September 26: RAPID RELEASE
And those of the people who understand shall instruct many; yet for many days they shall fall by sword and flame, by captivity and plundering. Daniel 11:33
The Bible cites a long period of persecution carried out by the little horn against the people of God. It is stated this way in Daniel 7:25: He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, Shall persecute the saints of the Most High, And shall intend to change times and law. Then the saints shall be given into his hand For a time, times, and half a time.
The instruction of those of the people who understand has often been a vital part of God’s plan for leading His lost sheep back unto Himself. One of the ways this instruction was manifested during the 1260 years of papal supremacy was by the diligent hand-copying of Scripture passages that were then sewn into the coat lining. Certain people from among these hidden communities of believers would go into the cities, market places, and universities with wares to sell. If they detected a sincere openness to truth, they would share the Scriptures. Their dependence upon the Holy Spirit’s leading was their only layer of defense against loss of life. This method of witnessing effectively spread the Good News of salvation among hungry souls. Many of these Scripture-bearing individuals were invited back to preach to families, friends, and neighbors, some of which would likewise copy and share Scripture passages.
Now when they fall, they shall be aided with a little help; but many will join with them by intrigue (v.34).
New believers, whose hearts were won through the witness of the wilderness church (see Revelation 12:6,14) would indeed provide material support and open their homes for repeat visits. But these creative methods of getting the Word out sometimes fell upon unreceptive ears, who would feign interest in order to discover the whereabouts of the hidden wilderness homes. They would subsequently share that information with the mainstream church, resulting in raids and massacres of entire communities.
A forest fire can be an apt metaphor for the many days they shall fall by sword and flame. Yes, forest fires are destructive, but are not without benefits to the ecosystem. Along with the incineration of diseased plants, nutrients are released into the soil rapidly in contrast to the slow release provided by decomposition. God’s answer for spiritual emergencies may sometimes include destruction and death. But His own know that they need not fear death. His followers who willingly risk death understand that their deaths may result in a rapid release of life-saving spiritual food for others at the brink of their own decisions for life or (eternal) death. “Choose for yourselves…” (Joshua 24:15)
Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28
Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Colossians 3:2-4 (see also Matthew 24:31; John 5:28-29; 6:39-40; 14:3; Acts 2:29,34; 1 Corinthians 15:23,52-54; 1 Thessalonians 4:16)