“The Gospel According to Daniel”
Lesson 9 – Two Sanctuaries
In our last lesson, we learned of Daniel’s vision of the four beasts. Daniel wanted to know more about the fourth beast and he was concerned about the persecuting horn power. Daniel would not learn more the horn until two years later when he had another vision.
Let’s read Daniel chapter 8 together.
As you read this chapter, you may notice some sanctuary imagery. The ram and goat were both animals used as offering and sacrifice in the sanctuary (Leviticus chapter 5 and 16). In fact, the sanctuary itself is mentioned in verse 11: the little horn power exalts itself as the Prince of the host and casts down the place of His sanctuary.
Who is the Prince of the host? He is none other than Jesus (Isaiah 9:6; Ephesians 2:13-18). This little horn power not only dares to reach for the throne of God, it tramples on the sanctuary and casts truth to the ground.
The little horn power not only is a military power, but it is also a religious seeking to usurp the worship of God for itself. Who else has attempted such a thing?
Let’s turn to Isaiah 14:12-15 and Ezekiel 28:1-19.
The devil, formerly known as the angel, Lucifer, once rebelled against God seeking to usurp His throne, but was cast out of heaven with other fallen angels (Luke 10:18; Revelation 12:7-9).
Does the Bible tell us anything else about this little horn power? Let’s turn to 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12.
Paul talks about “the son of perdition” who blasphemously claims the worship of God for himself. Where else is the” son of perdition” mentioned in the Bible?
Let’s turn to John 17:12.
When Jesus talked about the “son of perdition,” He was making a reference to His own disciple Judas Iscariot (John 6:70-71). Judas was one of Jesus’ twelve disciples. He walked with Jesus for three and a half years, but he was a follower of Christ in name only. He had a covetous heart and betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver (Matthew 26:15).
Daniel’s vision of this little horn power tells us that in the end times it is not a Muslim or a Jewish power that will oppose God and persecute His people. Rather, it will be a seemingly Christian power that claims to follow Christ which will seek to usurp God’s throne (2 Timothy 3:1-5). It will be a power that is backed by the devil himself (Revelation 13:1-8).
You might be trying to guess the identity of the little horn power now, but that is a lesson for another time. The important thing to ask yourself at this moment is this: “How do I make sure I follow Jesus and not the little horn power?” Friend, keep your eyes on Jesus! Study the Bible every day and focus on the character of Christ. Jesus give us counsel to not be deceived (Matthew 24:3-14). When you follow Jesus’ words and teachings, you will not be deceived (Isaiah 8:20; John 8:12).
Friend, will you take heed to follow the Lamb wherever He goes and not be deceived by the little horn power and its false sanctuary?
