The heavenly man continues to explain how the king of the North will set his heart against the holy covenant of God and will persecute God’s people. The war will turn into a religious genocide as he tries to force people to abandon their faith, reward people who do, and vent his fury at those who don’t. He will desecrate the temple and abolish the daily sacrifice. He will set up the abomination that causes desolation in the temple. He will corrupt God’s people. But those who know God will firmly resist him. Those who are wise will instruct many, though they are killed by the sword, burned, and captured. Sincere people will help them. Some of the wise will stumble, so that they may be refined, purified, and made spotless until the end, which will come at God’s appointed time. Next, there will arise another king who will magnify himself, defy God, set up his own god, and cause a great war in the Holy Land. Then, he, too, will come to his end.

In our lives, trials and tribulations will come. We must be wise and instruct others in the faith. When we fail, God is faithful to refine us, purify us, and make us spotless (Phil 2:15, 1 Peter 1:6,7). We must faithfully serve God, put our hope in him, and patiently trust in his sovereignty.
Application: Father, please help me to be wise, to serve you faithfully, and put my hope in you.
One Word: Be purified and made spotless