Scripture to Read: Daniel 12:5–8
In Revelation 12:6–17, God had John record what happens in the spiritual world in the second half of the tribulation. Satan will lose his access to Heaven. Currently, Satan enters heaven to accuse the brethren, as recorded in the Book of Job and in Revelation 12:10. Even Jesus referenced this in Luke 22:31, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat.” So, halfway through the tribulation, Satan’s access is removed. In Revelation 12:7–9, we read how Satan is cast down to the earth. He knows he’ll only have three and a half years to stop the coming of Christ’s kingdom. He knows that once the kingdom comes, he’ll be dethroned and put into the abyss. Then, at the end of the thousand years, he’ll be cast into the lake of fire forever (Revelation 20:10). Satan will seek to destroy the nation of Israel during the tribulation. Right now, the problem the Jewish people have as a nation is their power. That’s why in Daniel 12:7, we read that God has to “shatter the power of the holy people.” Israel is living according to Ezekiel 38:8 and Ezekiel 38:11. Israel will be living in security when the Antichrist comes to power. We see today how successful Israel has been in warding off attackers. They attribute their success to Mossad, the IDF, their weapons, or their intelligence, revealing their attitude of self-sufficiency and that God is never mentioned. Ezekiel 38:12 describes the wealth of Israel in the last days, and it’s exactly what is happening today.
Challenge & Application
What did God speak to your heart today about your need for Him and not becoming self-sufficient?
How else has God challenged you today, and how will you live according to what He’s taught you?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!