September 21: A LINE OF DIVISION

Both these kings’ hearts shall be bent on evil, and they shall speak lies at the same table; but it shall not prosper, for the end will still be at the appointed time. Daniel 11:27

These two former allies (Augustus and Antony) were, unfortunately, bent on evil in their hearts. The same table signifies the closeness with which they had spent time. The sister of one was the wife of the other. Both of them harbored aspirations for universal dominion. Even as they appeared to speak in friendship, both harbored preparations for war. But neither would prosper. Ironically, the early defeat of one compares favorably to the slow, agonizing downfall of the other.

Unregenerate men and their stratagems can endure only as long as the Most High allows them to continue. For the end will still be at the appointed time. Just as Nebuchadnezzar had learned, [God] does according to His will in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand or say to Him, “What have You done?” (4:35)

While returning to his land with great riches, his heart shall be moved against the holy covenant; so he shall do damage and return to his own land. 11:28

During the time (v.24: a prophetic year of 360 days or 360 actual years) of pagan Rome’s heyday, he, meaning Rome, under the influence of Satan, developed a widespread policy against the spread of the salvation message, for his heart shall be moved against the holy covenant. Christ is identified in Scripture as the Prince of the covenant (11:22), and He was prophesied to confirm the covenant with many for one week (9:27), bringing the grand climax to the seventy weeks (9:25) of probation for the Jews. Rome’s plan to do damage included intense persecution of Christians. Some Christians were covered with pitch and set on fire to serve as human torches, providing nighttime illumination at the arenas where huge crowds gathered to watch others being torn apart by wild animals.

In the midst of this horrendously barbaric form of entertainment, the demeanor and countenance of peace on the faces of Christians had the effect of bringing many of the onlookers to Christ in deep, heartfelt repentance. Love for their Lord and Savior was evident as the martyrs went to their deaths. The simple definition of martyr is witness. Their powerful witness was placed directly in the view of multitudes and brought a line of division between those who were hard of heart and those who would come to Christ and be saved.

The church was growing like wildfire. In the wake of imprisonment and death for Christians, many others were springing to life in their place. “Satan was losing his influence over the minds of the people and determined to fight more effectively against the gospel by the introduction of false doctrines and pagan traditions into the church. This eventually led to the legalization of Christianity and paved the way for the establishment of Papal Rome.” JEAN ROSS

“Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division. For from now on five in one house will be divided: three against two and two against three.” Luke 12:51-52