Cyrus, King of Persia - Bible Pathway - Sept. 18, 2011

Highlights:

An angel is sent to Daniel but the prince of Persia (a demonic force) withstood him. It's war and every child of God is in it (Dan. 10:11-13). March of the kings (chap. 11). Michael the archangel appears and a time of great anguish follows. Promise to those whose names are written in the Book of Life (12:1).

In the first year of his reign, Cyrus, king of Persia, issued a proclamation to encourage the Jews to return to Jerusalem (Ezra 1). Only about 50,000 Jews responded and went with Zerubbabel to help rebuild the Temple. Only its foundation was laid at the time. They faced opposition from enemy forces; eventually, their enemies persuaded King Artaxerxes to issue a decree to force the Israelites to stop the reconstruction (Ezra 4).

In the third year of Cyrus' reign, Daniel became deeply distressed when he learned of the difficulties his people were facing in Jerusalem. In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled (Dan. 10:2-3).

After Daniel had fasted and prayed three weeks, God revealed to him through an angel that unseen evil powers had, for a time, kept his prayer from being answered. Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for (because of) thy words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes (of God), came to help me (10:12-13). Even after the heavenly messenger left Daniel, his battle was not over: Now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia (10:20).

There is constant warfare even now in our unseen world. It is vital that we recognize the power of prayer and how much the hand of God is moved as we pray in submission to Him.

The Apostle Paul exhorted his listeners to pray for him and his fellow laborers: Brethren, pray for us, that the Word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith (II Thess. 3:1-2; also I Thess. 5:25). We, like Daniel, should realize that there is a dimension to life beyond what meets the physical eye and our natural resources.

Paul reminded us that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places (Eph. 6:12).

Thought for Today:

Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto Him be glory (Eph. 3:20-21).

Christ Revealed:

As Him that liveth for ever (Dan. 12:7). As One of the Three expressed Persons of the Trinity, Jesus Christ always has been and always will be. Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily (Truly, truly), I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am (John 8:58). I am Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the Ending, saith the Lord (Jesus Christ), which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty (Rev. 1:8, also 4:8).

Word Studies:

10:15 dumb speechless; 11:11 choler furious rage; 11:15 fenced cities strongholds; 11:24 fattest richest; forecast his devices prepare his plans; 12:7 a time, times, and an half 1-1/2 years.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Daniel and Grace Rich's Anniversary and their first child • Government Official: Rep. John Tierney (MA) • Country: Zaire, Democratic Republic of the Congo (63 million) in south-central Africa • Major languages: French and Lingala • Limited religious freedom • 42% Roman Catholic; 28% Protestant; 12% magical practices, ancestor worship, and witchcraft; 1% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Praise the Lord for the privilege of publishing His Word (Ps. 68:11).

Memory Verse for the Week: