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An Invisible Struggle, December 22
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.
Daniel 10:12, 13
, NIV.
We have before us in the Word of God instances of heavenly agencies working
on the minds of kings and rulers, while at the same time satanic agencies were also
at work on their minds. No human eloquence, in strongly set forth human opinions,
can change the working of satanic agencies. Satan seeks continually to block the
way, so that the truth shall be bound about by human devising; and those who have
light and knowledge are in the greatest danger unless they constantly consecrate
themselves to God, humiliating self, and realizing the peril of the times.
Heavenly beings are appointed to answer the prayers of those who are working
unselfishly for the interests of the cause of God. The very highest angels in the
heavenly courts are appointed to work out the prayers which ascend to God for the
advancement of the cause of God. Each angel has his particular post of duty, which
he is not permitted to leave for any other place. If he should leave, the powers of
darkness would gain an advantage....
Day by day the conflict between good and evil is going on. Why is it that those
who have had many opportunities and advantages do not realize the intensity of
this work? They should be intelligent in regard to this. God is the Ruler. By His
supreme power He holds in check and controls earthly potentates. Through His
agencies He does the work which was ordained before the foundation of the world.
As a people we do not understand as we should the great conflict going on
between invisible agencies, the controversy between loyal and disloyal angels.
Evil angels are constantly at work, planning their line of attack, controlling as
commanders, kings, and rulers, the disloyal human forces.... I call upon the ministers
of Christ to press home upon the understanding of all who come within the reach
of their voice, the truth of the ministration of angels. Do not indulge in fanciful
speculations. The Written Word is our only safety. We must pray as did Daniel, that
we may be guarded by heavenly intelligences. As ministering spirits angels are sent
forth to minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation. Pray, my brethren, pray
as you have never prayed before. We are not prepared for the Lord’s coming. We
need to make thorough work for eternity (
The S.D.A. Bible Commentary, Ellen G.
White Comments, vol. 4, 1173
).
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