July 10: PROPHETIC PARALLEL #1
“Now I tell you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe that I am He.” John 13:19
It is interesting to note in this verse that the word He is in italics, meaning it was added by translators intending to help the reader. It is always a good habit to reread the verse without the italicized word, in which case it would culminate with more power: when it does come to pass, you may believe that I AM. Jesus, the great I AM, is pointing to the treason of Judas; the apostasy of a single man among the disciples. In essence, Jesus is saying “so that you will know that I knew of this betrayal ahead of time, and still believe in Me rather than become discouraged.” One of the best ways to strengthen our belief in Jesus is to understand Bible prophecy. Jesus was being betrayed to the religious leaders by the son of perdition (John 17:12), a unique term used only twice in Scripture. The other mention applies to the office of the papacy, which is continually occupied by a single man (see Daniel 7:8 & 2 Thessalonians 2:3).
The dark and sinister aspects of antichrist and his minions would not appear out in the open, but would come upon the scene from among us, as John warns (1 John 2:19). Paul warns that the message would speak of Jesus, a spirit, and a gospel – but it is another Jesus, a different spirit, and a different gospel (2 Corinthians 11:1-4), that do not line up with Scripture (see Isaiah 8:20). Paul continues his warning of a system filled with false ministers of righteousness (2 Corinthians 11:15). And no wonder! For Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. (v.14 NIV)
There are numerous parallels between the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation that shine light of understanding regarding the urgent need of preparation for the second coming of the Lord. The main point of prophecy is to build faith in the Lord (see Hebrews 11:6) – not necessarily to satisfy curiosity, or to become a puffed-up “know-it-all” regarding the future. We can look back on many prophecies already fulfilled and marvel with joy at the great I AM. These faith-builders increase our trust in the One who knows the future. Being given the divine “heads-up” on events to come helps us to spiritually prepare. Jesus wants His followers to be prepared, not scared!
Daniel 11 adds tremendous detail to the time prophecies outlined in earlier chapters. The last several verses of this chapter have distinct parallels with Revelation 13. The first prophetic parallel is that both of these sections are preceded by a vivid picture of God’s people being persecuted during the Dark Ages. They shall fall by sword and flame, by captivity and plundering (Daniel 11:33), for they fled into the wilderness (Revelation 12:6) where they were hunted down by order of the pope. They were aided with a little help (Daniel 11:34), and some fled across the Atlantic Ocean, being given two wings of an eagle (Revelation 12:14) to the North American wilderness. Many [joined] with them by intrigue (Daniel 11:34), because the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood after the woman (God’s people), that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood (Revelation 12:14). But the earth helped the woman… Beloved, I hope you see the providence of God in bringing His people across the sea to the New World and the Glorious Land (Daniel 11:41).
More verses that speak of the period of persecution historians call the Dark Ages: Daniel 7:25; 11:29-35; 12:7; Matthew 24:21; Revelation 11:2-3; 12:6,14; 13:5