The Unseen Battle

Have you ever wondered why life is so hard?  Making a living is hard.  Raising a family is hard. Creating a thriving marriage is hard. Maintaining a healthy body is hard.  And walking with Jesus is hard.  And there’s a reason why much of life is hard, and it all goes back to our expectations for life. For example, many of us go through life expecting life to be a picnic. As a result, we are mentally dressed in light clothing and sandals, expecting sunshine, sand and fun. And because of this we are often unprepared when things go wrong. And when they do, we immediately play that tape in our head wondering why life is so hard.  But life is hard.  No one gets through this life with a free pass. We all face hardships along the way.  Your hardships may be different than mine. But we all have them. In fact, some of you may be going through a hard time today.  When I was preparing this message, I got a call from a friend who told me that his friend was coming to town because his dad was just diagnosed with cancer and was only given a few days to live. That’s hard. A few weeks ago, my daughter shared the sad story of how one of her close friends was fighting for her marriage because of the infidelity of her husband. That’s unbearably hard. In fact, I bet if I sat down with you, you could tell me how life is hard for you, or how you know of a friend or family member is struggling with something really hard right now.

And because life is hard, we come to a passage in Daniel that was written to help us understand why life is so hard, but also to remind us that we are not alone in our struggles. In fact, I’ve entitled this message, The Unseen Battle, because Daniel’s experience in his final vision from God not only reminds us why life is hard, but also reveals the unseen spiritual battle that makes it so. So, if you find yourself in need of some encouragement to face the hard things in your life this morning, let me invite you to open your Bible to Daniel 10, where Daniel pulls back the curtain to give us a glimpse into a world of spiritual warfare that is very real.  In fact, that’s where Daniel’s story begins today. With the reminder to us all that…

The Battle Is Real: In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, a revelation was given to Daniel (who was called Belteshazzar). Its message was true, and it concerned a great war. The understanding of the message came to him in a vision. At that time, I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over. Daniel 10:1-3 Daniel sets the scene by telling us that he’s received a message from God, and it comes to him during the third year of the reign of Cyrus king of Persia. This message was true and revealed to Daniel the reality of the spiritual conflict he was engaged in. Daniel understood this message, because he was well aware of the battle the first exiles were facing as they returned to rebuild Jerusalem. You see, we are now in the third year of the reign of King Cyrus. In his first year, he issued a decree allowing the Jews to return to their homeland.  And during that first year, some Jewish exiles did return and immediately built an altar and began offering burnt sacrifices to the Lord. But as soon as they began laying the foundation for the temple, they immediately encountered spiritual opposition. Ezra records this saying: The peoples around them set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to go on building. They bribed officials to work against them and frustrate their plans during the entire reign of Cyrus king of Persia and down to the reign of Darius king of Persia. Ezra 4:4-5

The battle was real. This opposition caused the returned exiles to stop working on the temple, a hiatus that would continue for more than 15 years. So, during this third year of Cyrus’ reign, Daniel heard these reports. Ungodly people were making life hard for God’s people. And Daniel’s response was to go to battle for God’s people in prayer. So he begins that year in an extended time of mourning and fasting for God’s people. This was Daniel’s way of identifying with their hardships and engaging in their battle.

Once again, Daniel serves as a great example to us: Daniel’s solidarity with God’s people, even at a great distance, should serve as a challenge to us. Iain Duguid is right when he encourages us to embrace Daniel’s example. He writes, “The church around the world is one family of God’s people. When one suffers, we should all sorrow; when one rejoices, we should all celebrate. This obligation requires that we develop an awareness of what is happening elsewhere in the world. We should particularly remember the persecuted church. In many parts of the world there are those who suffer severely for their allegiance to Christ.”

Churches in our country are not yet suffering persecution. But there are countless brothers and sisters enduring opposition and suffering for their faith today.  I recently subscribed to a daily prayer calendar that comes from persecution.org.  Why? Because every day our brothers and sisters in distant places are being persecuted for their faith.  Here’s a couple recent prayer requests:

North Korea: Pray for physical and spiritual freedom throughout North Korea

Syria: Pray for the Christian population in Syria’s Khabur Valley

Australia: Pray for protection for the rights of faith-based schools of Australia

And today’s prayer for Nigeria: Nigeria, has the sixth-largest Christian population in the world (87 million), but it also has the world’s fifth-largest Muslim population (90 million). Pray for Christians in Ewekho Village who were attacked by Fulani militants.  Here’s what happened last month in Ewehko Village. Suspected militant Fulani Muslims, stormed the village with AK-47s and machetes shouting, “Allah Akbar” or “Allah is Great,” as a group of Christians conducted a prayer meeting for the community. Eyewitnesses reported that the terrorists opened fire indiscriminately, killing four men and one woman. In addition to the loss of life, several motorcycles were set ablaze during the attack. The Battle is real! There are so many countries where following Jesus puts your life in jeopardy. And God’s Word reminds us that we are to identify with those who are suffering: Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. Hebrews 13:3

That’s what Daniel did. He mourned, he fasted, and he prayed for those in the midst of their battle. And we can do the same.  For when we voluntarily give up some of the comforts and pleasures that are so readily enjoy, we are better able identify with those believers who may never experience the things we take for granted.  And as we do, we won’t just identify with their sufferings, we’ll enter the unseen battle in our prayers for them. And like Daniel, God will respond to our prayers.  For the battle is real!

