On the surface, Daniel 11 is not a happy piece of reading. In it, the archangel Gabriel tells Daniel what is about to happen in the coming centuries. There is a lot of war, bloodshed, political gamesmanship, and persecution. 

Amongst other things, a vile leader named Antiochus IV, rises to power, desecrates the Jerusalem temple by outlawing proper worship to the Lord and setting up an altar to the Greek god Zeus. 

Then in verse 32, we read this: “He shall seduce with flattery those who violate the covenant, but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action.”

In the midst of the mayhem, there would be people who remained true. Historically, this is most likely a reference to the revolt that reclaimed the temple in the second century B.C.

But what they did then is a strong word for what we can do now. No matter how many years have passed, their attitude and approach to life is very wise and enduring for people living through uncertain and dangerous times. 

The second half of verse 32 includes three specific things: Know God, stand firm, and take action. 

Over the next few devotionals, we’re going to unpack what it means to live in this way come what may. 

Today, our focus is this: We don’t need to adopt the prevailing attitude of our times. We don’t need to buy into the fear, the panic, the dread, or the worry. 

There is another way—which just so happens to be a better way.

The world unceasingly barks like a mad dog. Thankfully, there are other options about how to live our lives.

Know God. Stand firm. Take action.

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Notes:

-“Know God. Stand Firm. Take Action.” Click here. Sermon.
-Bible quotes are from the ESV.