Persevering prayer – Part 7

“I was watching; and the same horn was making war against the saints, and prevailing against them, until the Ancient of Days came, and a judgment was made in favour of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for the saints to possess the kingdom,” (Dan.7.21-22 NKJV).

The background of Daniel 7:21-22 above is necessary to assist our understanding of our key text. Daniel Chapter 7 contains the vision of the Prophet Daniel about the end-time events.

In this vision, he saw four horns, which are four kings that arose out of the earth (Daniel 7:17). Daniel sought to know the truth about the fourth beast. Then in Verse 17, an explanation is given to him thus: “‘Those great beasts, which are four, are four kings which arise out of the earth,” (Daniel 7:17 NKJV).

The characteristics of the fourth beast cited above fit into the description of the anti-Christ in Revelation 13. The fourth beast with a horn had eyes and mouth which spoke pompous words, and whose appearance was greater than his fellows. Also, Verse 25 further elaborates on the nature of the fourth beast: “He shall speak pompous words against the most high, shall persecute the saints of the Most High, And shall intend to change times and law. Then the saints shall be given into his hand for a time and times and half a time,” (Daniel 7:25 NKJV).

In the endless war between Satan and the church, every effort will be made by Satan to wear out the saints. But the Ancient of Days holds the ace. He will decide in favour of the saints. Ultimately, the saints will possess the kingdom.

Then in Verse 26, the scene changes to the court in heaven: “But the court shall be seated and they shall take away the dominion…” It is the Supreme Judge of the earth who presides over this court in heaven who would take away the dominion. This is a reminder that we have an ultimate judge of the whole earth who controls the affairs of all creation.

That the fourth beast made war against the saints should not be a surprise to any believer. This war typifies the endless conflict that every saint is engaged in with the enemy. Paul writes in Ephesians 6 that this war is a wrestling contest with the unseen forces of darkness. Prayer represents the fullest expression and engagement of this war.

It is a war over the destiny of nations, Nigeria inclusive. The 2023 impending election though political, has a spiritual dimension that seeks to ensure that the election is peacefully producing the right candidates to govern the nation. This calls for the persevering prayers of all the saints. While Satan seeks to ruin the destiny of Nigeria, the saints must be fervent in prayer to ensure that the purpose of God is enthroned in the land.

Satan’s war against the saints also extends to the church, our families, our children, our lives, our health, our ministries, our finances and our future. The war affects the destiny of our youths many of who live in frustration.

The war is another example of the resilience in prayer, which was the trademark of Daniel the Jewish captive. The result of the war is known in advance because we are told that, “the Ancient of Days came, and a judgment was made in favour of the saints of the most high, and the time came for the saints to possess the kingdom.” May you arise and engage in this war. Amen!

• Contact:pastoracukachi@gmail.com