by Chuck Black
An “empty” man lives in a dangerous state. The only way for men and women to be protected from such demonic activity is to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior so that the Holy Spirit dwells within them and “occupies” their souls, keeping them safe from evil.
CHAPTER 24
Inside Information
God reveals things to people who are devoted to Him. It might be an unexplainable need to pray for someone in trouble even though you don’t know it. It might be a sense that a brother or sister in Christ has an emotional, physical, spiritual, or financial need. It might be the revelation of truth in your own life revealed by reading the living Word. It is even possible that God may reveal to you mysteries of fulfilled prophecies and truth as He did to Paul in Ephesians about the Gentiles being fellow heirs of the gospel. God gave Simeon and Anna special revelation as to the identity of Jesus Christ and His mission even when He was just an infant (see Luke 2). That only comes to one who is walking daily with God in His Spirit.
Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel. (Luke 2:29–32)
Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” (Luke 2:34–35)
It is exhilarating to receive a special word from God, because only His Spirit can reveal inside information that the world will never understand. Walk close to God, and listen for His whispers to your heart.
CHAPTER 25
Drew, the Good Samaritan
Jesus used stories to dramatically make His points. His story of the good Samaritan is perhaps one of the most poignant examples there is of living the life of a follower of Jesus. Drew does this without understanding that he is fulfilling exactly what Jesus has called us to. It takes courage to love the needy and the hurting, and yet we don’t even have to defend people from dangerous gangs. God asks us simply to offer mercy and compassion when the need arises.
“So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?” And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:36–37)
Let us pray that we will all have the courage to “go and do likewise”!
CHAPTER 26
Satan’s Attempt to Kill the Messiah
From the time of Mary’s conception by the Holy Spirit to Jesus’ death on the cross, Satan tried multiple times to subvert God’s plan for the Messiah to save mankind from sin. The first attempt was to use Herod to kill all the children in Bethlehem, but the Magi had been warned and so had Joseph. One could speculate that the spiritual battle for the Christ-child must have been as distressing as the physical tragedy that happened to countless innocent babes.
Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way. Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.” (Matthew 2:12–13)
Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying: “A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” (Matthew 2:16–18)
CHAPTER 27
The Foolishness of Preaching
In this chapter, Validus states, “The message of the gospel has been given to men to share, not to angels.” This is not to say that angels do not have a mission in presenting the gospel to the world, for one of the first declarations of the gospel was by the angels to the shepherds on the night of Jesus’ birth. However, the winning of souls does seem to be the exclusive duty of men and women and not the angels. First Corinthians gives us an interesting perspective on why God chose this way:
For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. (1 Corinthians 1:21)
When people become prideful about how wise they may be, it becomes a stumbling block to finding the real truth. God chose to use what appears to be foolishness so that the prideful and arrogant do not find it. Only when people humble themselves will they find true wisdom and truth in God.
CHAPTER 28
The Powerful, Meek, and Lowly Savior
One definition of meekness is “restrained power.” Jesus demonstrated this in the extreme. On the cross hung the Creator of the universe with all the power and ability to make the pain, suffering, and shame go away with one thought, and yet He bore the cross in silence. He restrained His mighty power so that we might be saved by His blood sacrifice once and for all. At one point Validus makes this point when he says, “These puny men had no idea with whom they were dealing. At this very moment the particles of creation by which they existed were being held together by His loving hand, and they were about to deliver Him to Apollyon, the destroyer.” Colossians gives us this depiction of the power of Jesus Christ.
For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist [are held together]. (Colossians 1:16–17)
He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth. (Isaiah 53:7)
The rest of the bold text refers to the following Bible passages:
Hades: Matthew 8:11–12; Mark 9:43–48
Peter drawing his sword: Matthew 26:51; Luke 22:50; John 18:10
Jesus healing the guard’s ear: Matthew 26:52; Luke 22:51
The power of darkness: Luke 22:52–53
Peter tempting Jesus not to go to the cross: Mark 8:32–33
CHAPTER 29
God’s Heart Toward Children
At the end of this chapter, Validus and Ral are reminded that Tren is a guardian angel charged to watch over children. It is clear in Scripture that children hold a special place in God’s heart. We ought to take heed and value these little ones with just as much intensity.
Then they also brought infants to Him that He might touch them; but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” (Luke 18:15–17)
I can only imagine the response of a guardian angel whose charge has been harmed by the hands of an evil person. Jesus’ warning is to be taken literally.
Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 18:10)
CHAPTER 30
The Mystery of the Indwelling
In this chapter, Danick and Brandt talk about the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the believers who are spreading out from Israel. The Bible tells us that this indwelling was a mystery that was hidden from the beginning of time. Not even Satan could have imagined such a thing. It is through the power of the indwelling Spirit of God that men and women have the courage to spread the gospel of Christ across the globe in spite of the efforts of the Enemy.
What a marvelous work of God!
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:2–4)
I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Colossians 1:25–27)
CHAPTER 31
Laying Down Your Life for Another
Ral gives his life to save Drew. Jesus said that this was the ultimate form of love.
This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. (John 15:12–13)
And Jesus fulfilled this great love just a short time later when He laid down His life for each of us.
