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Let’s continue on. What if superior numbers of Persian forces had overcome Greek city states as they were favored to do? Western civilization would have been history of Iran. Who stopped mighty forces of Xerxes against all odds? Only something supernatural could have thwarted Persian masses. In 519-465 BC Xerxes gathered together a very large army and navy to march on Greece—estimated 2.5 million troops.
The first major victory of campaign occurred on September 23, 480 BC. The Greeks lured Persian fleet into narrow straits off island of Salamis, outmaneuvered it and destroyed it. Xerxes regrouped over winter and returned following year and met Greeks in battle on Plain of Plataea. Again, as had been case of Marathon and Salamis, an outnumbered Greek force succeeded in outmaneuvering and defeating larger and more powerful Persian army. This marked beginning of end of Persian world rule. This paved way for next conqueror, Alexander Great.
The Bible declares over and over again that God brings down one ruler and lifts up another for His purposes. That’s a good thing. To know that God is in control even when things seem out of control is a great feeling. If you can trust Him, He will guide you safely along, even through rough and stormy seas. God does not fail His people. If men will live for Him, He will bless them and serve His purposes through them. They will walk blessed and honored before all men. God is Sovereign. God rules over entire universe. Trust Him.
I’ll visit this topic again. In mean time, keep faith. Stay course. Jesus is coming soon.
Pastor T. dash
Pastors a small church in Broken Arrow, OK