As I observe the conditions following the US election the following quotation, which has always fascinated me, came into my mind. The question then arises, to what extent does Yahweh work among the nations and how important are certain leaders in his purpose? The other question that millions of Americans are most likely asking is, will God answer our prayers?
I also observe that some people are truly troubled and even fear that their lives are in danger and require security from the threats being made against them. One must feel very real concern for those living in fear when what they seek is the truth.
We have in the USA two forces at work. One is a powerful force that has enjoyed power over the nation for decades creating wars and dictating policies world wide and would destroy education and religious freedom. The other is a huge percentage of the population, that discerns the need to adhere to the founding traditions of the nation and the rectification of wrongs that they see moral and political, destroying the principles that have stood for hundreds of years. We have a powerful oppressor and the oppressed, the antagonist and suppliant. The quotation from Daniel shows active involvement in the affairs of mankind and the efforts that may be needed to right what is wrong and to achieve Yahweh’s will.
And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling. Then said he unto me, 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 thy words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia. (Daniel 10:11-13)
This is an amazing revelation of a task that must have had to be done before a specified outcome was achieved in Persia. It concerned the kings of Persia and perhaps related to power and succession. It had taken twenty one days before “one like the similitude of the sons of men touched” Daniel’s lips. Daniel had always prayed, three times a day facing towards Jerusalem, for his people Israel beseeching Yahweh’s guidance and the prayer that his people would be saved from their enemies. He was addressed as “O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee.” Then Daniel was given prophetic words related to the destiny of the nations .
I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days. And when he had spoken such words unto me, I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb. And, behold, one like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spake, and said unto him that stood before me, O my lord, by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength. For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me.
Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me, ] And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me. Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come. (Daniel 10:14-20)
In answering prayers there may be very complicated issues that have to be addressed. In the USA many determined people will be involved and the future of not only the USA but the direction of other nations will be affected by the outcome of the answer to the prayers of “all the people.” In the time of Daniel Persia was the important issue. Today it is the world watching as it is indeed a world wide concern and many nations will be affected. If it took twenty one days in Persia it may also take a number of days for any signs to be seen in the USA. Solomon at the dedication of the Temple requested Yahweh to hear the prayers of Jews and strangers that were directed towards Jerusalem as Daniel did daily. This advice to both Jews and Gentiles.
Moreover concerning the stranger, which is not of thy people Israel, but is come from a far country for thy great name’s sake, and thy mighty hand, and thy stretched out arm; if they come and pray in (or towards) this house; Then hear thou from the heavens, even from thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for; that all people of the earth may know thy name, and fear thee, as doth thy people Israel, and may know that this house which I have built is called by thy name. If thy people go out to war against their enemies by the way that thou shalt send them, and they pray unto thee toward this city which thou hast chosen, and the house which I have built for thy name;
Then hear thou from the heavens, even from thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for; that all people of the earth may know thy name, and fear thee, as doth thy people Israel, and may know that this house which I have built is called by thy name. f thy people go out to war against their enemies by the way that thou shalt send them, and they pray unto thee toward this city which thou hast chosen, and the house which I have built for thy name; Then hear thou from the heavens their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause. (II Chronicles 6:32-35)
