Daily Manna
13.02.13

Fettered By Flatteries

TEXT: DANIEL 11:21-35

"And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits" (Daniel 11: 32)

It is unfortunate that many people loath the truth; they prefer falsehood. Such people love to be told that things are okay with them when in actual fact they are in a very terrible situation. They shy away from the truth concerning their health, financial condition, families and even their spiritual life. Many people have suddenly slumped because they failed to pay attention to their heart condition or because they had ignored the medical advice they were given regarding their health.

Our text today shows how flattery will be one of the weapons that the Antichrist will use in getting many people. The vision of Daniel here has two major applications. First, it revealed how Antiochus Epiphanies, a Greek ruler will conquer and devastate Jerusalem and then desecrate the temple. One of the strategies he will use to get some of the corrupt priests over to himself will be flatteries and deceptions. This prophecy was exactly fulfilled in much detail as described by Daniel in about 168-167 BC. He was able to obtain his rule by flattery. The second application has to do with the coming of the Antichrist. He too will prosper in his craft by the use of flatteries. Many of his victims will be the corrupt, wicked people who do not love the truth but take pleasure in lies and deceptions (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).

Looking at the religious world today, one can see why the Antichrist will easily acquire many followers. Many so-called Christians leave assemblies where truth of the word of God is preached and go to where they will be told what they would love to hear.

Now you can understand why you need to carefully watch over your soul and accept nothing but the truth. The truth may indeed be very bitter and hard to take, but it is rewarding in the long run. Keep to the truth, for it is sure protection from the waiting traps of the devil.

Thought for the day: "The truth may taste bitter but it keeps you healthy"

For Details . . .