A mighty and strong people…

Daniel 11:32, “…but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.”

In this scripture…Daniel is more than likely referring to the great persecution under Antiochus, when the followers of Judas Maccabaeus, knowing their God, and keeping loyal to Him even though the majority bolted…refused to bow before the idols of Syria. These saints were in God’s strength, and did exploits never surpassed in the history of those who have suffered for the truth.

Obviously, when you look at this powerful statement, “The people that know their God shall be strong and do great exploits..” your eyes focus on the phrase, “know their God.” How important is it that we ‘know’ Him?

When Paul wrote to the Ephesians, there were three prayers that he constantly prayed over his converts. The first was that they would ‘know Him.’ Phillippians 3:10 leads us in a prayer that we, no doubt have prayed many times – “…that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection…”

There’s not a Christian alive today that hasn’t longed to ‘know Him’ more. Everyone of us, deep inside, has a longing to ‘know Him’ more – and I believe we can. The more time we spend with Him, the more attention we give Him, the more we’ll get to know Him.

The second phrase that jumps out of the 32nd verse of Daniel is that you, “…will be strong and do great exploits…” Man, who doesn’t want that! I mean, imagine being strong enough to do great exploits, which defined is, “an act remarkable for brilliance or daring…a bold deed.”

I think I speak for everyone when I say – no one wants to be born, live, and then die having accomplished nothing! Who wouldn’t want to be known as a man who did remarkable things – who accomplished brilliant achievements and who was bold enough to dare to believe?

Well, according to Daniel 11:32, this is do-able. If you and I do what’s necessary to know Him. But…that’s not all that’s required. I was just about to close my study books and wrap this up…when I was prompted to go back one more time and look closely at chapter 11.

I was amazed at what comes before knowing God and doing great things for God. I’m talking about the word people. Verse 32 reads like this: “The people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.”

The word ‘people’ is describing a ‘congregated unit.’ The meaning is crystal clear. We are not complete – even though we know God and accomplish great things – if we are not a part of a congregated unit. God does not want to build an army of Lone Ranger Christians. He wants to establish an army of men and women, young and old, who – as a congregated unit – get to know Him and together carry out great exploits.