TRAC).