Daniel 11:32-35 NIV “With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him. “Those who are wise will instruct many, though for a time they will fall by the sword or be burned or captured or plundered. When they fall, they will receive a little help, and many who are not sincere will join them. Some of the wise will stumble, so that they may be refined, purified and made spotless until the time of the end, for it will still come at the appointed time.” https://bible.com/bible/111/dan.11.35.NIV

Daniel 11 contains some of the most detailed prophecies in all of Scripture, most of which have already occurred and been verified, even among the pagans. It is a chapter that gives great credibility to the Divine authorship of Scripture. What is apropos for us is the consistent theme of persecution among God’s people. The wise or the faithful in this chapter are those whom God is refining, purifying, and making spotless for entry into His eternal kingdom. This description is similar to that found elsewhere in the New Testament, often repeated, most clearly by Peter, and echoed in every church described in Revelation. For their part, the wise teach the word of God in the midst of suffering. They obey God even when commanded otherwise by evil powers. This is what we must do today. We must obey God, which is fairly easy in America, where there is little law against our religion, though many have omitted allegiance to God’s truth where political pressure on DEI promotions has occurred, thus jeopardizing their souls. We must share Jesus with people seeking salvation and then lead them into discipleship by teaching everything Jesus commands. Winning people to God’s way of thinking and living is the best way to ensure peace among our children and grandchildren from persecution for their faith. Our current failure to make disciples is why we have the little but potentially growing trouble we are experiencing. Are we faithful and wise disciples of Jesus? If we are helping others walk in His ways, regardless of the cost, then we can answer affirmatively. If not, what kind of disciple are we?