Dr. David Jeremiah Presents
Living inthe Ageof Signs
Online Destination
Living in the Age of Signs
Online Destination
Sign 2
Protected by Prayer
Today’s Audio Devotion:
Protected by Prayer
The believer’s spiritual armor is well known to students of Scripture (Ephesians 6:10-18). Six pieces of armor are mentioned, but prayer is often overlooked (verse 18). To see why Paul included it, we must remember the theme of this section: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (verse 10).
This whole section of Paul’s letter is about being strong in the Lord—and spiritual armor is definitely a part. But his concluding exhortation about prayer is also a part of the protection we need against the schemes of the devil (verse 11). This is evidenced by Paul’s own request that the Ephesian church pray for him that he would be fearless and courageous in proclaiming the Gospel while imprisoned in Rome (verses 19-20). He made the same request for prayer to the church in Rome on another occasion when he was headed for likely persecution in Jerusalem (Romans 15:30-31).
Should we clothe ourselves daily in the spiritual armor of God? Absolutely! But do not fail to include the protective power of prayer.
Satan trembles when he sees the weakest saint upon his knees.
William Cowper
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Some 2,600 years ago, God gave King Nebuchadnezzar a dream. In this dream, the king saw a five–part statue made of five different metals (see Daniel 2). Each section represented an empire, beginning with Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon. Four of these empires have already risen and fallen in history—a clear fulfillment of Daniel's prophetic interpretation. The fifth and final empire indicates a future Europe—a ten nation coalition that will unite under the Antichrist's rule.
You can read about the King's dream and Daniel's interpretation in Daniel 2, but let's take a quick visual look at what you will find:
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King Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon
Daniel's words to the king are clear. "You are this head of gold" (Daniel 2:37–38).
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Medo–Persian Empire
The Medo–Persian Empire conquered Babylon in 539 BC and remained in power for approximately two hundred years (Daniel 5:28).
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Grecian Empire
Greece's Empire succeeded the Medo–Persians (Daniel 8:21).
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Roman Empire
When the Grecian empire was conquered by Rome, all the lands and peoples of the previous kingdoms were assimilated into the Roman Empire through the strengths of the "iron legions of Rome" (Daniel 2:40).
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Future European Coalition
This empire has not yet risen. Daniel foretells a time when the Roman Empire—Europe—will consist of ten kingdoms or leaders. The future Roman Empire will be present on the earth when God sets up His earthly kingdom (Daniel 2:44).