Embark on a prophetic odyssey with me, Dr. Robert Jackson, as we traverse the historical landscapes of Daniel Chapter 11 on More Than Medicine. This episode unveils the tapestry of visions and prophecies that depict Israel's journey from the Persian era to the rise and fragmentation of Alexander the Great's empire. Discover how these ancient revelations, intertwined with the re-emergence of Israel as a nation in 1948, resonate with the unfolding of divine foresight and offer solace during tribulation.
As we approach the end of our Daniel series, I invite you to reflect on the insights you've garnered and to carry these lessons into your daily interactions. As we start to conclude this enlightening exploration, my hope is that your spirit feels enriched and prepared for the spiritual nourishment that awaits in future episodes. Engage further with our teachings and find strength in the comforting truth that Jesus is more than enough, on More Than Medicine.
Embark on a prophetic odyssey with me, Dr. Robert Jackson, as we traverse the historical landscapes of Daniel Chapter 11 on More Than Medicine. This episode unveils the tapestry of visions and prophecies that depict Israel's journey from the Persian era to the rise and fragmentation of Alexander the Great's empire. Discover how these ancient revelations, intertwined with the re-emergence of Israel as a nation in 1948, resonate with the unfolding of divine foresight and offer solace during tribulation.
As we approach the end of our Daniel series, I invite you to reflect on the insights you've garnered and to carry these lessons into your daily interactions. As we start to conclude this enlightening exploration, my hope is that your spirit feels enriched and prepared for the spiritual nourishment that awaits in future episodes. Engage further with our teachings and find strength in the comforting truth that Jesus is more than enough, on More Than Medicine.
Welcome to More Than Medicine, where Jesus is more than enough for the ills that plague our culture and our country. Hosted by author and physician, Dr Robert Jackson.
Speaker 2:
Papa, can you tell me a story? Do you really want me to tell you a story? Well, you go, get your brother and your sisters and I will tell you a story. Well, you go, get your brother and your sisters and I will tell you a story. Welcome to More Than Medicine. I'm your host, dr Robert Jackson, bringing to you biblical insights and stories from the country doctor's rusty, dusty scrapbook.
Speaker 2:
Well, today we are resuming our study of the book of Daniel in chapter 11. We only have chapter 11 and chapter 12 left, and we will complete our study of the book of Daniel when we begin chapter 11,. I want you to understand that chapter 11 is actually a continuation from chapter 10 and verse 14. Let me read verse 14 to you. Chapter 10 and verse 14 says Now I have come to give you an understanding of what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision pertains to him by an angel, and the rest of chapter 10 is the angel comes to him and explains why he was detained and answering Daniel's prayer, but there's nothing concerning Israel in the latter days in the rest of chapter 10. So then we come to chapter 11, and that's actually the continuation of chapter 10 and verse 14. And chapter 11 is very much like chapter 8, which describes, describes the nations of Media, persia and the nation of Greece, but then it comes to the silence of the church age, which is skipped over without even a hint. Then there is a detailed description of the reign of anti-messiah, or anti-Christ, which follows. This portion of chapter 11 in Daniel is much like chapter 8, except it provides far greater detail concerning this vile person known as antichrist, who will rule the world for three and a half years during the Great Tribulation. So let's look at chapter 11.
Speaker 2:
We'll start with verse 1 and 2, where Daniel begins by speaking directly to Darius, the king of Media. By divine revelation, daniel reveals that three kings will rule over Persia after Darius reign, after which time the kingdom of Greece will arise. How does Daniel know this? Well, the only way he knows is because God reveals it to him. We call it divine revelation. So let's begin with verse 1 and 2, chapter 11 of the book of Daniel. In the first years of Darius the Mede, I rose to be an encouragement and a protection for him, and now I will tell you the truth. Behold, three more kings are going to arise in Persia. Then a fourth, will gain far more riches than all of them. And as soon as he becomes strong, through his riches he will arouse the whole empire against the realm of Greece and a mighty king will arise and he will rule with great authority and do as he pleases.
Speaker 2:
Now, who is this person? This is none other than Alexander the Great. And how do we know it's him? Well, verse 4 explains. But as soon as he has arisen, his kingdom will be broken up and parceled out toward the four points of the compass, though not to his own descendants or posterity, nor according to his authority which he wielded, for his sovereignty will be uprooted and given to others besides them. And of course, we know from history that Alexander died at the age of 33 in a drunken debauch in Nebuchadnezzar's old palace, and that his kingdom was divided, not to his own infant son, but to his four commanders, ptolemy, lysimachus, seleucus and Cassander. And his whole kingdom was divided into four equal parts, just as Daniel told them many years before it even occurred.
