October 7: LOYALTY AND ALLEGIANCE UNDER FIRE

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

Without a doubt, money and economics will be a major aspect of controlling people in the last days. This power over the treasures of gold and silver is identified by many Bible scholars as the means utilized by the papacy (and supporting allies) to enforce the plan for unity. Those who do not want to play along will be economically punished. A parallel verse that states this in a different way is found in Revelation 13:16-17. The apostle John wrote: He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

This method of control is already being tested and found to be effective in some, but not all, cases. For example, if the U.S. government believes that another country isn’t behaving, economic sanctions are applied. In the case of an individual who is “out of line” it is easy for the government to seize that person’s bank account(s). Also, the assets of foreigners in the U.S. can be, and have been, frozen in certain circumstances. The use of credit cards establishes a running record of buying and selling. Most of us pull out the card instead of paying with cash in our routine purchasing.

So, we can see that on the international scale as well as a personal one, this method of control can easily be a tool in the building of a one-world order. The Libyans and Ethiopians lived at the geographical limits of Egypt. This view by the king of the North to the farthest extremity of the South is a merism expressing that the king of the North will gain control of the whole world, even to the farthest borders of the king of the South. No country will be excluded from the laws and regulations of the king of the North.

A reminder that the controversy behind the great eschatological war that we are moving toward, is found in the book of Isaiah: For you [Lucifer] have said in your heart: “I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation On the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.” (Isaiah 14:13-14)

When we are told in God’s word of those who will temporarily be in control of the earth, it is for the purpose of preparing for the barrage of challenges to divine authority that will subject the faith of His people to severe testing. The key to seeing the ultimate fulfillment of His promises in your own life lies in holding on to faith in Him. No earthly reward or punishment should affect your loyalty to the LORD of the Universe.

When He works on the left hand, I cannot behold Him; When He turns to the right hand, I cannot see Him. But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot has held fast to His steps; I have kept His way and not turned aside. Job 23:9-11