June 25: BUILDING FAITH IN THE FACE OF OPPOSITION
He shall have power over the treasures of gold and silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt; also the Libyans and Ethiopians shall follow at his heels. Daniel 11:43
The king of the North puts himself forward as the religious leader of the world. Also, he is soon to gain control over the world’s economy (the treasures of gold and silver). This is why John the Revelator was shown that buying and selling would not be allowed for those who do not comply with the beast’s mark of authority (see Revelation 13:17). An interesting comparison can be found among God’s true worshipers in the Old Testament: they voluntarily abstained from buying and selling on the weekly Sabbath, as a sign of trust in God to meet their needs. This practice (honoring the fourth commandment) continued without a break directly into the New Testament church, as a result of their love for Jesus (John 14:15). His followers kept the Sabbath as a sign of creation (Genesis 2:1-3), redemption (Exodus 31:13; Ezekiel 20:12). Their Scriptures were only the Old Testament. The New Testament church was built upon these (Luke 24:27,32).
In the study of prophecy, it is vital to remember the Author. Without a connection to Him, prophecy means little to nothing. But, in a relationship with the Savior, the study of His word builds faith and deepens love for Him. His comprehensive plan is revealed, enabling us to safely navigate what is to come without fear. As events unfold, those who are prepared by studying His word, including prophecy, will only grow in faith.
The working of the antichrist in our world is very real, just as Jesus had a Judas among His disciples. “Now I tell you before it comes, that when it comes to pass, you may believe that I am He.” (John 13:19) The work of Judas foreshadows the work of the antichrist. Today’s opening verse illustrates the “power of the purse” in last-day events. Control of the economy will not be about the Roman Catholic church budget, but rather about using the world’s gross economy: every-day, secular trading – all the precious things of Egypt – to force a counterfeit weekly Sabbath upon the world. These precious things will be tools in the hand of the antichrist to apply economic pressure for compliance to a manmade religious law.
In the general understanding of the Ten Commandments, often summarized in our day as “Love God, Love People” – it is broadly agreed that the first four commandments apply to our relationship with God, while the last six apply to relationships with our fellow man. Human governments can—and should—enforce the last six. Scripture supports this concept (Romans 13:1-10; 1 Peter 2:13-17). But worship of God should be left to the conscience of each individual. Jesus said as much when the Pharisees and Herodians tried to trick Him (see Mark 12:13-17).
The U.S.A. was founded upon the ideas of both civil and religious liberty. But a day is coming when these basic precepts will be cast aside. In Daniel’s day, an affront to the second commandment was recorded (see Daniel 3). Also, an affront to the first commandment was recorded (see Daniel 6). Similarly, a human law is coming soon, made in accordance with the antichrist power, that will challenge the fourth commandment. Note that a very distinctive section of the fourth commandment is quoted in Revelation 14:7 for the benefit of those living in the last days: “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgement has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.”