8 When the Most High divided the nations, when he separated the sons of Adam, he set the bounds of the nations according to the number of the angels of God.

Daniel Is Terrified by a Vision

  1In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a message was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belteshazzar; and the message was true and one of great conflict, but he understood the message and had an understanding of the vision.2In those days, I, Daniel, had been mourning for three entire weeks.3I did not eat any tasty food, nor did meat or wine enter my mouth, nor did I use any ointment at all until the entire three weeks were completed.

The law of Moses had established only one fast for Israel and that was on the Day of Atonement. Even then, only part of a day. So, were they fasting for the wrong reasons?

Fasting for the wrong reason is condemned and not fasting in and of itself!

I. Fasting for the wrong reasons

A. Not to gain merit in the eyes of men...or parade or piety.

B. Not to feel superior and holier than others.

C. Not to cover up a broken heart - or be a paid crier.

D. It is not a substitute for repentance or Christianity.

E. Not to impress God....

F. Not to coerce God..........................He knows our intent!

G. It is not a method of evangelism----(Original Intent of Catholic Monks).

II. The Values of Fasting

A. Spiritual enrichment----allows one to concentrate on the will of God.

B. Health - removes some impurities from the body. Detoxifies the body.

C. SELF DISCIPLINE - one must learn to say 'no' to yourself.

D. Defense against the master of pleasure. Not all pleasure is sinful. Only when we allow it to control us.

F. Builds an ability to define essentials. Must not lose focus on our priorities in life. Even then, sometimes we need a break to re-plan our goals.

G. By fasting, we can learn to enjoy life more, allows us to look back.

H. Give up any attempt to impress others and do this in private.

Biblical References for Fasting

Acts 13:3 Fasting and Prayers.........Acts 27:23; 14:23; 4:3; Ps. 55:14; Joel 1:4; 2:12; II Cor. 15.

Fasting is a humble expression of sin in the Bible (or should have been). It was very active in the apostolic church.

THE SEVEN CONCEPTS OF FASTING

1. Denying ourself (Psalms 69:7, 10). Improves diligence and relationships. Makes us more productive.

2. Sorrow for sin (Joel 2:12; Joel 1:14).

3. Humility - an outer expression which shows our higher purpose.

4. Used to discern the will of God, by thinking things through (Eze. 8:21).

5. Fasting is a matter of soul searching (Dan. 9: 2-5; John 3:5-9).

6. Serious decisions (Esther 4:3).

7. Spiritual and physical revival (II Ch. 20:3; John 3).

.4On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, while I was by the bank of the great river, that is, the Tigris,5I lifted my eyes and looked, and behold, there was a certain man dressed in linen, whose waist was girded with a belt of pure gold of Uphaz.6His body also was like beryl, his face had the appearance of lightning, his eyes were like flaming torches, his arms and feet like the gleam of polished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a tumult.

7Now I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, while the men who were with me did not see the vision; nevertheless, a great dread fell on them, and they ran away to hide themselves.8So I was left alone and saw this great vision; yet no strength was left in me, for my natural color turned to a deathly pallor, and I retained no strength.9But I heard the sound of his words; and as soon as I heard the sound of his words, I fell into a deep sleep on my face, with my face to the ground.

  10Then behold, a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees.11He said to me, "O Daniel, man of high esteem, understand the words that I am about to tell you and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you " And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling.12Then he said to me, "Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words.13"But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was withstanding me for twenty-one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia. ".

14"Now I have come to give you an understanding of what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision pertains to the days yet future

15When he had spoken to me according to these words, I turned my face toward the ground and became speechless.16And behold, one who resembled a human being was touching my lips; then I opened my mouth and spoke and said to him who was standing before me, "O my lord, as a result of the vision anguish has come upon me, and I have retained no strength.17"For how can such a servant of my lord talk with such as my lord? As for me, there remains just now no strength in me, nor has any breath been left in me.

18Then this one with human appearance touched me again and strengthened me.19He said, "O man of high esteem, do not be afraid Peace be with you; take courage and be courageous!" Now as soon as he spoke to me, I received strength and said, "May my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.

"20Then he said, "Do you understand why I came to you? But I shall now return to fight against the prince of Persia; so I am going forth, and behold, the prince of Greece is about to come.21"However, I will tell you what is inscribed in the writing of truth Yet there is no one who stands firmly with me against these forces except Michael your prince.

Angels owe their being to God's creative act but exactly when this took place is and always will be a mystery as long as "we" live in the fleshly existence. The "Sons of God" (those after the nature of God) referred to in Job 38:4-7 are generally believed to be angels, who were existing when the foundations of the earth were fastened (cf. Psa. 148:2-3; Neh. 9:6). How angels were created is a matter of speculation. What we can know for sure is that they were created by God (YHWY) for His glory.
When created by God, all the angels were good. Some, however fell from their celestial wisdom and position through the misuse of their liberty. God made nothing evil but evil is a product of "free will" and choice. Thus, the evil spirits were not created "evil" but became evil by exercising their free will.

