Dear Doves,
 
     I was reading Jan Mikael's post on the three week period between the 17th of Tammuz and the 9th of Av.  I was struck by the period of 21 days.  It occurred to me that there was a 21 day period during which the prophet Daniel fasted and prayed.  Today, Jews observe a 3 week period of mourning up until the 9th of Av.  I have no idea if Daniel's 21 days occurred during this same period of time, but it is interesting that the duration is the same.  According to Daniel 10:13, Daniel received an answer to his prayers after 21 days because of resistance from the Prince of Persia.  (The prince is commonly thought to be a demonic entity.)  The angel Gabriel explained: "'Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.  But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me
twenty-one days.  Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia.'"  Daniel 10:12-13.

     Many of the Doves are hoping for something to happen this week and I hope that they are right.  But if nothing happens, there may be reason to hope that a 21 day countdown may have already begun.  We know that the Rapture will include the voice of an archangel.  (See 1 Thessalonians 4:16.)  I am probably pushing this too far, but if the archangel happens to be Gabriel, could he be delayed again for another 21 day period?  I don't know.  At any rate, let us not get discouraged as we look for the Lord's return.  The same way that Daniel did not give up praying until he received an answer, we should maintain our watch for the Lord until He comes.   He is surely coming soon!
 
     Maranatha.
 
              -- Lisa Taylor