Speaker 2:
Then, if we read from verses 3 to verse 20, theologians believe that this mighty king indeed was Alexander the Great, and then these four kings that were his commanders inherited his kingdom. And then, from verse 5 to 20, we see described revolutions and rebellions, deceit and intrigue. It's all history in advance until the time of the Roman Empire. We don't have time to dissect all that is included in verses 5 through verse 20, but it is a convoluted history of revolts and revolutions, deceit and intrigue. I would emphasize that God wants to tell us more of the things which are going to happen to Israel during all of this time leading up to the Roman Empire. We are led to believe that many of these things will occur during the Great Tribulation, when the rapture of the church takes place. God's attention is again directed to His ancient people, israel.
Speaker 2:
Daniel himself admits that as he hears and writes this prophecy, he does not know what God means by it all. This in fact shows true inspiration. Daniel is told in chapter 12, verse 9, which we'll get to next week Go thy way, daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. God clearly tells Israel and us that these truths are sealed until the end time. It is true that this great book of Daniel has become increasingly clear as the years have rolled by. Now let me point this out to you. Have you ever read what other commentaries of a hundred years ago or even 200 years ago have had to say about the prophecies of Daniel. Almost exclusively, they all believed that these scriptures referred to the church only, that Israel had been forever forsaken and that Israel would never be called back to the land of Palestine. But look at the book of Daniel now.
Speaker 2:
Since 1948, when Israel was made a nation again, everyone looks at the book of Daniel anew. As each year passes, another hidden truth comes to light and we wonder why we haven't seen it before. This great book shall become more clearly understood as we approach the last days. But greater truths shall be revealed when the last days that means the tribulation, the 70th week of Daniel is ushered in. But we as Christian folks, we'll be gone, we'll be taken up In the rapture. Those Israelites who remain upon the earth to go through the tribulation will find solace and strength in this book of Daniel.
Speaker 2:
We believe that the book of Daniel and the book of Revelation and other Old Testament prophecies, and especially the gospel of Matthew in verse chapter 24, will serve as a blueprint for Israel during the 70th week of Daniel. What glorious truth shall be revealed through these scriptures that we're not even understanding now, especially through the book of Daniel. By reading them, therefore, they will be able to escape the persecutions of anti-Messiah, anti-christ. So it's imperative that you and I who have Jewish friends, point them to the book of Daniel and the book of Revelation and Matthew 24. Because some of them will understand when you and I are taken up in the rapture. It will give immediate authority and immediate credibility to these biblical records. Now, who is this all important to? It's important to the Jews and it will be important to them during the tribulation. Where will you be? Well, brothers and sisters in Christ, you will be at the marriage supper of the Lamb, worshiping the bridegroom, feasting at the marriage supper of the Lamb. But in the meanwhile, it's imperative that we point out to our Jewish friends that these are the books that they will need as a guidebook through the tribulation, and those books will come alive to them during that time.
Speaker 2:
Now, in Daniel, chapter 11 and verse 21,. Between verse 20 and verse 21 is the church age. It's not mentioned. It's the mystery. It is explicitly mentioned because, as Paul teaches us in Ephesians, chapter 3, verses 1 through 10, it is a mystery made known to him by revelation, which in this generation was not made known to the prophets of old, of old, to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body. By contrast, every morning, every morning, a good Jewish man, when he awakened, he would thank God that he was not a Gentile or a woman.
Speaker 2:
And here we have in the New Testament. Paul is teaching us that in Christ there is no male and no female, no Jew or Gentile, no slave or free, and in Christ all of them are equal, free. And in Christ all of them are equal. And the only thing that we leave behind is our old way of life. And you see, time for Israel stops when the Messiah is cut off or crucified, and time for Israel stops until the rapture of the church occurs. And in Romans 11, 25, it tells us that this is called the fullness of the Gentiles, during which time there is a partial hardening of the nation of Israel. But when the fullness of the Gentiles is over at the rapture of the church, gentiles is over at the rapture of the church, then the clock starts ticking for the Jews once again during the seven years of the tribulation. Now, in Daniel 11, starting in verse 21, the fullness of the Gentiles is over. The clock is ticking for the Jewish nation.
Speaker 2:
Once again, and unfortunately, in verse 21 to 45, we see described the little horn empire. This is when anti-Messiah exerts his authority and his power. Verse 21, anti-messiah is the little horn of chapter 7 and chapter 8. And he comes into power in a time of peace, a time of tranquility, and he seizes power by cunning and intrigue. Verse 22, he does so with an army likened unto a flood and he will sweep away everything before him. Verse 23, he will make a peace alliance and he practices deception, and with a small group of people he will gain power.