Angels are spirit beings. They do not have bodies as we understand a body even though they can at times assume human form. As pure spirits, Psalm 104:4; Hebrews 1:7, 14, there can be no question of procreation or generation among the angels, and angelic families or relatives since angels are sexless (Matt. 22:30). Each angel stands apart as a direct creation of God and complete as an individual. There is a difference of rank among angels, but not of species, all are angels.
The true nature of angels is expressed by the word spirit. It is hard for us to form an idea of a spirit but nevertheless that is what we have. We know better of what is not than what is (Luke 24:39).

Being without bodies the angels are invisible. Further, being incorporeal and immaterial they are immortal. They have no parts capable of disunion and dissolution. Even the rebellious angels continue and perish not. Psalm 104:4 indicates that they are endowed with wonderful activity moving with the swiftness of the winds, and operating with the force and energy of flaming fire (see Hebrews chapter one). Although angels are invisible, at least through our limited human organs  (our eyes), it seems that they will come with Jesus (to bring glory to Him) in a spiritual body (1st Cor. 15) which will be recognizable, else how will Jesus be glorified when they come with Him?

As to their nature, angels are spirits (Heb. 1:7, 14), of wind like velocity, subtle nature, capable of close communion with God, sharers of His truth, purity, love, since they ever behold His face (Matt. 18:10): even as the redeemed shall (1st John 3:2); not necessarily incorporeal (Lk. 20:37; Phil. 3:21; 1st Cor. 15:44), seemingly but not certainly implying they have some form of a body. Their appearance (Dan. 10:6) like our Lord's when transfigured and afterwards as the ascended Savior (Rev. 1:14-16), and their human form (Lk. 24:4) favor the same view.

Angels are the most understanding creatures in heaven or earth and because of their rationality and knowledge they are like a man, Ezekiel 1:5. Angels are the best philosophers, knowing the principles, causes, effects, life, notions, death of natural things (Revelation 7:1, 12). They are also great statists, knowing the affairs of kingdoms (Dan. 10:13). Gabriel became a courtier, acquainting himself with the affairs of Persia. Angels are never so heavenly minded as to be of no earthly use. The knowledge of angels is limited in that it does not extend to future events (Matt. 24:36) and the mysteries of grace. They desire to look into the wonder of man's redemption and learn of the church, the manifold wisdom of God (Eph. 3:9-10; 1st Peter. 1:12; Dan. 10:13).

The angels as spirits are superior to men but inferior to God, Psalm 8:4-5; Hebrews 1:7-8. They cannot create, change, alter the laws of nature, perform miracles of themselves, or search the heart. These prerogatives belong to YHWY and His Word.
Along with the highest intelligence there is the possession of the utmost moral excellence and loveliness of character. Thus, the angels are good, gentle, meek, kind and compassionate. No creation of the God of love can be made without the capacity to love. They exult in victory over darkness and in the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom and in the salvation of the lost (Lk. 2:14; 15:10).
Dwelling with God the angels dwell in love (1st John 4:16). They deem it their chief end to praise and glorify the Creator (Psa. 148:2).

Angels exercise their power in material and spiritual realms (2nd Kings 19:35: 2nd Thess. 1:7). They are spoken of as "the sons of the mighty" (Psa. 89:6). Their power is super human (2nd Kings 6:17; Zech. 12:8; 2nd Peter 2:11). They "excel in strength" (Psa. 103:20). Angels can"give chase, " (Psa. 35:5-6) '"fight" (Gen.32:1, 2nd Sam. 5:24), "open prison doors" (Acts 5:19-12:7). The can liberate the dead (Matt. 28:2) and "throw millstones into the sea" (Rev. 18:21) and "shut the mouths of lions" (Dan.6:22).

From the first to the last the angels of God are ministering spirits. Worship and ministry are their twofold function__priests in the heavenly temple: messengers of God's errands of love and justice, Isaiah 6:1-3; Daniel 7:9, 10; Revelation 5:11. Angelic activity covers all history, ancient and modern, national and personal. THE WORLD IS IN CLOSER TOUCH WITH HEAVENLY FORCES THAN ONE REALIZES (and also the forces of hell). As servants of God, Christ, and man, the angels have a multifaceted relationship summarized as follows.

Brought into being by God, the angels stand ready to do His bidding. His will and theirs are one.

1. They were created by the wish of God. Neh. 9:6; Col. 1:16.

2. They worship and adore the Triune God. Phil. 2:9-11.

3. They communicate the will of God. Dan. 8:16, 17; 10:11.

4. They obey the command of God, Psa. 103:20; Matt.6:10.

5. They execute the purpose of God in grace and providence, Num. 22:22; Psa. 102:21; Jn. 5:4.

6. They administer the judgments of God. 2nd Sam. 24:16; 2nd Kings 19:35; Psa. 35:35.

7. They celebrate the praise of God. Job. 38:7; Psa. 148:2; Isa. 6:3; Lk. 2:12; Rev. 5:11-12.

8. They minister the law of God. Psa. 68:17; Acts 7:53; Heb.2:2.

1. An angel prophesied the conception and birth of Christ, Luke, 1:26-35 (cf. also see Acts 2:29-36).

2. An angel named the Coming One, Matt. 1:21; the song of redemption is one angels cannot sing, Heb. 2:16. They are happy to surround His throne but will never have the privilege of sitting with Him on His throne. Rev. 3:21, 5:11.

