September 4: THE EARTH: FROM BATTLEFIELD TO PARADISE
Then he said, “Do you know why I have come to you? And now I must return to fight with the prince of Persia; and when I have gone forth, indeed the prince of Greece will come.” Daniel 10:20
Why do you think Gabriel speaks of his own struggle? Could it be that this mighty angel wants to make Daniel, a man greatly beloved, aware that he has allies in the unseen battles? and that he, Gabriel, is not only well aware of the troubles that swirl around the rebuilding project in Jerusalem, but is also personally engaged? The prince of Persia must be a high-ranking demon assigned to do Satan’s bidding in Babylon where King Cyrus now rules and in Jerusalem where the newly released captives are engaged in the hard work of rebuilding the temple. All the while, the enemy of souls specializes in discouragement.
Gabriel is also affirming points earlier laid out. The outline of world history provided in chapter 2, the dream of the great image made of metals representing Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome, had some details filled in later (chapters 7-9). More details are forthcoming, but Gabriel’s comment, indeed the prince of Greece will come, is a reminder to Daniel that there are no gaps in the outline already laid out. Indeed, Greece will follow Persia in the worldly power struggle.
The root cause of this world’s constant battle for power is the rebellion of Lucifer in heaven* before our world was created. It was a challenge to God’s authority, His law, His very character! When Adam and Eve were created, he could hardly wait for his first opportunity to deceptively lower their view—their esteem—of God. Their choice to go against God’s clear instructions changed our beautiful world from a Paradise to a battlefield. The spirit of selfishness was ushered into the heart of man.
*And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Revelation 12:7-9
The complex battle rages, but this is not just about humanity. The entire universe is watching (1 Corinthians 4:9)! In the end, the universe will see and agree that God’s way is right and Satan’s way is wrong. The Creator’s way preserves life and goodness, but Satan’s way leads only to destruction; and not only self-destruction, but an overspreading of evil, the breakdown of relationships, and hearts filled with distrust. Disregard for divine law precedes the loss of love (see Matthew 24:12). A Day is coming when sin and sinners will no longer exist. Those who will inherit salvation will dwell with God forever on the earth made new.
We, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. 2 Peter 3:13
Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. Psalm 119:97