Thoughts on Today’s Text
Though the leader described by the angel Gabriel, when he interpreted Daniel’s vision to him, referred to a king that would “cause fearful destruction,” “succeed in what he does,” and rule prior to the coming of the Messiah, too many leaders in business, government, and religion behave in ways that God deplores (Daniel 8:24). Under some leaders deceit and lying seems to prosper, and it appears impossible for truth to prevail over their falsehoods. Some leaders mistakenly think they are great; and therefore, deserve the adoration and absolute obedience of others. Some leaders destroy many, even their own citizens or subjects. Evil leaders in government can destroy employers and employees. Avaricious employers can destroy employees and selfish employees can destroy their employers. False prophets, cult leaders, and unfaithful teachers have destroyed their followers and th0se who trusted them. All of these evil leaders reject God and His laws, and they will fight to minimize or destroy the influence of Jesus from encouraging and strengthening His followers. However, when all seems hopeless, God always intervenes at the right time. Historians have recorded many situations when leaders have been “broken, and not by human hands.” The Bible reports that after King Herod began persecuting the church that “because he had not given the glory to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died. But the word of God continued to advance and gain adherents” (Acts 12:23, 24).