3. Angels announced to the shepherds the birth of Jesus, Luke 2:8-15.

4. An angel directed Joseph as to the Child's safety, Matt. 1:2-21, 24.

5. Angels ministered to Christ after His temptation, Matt. 4:11; Mark 1:13.

6. An angel strengthened Christ after His agony in Gethsemane, Luke 22:43-44.

7. Angels were Witnesses and Heralds of Christ's Resurrection; an angel rolled away the stone. Matt. 28:2-7; they guarded the tomb and testified. John 20:11-14 and Luke 24:23

8. Angels attended Christ at His Ascension. Acts 1:10

9. Angels are to attend Christ at His Second Advent. 1st Thess. 4:16; II Thess. 1:7-9.

1. Paul speaks of the "world rulers" of the darkness of this world. Eph. 2:3; 6:12

2. Christ did not dispute the claim of Satan to the control of the kingdoms of this world (cf .Matt. 12:26 where a kingdom of Satan is taught).

3. In Daniel 10:21; 21:1, we discover that demon-angels have power ot connect themselves to nations. An important demon, angelic personage is the Satanic angel (demon) "the price of the kingdom of Persia, " Dan. 10:13. A second demonic personality is mentioned as the "prince of Greece." Dan. 10:20.

4. The Devil has angels (Rev. 12:7). They are instruments of his will. Satan enthroned himself as the unseen ruler of the nation and , at different times in world history has expressed himself through different rulers in opposition to the character of God.

5. Under Satan's leadership Tyre became one of the leading powers of the world and leaders in wickedness (Ezekiel 28).

6. Babylon became the seat of Satanic influence. At another critical period in the history of the church, Satan's throne was in Pergamos. Revelation 2:13.

7. Unseen forces are presently active as "the rulers of the darkness of this world."

8. It is distressing to think of these mighty potentates of evil being the invisible rulers of this world......Yet how comforting to know that no existing power, seen or unseen can separate us from the love of Christ.

1. The law was ordained of angels: Gal. 3:19; Heb. 2:2; Acts 7:53; Psa. 68:17.

2. Note:

An angel commissioned Moses to redeem Israel, Ex. 3:2.

An angel led the nation in the wilderness, Ex. 14:19; 23:20-23.

An angel rebuked the nation for its idolatry, Judges 2:1-5.

An angel called Gideon to deliver the nation, Judges 6:11-40.

An angel smote the nation with pestilence, 2nd Sam. 24:16-17.

An angel smote the nation's foes, 2nd Kings 19-35.

An angel encamped round about the nation, Psa. 34:7; 91:11

3. The Sadducees denied the existence of angels.

1. Angels are present when the church gathers for worship, 1st Cor. 11:10.

2. Angels watch over the affairs of the church. 1st Cor. 4:9; Heb.12:22; 1st Tim. 5:21.

3. Angels present the worship of the church to God. Rev. 8:3-4; 1st Peter 1:12; 1st Cor. 4:9; 1st Cor. 6:2-3.

4. God does not now speak to men through angels, Gal. 1:8-12; Acts 9:5.

5. Angels are employed to Guard and Preserve the Saints. Matt. 4:11; Luke 22:43; John 5:4; Acts 27:21-35; Psa. 91:11; Heb. 1:4; Acts 12:7; 27:23; Acts 5:19.

6. Angels care for the young in faith, Matt. 18:10; 18:16; Psa. 34:7; 91:11; Heb.1:14; Luke 1:19.

7. Angels assist in answering the prayers of the saints, Rev. 8:3; 5:8; Dan. 10:12-14.

8. Angels afford evidence of God's love and care for the saints, Gen. 28:12-13; John 1:51.

1. They bear away the souls (spirits) of the departed in death (Luke.16:22)

2. They exercise diligence to watch over little children (Matthew 18:11).

3. All of the angels are engaged in the service of those who are to inherit salvation. Hebrews 1:14

4. They aid providentially in bringing sinners in contact with the gospel (Acts 8:26).

5. They execute the sentence of God in the destruction of sinners whose importance justifies their immediate removal from earth (Acts 12:23).

6. One of the mightiest angles, The Rainbow Angel of Revelation 10 has charge of maintaining and open Bible "the little book" "until time shall be no more."

7. On special occasion when God's great prophets and preachers of the Word needed special encouragement an angel of God stood by to inform, to prophesy, and to encourage (Acts 27:23). This was for the Apostles.

8. In the Book of Daniel, angels have the function of influencing human governments.

9. In the early church there was a conviction that all Christians had a "guardian angel." This may be seen in Acts 12:15 when informed by Rhoda that Peter was standing by the door, they said, "It is his angel."

10. Only two angels are named in the Bible, both found in Daniel. Michael is called "archangel" in Jude 9, and he is mentioned as the leader of the angelic war against "the Dragon (Satan) and his angels" in Revelation 12:7,8. It has been assumed that Gabriel was also an archangel,  but many have also pointed out that by definition, there can only be one "archangel."