Speaker 2:
Verse 24 to 26, the Bible tells us that he wars with the king of south, which is believed to be Egypt that has ascended into a place of prominence in world affairs. And then, verse 29 and verse 30, the Bible tells us that he returns to wage war with Egypt, but he's deterred by ships from a country that's called Kittim and nobody knows exactly who Kittim K-I-T-T-I-M. Actually is and he has to return to Israel to persecute those who cling to the holy covenant. Now, these are Jews who are loyal to the Mosaic covenant, and he shows favor to those who forsake the covenant, those who are apostate Jews. And then, in verse 32, the Bible tells us that by smooth words, he will turn to godlessness those who act wickedly towards the covenant.
Speaker 2:
And there's a great lesson here for all time, because the last part of the verse says but the people who know their God will display strength and take action. There's no excuse, brothers and sisters, for passivity at any time, not now or during the Great Tribulation. There's no excuse for passivity or apathy or inaction in times of danger or distress, like the times we live in today, or in the time of Tribulation. Our Constitution in the United States and the Word of God are constantly under attack by the media, by politicians and even educators, the education system. It is time for our people who know our God to display strength and to take action, and we shouldn't do this alone as a maverick, but in concert with other like-minded people or a Christian organization. That improves our chances of success. There is strength in numbers and we all understand that. But remember, the people who know their God will display strength and take action.
Speaker 2:
Verse 33-36 describes how anti-Messiah deceives the Jewish leadership at the height of the great tribulation, at the three and a half year mark, and he persecutes those loyal to the covenant and he exalts himself above all other gods. In verse 37,. The scripture tells us that he's Jewish. Listen to what it says. He will show no regard for the gods of his fathers or for the desire of women, indicating that he is probably a homosexual in orientation. Nor will he show regard for any other god, for he will magnify himself above them all Verse 38. But instead he will honor a God of fortresses, in other words a God of military power, a God whom his fathers did not know. He will honor him with gold, silver, costly stones and treasures. He will honor materialism Verse 39,. He will take action against the strongest of fortresses with the help of a foreign god. He will be submitting himself, probably to Satan or some other demonic force. He will give great honor to those who acknowledge him and will cause them to rule over the many and will parcel out land for a price. In other words, he would show favoritism to those who honor and worship him.
Speaker 2:
Verse 40 through 45 describes the final battles between Antichrist and Egypt and Russia and China. It's a brief description. There's a much broader description in Ezekiel 38 and 39 when it describes the battle of Gog and Magog, where God himself shows up to bring a swift conclusion to the battle between Russia and Turkey and the land of Israel at the battle of Gog and Magog. All of that is between verse 40 and verse 45 in this passage. And then what is the end of it all? The Bible says that at the end battle of Armageddon, it ends with this very brief word, this very brief description. It says yet he comes to his end and no one will help him. After all of this description of the little horn and his empire, all of this description of Antichrist in great detail, it only has three lines and it says yet he comes to his end and no one will help him.
Speaker 2:
Who is this chapter written for? This chapter is written for the Jewish people so that they will know what will happen in the last three and a half years of the 70th week of Daniel, what will happen in the last three and a half years of the great tribulation. It gives them a roadmap, it gives them a guidebook. It helps them to know who Antichrist is, what he will be like, how he will deceive them by intrigue and cunning. So they will know not to be deceived by him and not to be among the apostate who turn against the Mosaic Covenant and it will teach them how to trust in God and how to trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. There will be 144,000 evangelists preaching the true gospel during that time, and Revelation tells them that there will be 144,000 gospel preachers teaching the true word of God and they will have an opportunity to cling to the truth during that time, and Revelation will tell them in advance who that is and who to listen to and whose lies to avoid. And my brothers and sisters point your Jewish friends to the book of Daniel, to the book of Revelation, to Matthew 24, to Ezekiel 38 and 39. These books of prophecy were written for the Jewish people and the Bible tells us. Yet he will come to his end and no one will help him, because no one can help him when Jesus shows up and by the breath of his mouth, he will destroy him.
Speaker 2:
You're listening to More Than Medicine. You're listening to Devotions with Dr Papa, and next week we will finish up with the book of Daniel. I hope you like what you hear. If you like it, share it with your friends. Like it, follow it, share it. I hope you'll download it for just a week, because that's the only way we can track how many people actually listen to devotions with Dr Papa. May the Lord bless you real good.
Speaker 1:
Thank you for listening to this edition of More Than Medicine. For more information about the Jackson Family Ministry, dr Jackson's books, or to schedule a speaking engagement, go to their Facebook page, instagram or their webpage at jacksonfamilyministrycom. This podcast is produced by Bob Sloan Audio Production at bobsloancom.