Now, let’s see how God responded to Daniel.  He gives him An Overwhelming Vision:  On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river, the Tigris, I looked up and there before me was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. His body was like topaz, His face like lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and His voice like the sound of a multitude. Daniel 10:4-6 It’s been ten days since Passover, and Daniel is standing on the riverbank of the Tigris, about 20 miles from Babylon.  Suddenly, he looks up and sees a majestic and dazzling figure. He looks like a man, but he is clearly more than a man.  Some say this is either the angel Gabriel or Michael. However, the description of this being and his impact on Daniel and the others far surpasses anything that is ever said of either Gabriel or Michael.  So, who is this being? Brian Chappel writes: “Clearly this is the Christ, the anointed Son of Man, who represents the glory and purposes of God.” When we read Scripture there are many intentional similarities recorded in both Daniel and Revelation that show this must be the Son of God. In both places this being is described as being clothed in white robes – priestly garb, both having a gold belt – kingly apparel. And both having blazing eyes, bronze skin, and roaring voices – all supernatural traits.

Here’s Revelation’s description: “Among the lamp stands was someone like a son of man, dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest.  The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and His voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. Revelation 1:13-16

This vision of Christ overwhelmed Daniel. Daniel saw this vision but is companions only heard it. Listen now, how Daniel describes seeing Christ in His preincarnate glory: I, Daniel, was the only one who saw the vision; those who were with me did not see it, but such terror overwhelmed them that they fled and hid themselves. So, I was left alone, gazing at this great vision; I had no strength left, my face turned deathly pale, and I was helpless. Then I heard him speaking, and as I listened to him, I fell into a deep sleep, my face to the ground. Daniel 10:7-9

 I have two questions for us from Daniel’s vision: (1) What did God want Daniel to understand from this vision? (2) Why did God allow Daniel to see Jesus in all His dazzling glory and live?

 (1) What did God want Daniel to understand from this vision?  First, God wanted to Daniel to comprehend God’s holiness. God’s holiness is symbolized in the linen clothing, which was used both for the tabernacle and as priestly attire in the Old Testament. The holiness of God means God is not like us. He is different, separate from us. The Bible says that He is of purer eyes than to look upon sin. God himself says, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither your ways my ways… As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9).

In addition to God’s holiness, God wanted Daniel to comprehend His glory. This vision of the Son pulsates with brightness and reverberates with sound, crushing Daniel to the ground and sending his companions running for cover. He could not stand in the dazzling presence of God’s glory but could only fall on his face before him.

Now, when we put these two images together, we can answer the second question: Why did God allow Daniel to see Jesus in all His dazzling glory and live?  What Daniel sees is a very different depiction of God from what has been invented by the culture around us. We live in a culture that has transformed God into a cosmic “Mr. Nice Guy,” eager to welcome all comers to His neighborhood, and who would never send anyone to hell. However, this is not the God who Daniel sees. Daniel sees an astonishingly holy God who blazes with a consuming fire of glory.  This is no mellow God, who is soft on sin or weak on justice. This is the God who is not mocked. No, this is the God who is so uniquely holy, that no one can look upon His holiness and survive!

We need this image of God today. We preach a God of abundant goodness who is rich in mercy. This is our God. But our God is also a God who is not to be trivialized. He is absolute purity and intensely powerful. He hates sin and how it damages our lives. He hates sin and how it destroys our families. He hates sin and how it wreaks havoc on our culture. His eyes blaze with a fire that consumes sin. His voice roars like the sound of a multitude for a reason. For He announces truth, justice and hope. This is the God whose very presence overwhelmed Daniel, to the point where he came undone.

Here’s the point: God didn’t reveal Himself to Daniel with such overwhelming glory to crush him, but to actually encourage him. Why?  God wants us to see our own weakness before Him, so that we will stop trusting in ourselves, but will look to Him for our strength.  For it is only then, when we come to the end of ourselves, that we may realize the final truth in this passage. And that is this:

We Are Not Alone In The Battle: At this moment, when Daniel had no strength left, when he had come completely undone, we read this: A hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. He said, “Daniel, you who are highly esteemed, consider carefully the words I am about to speak to you, and stand up, for I have now been sent to you.” And when he said this to me, I stood up trembling. Dan. 10:10-11

The hand that touches Daniel here is an angel. This angel raised him “trembling” to his hands and knees, and from him Daniel receives words of encouragement and insight. When Daniel had no strength; when he’s trembling with fear; he’s touched by an Angel. This angel, who I believe is Gabriel, touches him and begins to restore his strength. Then he tells him, “you are a man highly esteemed by God.” His purpose is to come alongside and encourage Daniel before imparting God’s message to Him. He touches him, sets him on his hands and knees and reminds him that he is beloved. This is the same message we heard last week. And I am convinced, this is a message we need to hear over and over again in the midst of our battles.  This is a word of encouragement we need to hear whenever we’re discouraged, whenever we’re losing heart, and especially when we’ve come undone.  We need to feel the healing touch of a friend and hear the encouraging words of God’s love for us. For when you receive the comfort and support of God’s love in this way – you will know that no matter what’s knocked you down, you are not alone.  You’re not alone in the battle!

Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia. Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future, for the vision concerns a time yet to come.” Daniel 10:12-14 After comforting and encouraging Daniel, Gabriel gives him a command: “Fear not.” Why? Because God has heard his prayer, God has seen his sacrifice.  God knows Daniel’s heart is in line with His heart. So, don’t be afraid, because God has heard you.

What a profound message. What this tells us is this:  When you pray, your prayers matter. For when you pray, you’re connecting with the greatest force for good in the Universe. You may not have the power to change your hard, but God does. Don’t miss this truth. When you bring your requests to God you are inviting Him into your battle. This is the kind of prayer that honors Him. It’s the kind of prayer God wants to answer. And it’s the kind of prayer that reminds us, we’re not alone in the battle.

But now, Gabriel takes a moment to explain why he was delayed in coming. For he himself was engaged in battle with the prince of the Persian kingdom.  This is quite a statement.  For this is a statement that tells us that evil angels do exist.  We call them demons. But what’s so encouraging here, is that Gabriel reveals that he didn’t fight this evil alone. For Michael comes to his side, and together they defeat their spiritual adversary.  Does this remind you of anything we’ve learned recently? Paul wrote to this to the Ephesian believers: “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12

You see, it’s far too easy for us to dismiss the reality of spiritual warfare. We don’t see it.  But it doesn’t mean it’s not happening. For Gabriel and Michael’s battle reminds us that an unseen battle is constantly between angels and spiritual forces in the heavenly realm.  Even now, spiritual forces are at work trying to destroy the work of the gospel, trying to discourage pastors, churches, and even you from going all in with Jesus. But if we can take away one truth from this spiritual battle between Gabriel and the prince of the Persian kingdom, it is this: The devil and his demons may be powerful opponents, but fear not, we are not alone. For God’s angels are waging war in the heavenly realms on our behalf. We are not alone in the battle.

But there’s more: While he was saying this to me, I bowed with my face toward the ground and was speechless. Then one who looked like a man touched my lips, and I opened my mouth and began to speak. I said to the one standing before me, “I am overcome with anguish because of the vision, my lord, and I feel very weak. How can I, your servant, talk with you, my lord? My strength is gone, and I can hardly breathe.” Again, the one who looked like a man touched me and gave me strength. “Do not be afraid, you who are highly esteemed,” he said. “Peace! Be strong now; be strong.” When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Speak, my lord, since you have given me strength.” Daniel 10:15-19

Two more times Daniel needed the touch of an angel. And again, he needed to hear he was loved. And after this, he was finally strengthened. What does this tell us? We’re not meant to fight our battles alone. One of the evil one’s schemes is to get you to try and fight your battles on your own. If he can get you to do this, he will overwhelm you, discourage you, and perhaps even destroy you. But God doesn’t want you to do that. That’s why God has given us angels as ministering spirits. That’s why God’s given you a spiritual family to help carry your burdens. That’s why God’s given you brothers and sisters to encourage you. And that’s why God’s given us access to Him in prayer, so we can find peace and strength in the midst of our battles.  We are not alone in the battle because God is with us.  We are not alone in the battle because we have angels fighting for us.  We are not alone in the battle because we have brothers and sisters who can encourage and pray for us.

I started this message reminding us of what we already know: Life is hard. We will have battles, we will face trials, bad things can and will happen to us.  And sometimes these hard things will leave us undone. But we don’t have to stay undone.  That’s what we’ve learned from Daniel’s unseen battle today. His battle was real, but he was never alone in the battle. So, if you’re facing something that’s taking the wind out of your sails. If you’re discouraged, weakened, or even overwhelmed by the hard things in your life, God has a Word for you today:

Perhaps God is telling you today that: your prayers matter.  That your prayers can make a difference in the unseen spiritual battles others are facing.  And if that’s you, then let me encourage you to wrestle in prayer for those who are struggling.  Let me encourage you to become aware of our brothers and sisters across the globe who are being persecuted.  Let me encourage you to be part of our prayer team here.  For when you pray, your prayers matter.

Perhaps God is calling you to rekindle your trust in Jesus. He is our faithful high priest who is clothed in linen with a belt of gold around His waist.  He is our glorious Lord shining brightly with eyes blazing like flaming torches. He is greater and more powerful than you can ever imagine. He’s not just your Savior.  He’s our Coming King, so no matter what you’re facing today, you can trust in Him.  He wants you to trust in Him when you are weak.  For He is strong.

And finally, perhaps God is simply calling you to believe you are not alone in the battle. Believe you are His beloved. Believe you have angels fighting your battle with you.  And believe you belong to His family where there are people right here – who are willing to comfort you, encourage you, and pray for you no matter what you are facing.  Stop going it alone and start sharing your life with others in God’s family, so they can fight your battles with you.

For yes, life is hard, but because of God’s grace to us, none of us ever have to go it alone.