August 11, 2004

THE PRINCE OF PRINCES

"He shall even rise against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without human hand" (Daniel 8:25, NKJV).

Emerging from the prophetic scene of the little horn of Daniel 8, another royal title of Jesus appears. In this imagery, our Lord is called the "Prince of princes."

The scenario is part of the age-long conflict between Christ and Satan. In vision, Daniel sees the rise of a religio-political power that is described as "stern-faced," "a master of intrigue" that would "take his stand against the Prince of princes" (Daniel 8:23, 25, NIV). This power "represents Rome in both its phases, Pagan and Papal."-SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 4, p. 841. Both phases of Rome have stood against the Prince of princes in different times and ways. Both were persecuting powers; both have exalted themselves above God. Through imperial Rome, Christ was sentenced to death, and Roman soldiers nailed Him to the cross.

Papal Rome has persecuted those who opposed its claims. It has diverted man's attention from Christ's high priestly ministry by instituting a system of salvation by works and a priestly hierarchy in place of direct access to Christ.

In vision, Daniel saw the ultimate triumph of the Prince of princes. The powers of evil "shall be broken without human hand" (Dan. 8:25, NKJV). This will occur at the second advent, when Christ, the Prince of princes, will eradicate evil from our planet and reign supreme (see 2 Thessalonians 2:8). Then He will "recover the kingdom which man had lost, and the redeemed were to inherit it with Him, and dwell therein forever. Sin and sinners would be blotted out, never more to disturb the peace of heaven or earth."--Signs of the Times, November 4, 1908.

My Prayer Today: Lord, as the Prince of princes, You will destroy the reign of sin and usher in the reign of everlasting righteousness. Make it soon, Lord! Amen.