CHAPTER 32
The Lineage of Jesus Christ
Danick has spent his entire assignment protecting the lineage of Christ but finally acquiesces to Brandt in regard to changing strategies. It is now time to protect the saints who are spreading out to the corners of the earth. Lineages in the Jewish culture are extremely important. Matthew 1 tracks the lineage of Jesus through Mary back to Abraham. Luke 3 tracks the lineage of Jesus through Joseph back to Adam and Eve. These lineages are important because God’s curse on the serpent, Satan, in Genesis 3:15 was that the seed of Eve would “bruise your head.” The lineage of Jesus is a direct link to the fulfillment of God’s first hint at a Savior way back in Genesis.
And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel. (Genesis 3:15)
CHAPTER 33
Angel of the Church
Teriel is angry because violence has come to the church he is charged to protect. In Revelation chapters 2 and 3, Jesus commands John to write seven letters to the seven churches. Each of these letters is addressed, “To the angel of the church in …” There is much speculation about what the word angel refers to in this passage. Theologians’ opinions range from the word referring to the church’s primary pastor, to the church itself, and also to literal angels. Rise of the Fallen simply entertains the notion and possibility that angel may refer to a literal watch-guard angel over each of God’s churches.
To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, “These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands.” (Revelation 2:1)
Angel Intervention
Drew Carter pleads with Validus to help him escape from the FBI so he can save Sydney and the Branson children. Validus intervenes by freeing Drew from the handcuffs around his wrists. Although this may seem far-fetched, there are no less dramatic examples in the Bible of angels intervening on behalf of people in peril.
Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church. And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison. Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, “Arise quickly!” And his chains fell off his hands. (Acts 12:5–7)
CHAPTER 34
Persecution of the Jewish People
This chapter deals with the horror of the Holocaust, but the Jewish people have been intensely persecuted throughout history, not just during the Holocaust. Great persecution of the nation of Israel began in AD 70 when Titus and his Roman army utterly destroyed Jerusalem. The dispersion of the Jewish people (the Diaspora) and their persecution have continued ever since. Today we are seeing a resurgence of anti-Semitism. According to the Bible, the Jewish people will continue to be persecuted until they accept Jesus Christ as the true Messiah near the End of Days. As Jesus went to the cross, He warned the people of the difficult days ahead.
And a great multitude of the people followed Him, and women who also mourned and lamented Him. But Jesus, turning to them, said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For indeed the days are coming in which they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, wombs that never bore, and breasts which never nursed!’ Then they will begin ‘to say to the mountains, “Fall on us!” and to the hills, “Cover us!” ’ ” (Luke 23:27–30)
Throughout Scripture, prophets and apostles plead for the nation of Israel to come to salvation through Christ. We ought to add our prayers for the same.
Dealing with Grief
Validus is grieved to the heart when Danick is dissolved. Any time we lose a loved one, grief is an emotion we must deal with. It is part of living in a fallen world. God knows our pain and our afflictions, and He is able to comfort us in our time of deepest grief.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. (2 Corinthians 1:2–4)
CHAPTER 35
Valiant Leadership
Validus leads his men into Durgank’s stronghold, a place of great peril. Excellent leadership is paramount to being victorious in a battle. Great leaders must have many qualities in their lives to be effective: integrity, vision, selflessness, confidence, humility, and effective communication skills to name a few. However, the true test of great leaders is whether their people are willing to follow them into battle or, at the very least, through difficult times. There are seminars, training centers, books, and a whole plethora of resources to help develop leadership skills, but in reality, the perfect example for us all is that of Jesus Christ. Every single quality required to be an excellent leader is perfectly modeled in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And in the end, His followers went to the ends of the earth and laid down their lives in service to Him. Here are a few verses that demonstrate the fundamental qualities of leadership in Jesus.
The integrity of Jesus: Hebrews 4:15
The vision of Jesus: Luke 19:10
The selflessness of Jesus: John 10:15
The confidence of Jesus: Matthew 7:29
The humility of Jesus: Philippians 2:8
The communication skills of Jesus: Matthew 5
CHAPTER 36
The Nation of Israel Reborn
In spite of nearly two thousand years of persecution and global dispersion, on May 14, 1948, Israel became a nation once more. On the same day of their declaration as a sovereign state, they were attacked by multiple Arab countries and yet were victorious. This biblically prophetic event was prophesied in Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Hosea, and Zechariah and is a dramatic sign that the End of Days may be near.
It shall come to pass in that day that the Lord shall set His hand again the second time to recover the remnant of His people who are left, from Assyria and Egypt, from Pathros and Cush, from Elam and Shinar, from Hamath and the islands of the sea. He will set up a banner for the nations, and will assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth. (Isaiah 11:11–12)
It is hard to say what the role of the United States of America will have in the End of Days, but there is a symbolic reference in Revelation regarding the nation of Israel as the days become difficult for them. Perhaps the “wings of a great eagle” are the United States.
But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time
and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. (Revelation 12:14)
CHAPTER 37
Courage and Mercy Found in Unlikely Places
Validus marvels at the courage and the mercy demonstrated by the boys in the favela. God sees that potential in all of us, but potential and action are two completely different things. What turns potential into action is choice. We must choose to allow God to transform our potential into active, vibrant, faithful action. James tells us not to be hearers only but doers also. That happens with a decision … our decision.
But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. (James 1:25)
CHAPTER 38
When Good Men and Women Fail
Validus fears that he has disobeyed God and failed Him. Although angels are sinless, this scene depicts the appropriate response of a person who has failed in his or her walk with the Lord—repentance. A genuine understanding of our frailty and sinfulness is the beginning of greatness. Even Daniel, whom Gabriel says is “greatly beloved,” prays a prayer of intense repentance and includes himself.