Daniel: Ordinary People, Extraordinary God

 Please read Daniel 6:7, 10-14.  Daniel was taken into captivity and chosen to be trained to serve the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar.  He was taught everything he needed to know to assimilate into Babylon’s culture.  He was expected to conform – even to the point of eating the food, but he did not.     In my opinion, one of the key phrases of all of Daniel is in chapter 1:8. It is written that Daniel had made up his mind; from the beginning he knew what he was going to do.  He had placed in his heart, ahead of the situation, to serve God.  Daniel, resolved to live for God which led to a deeper faith and cultivated spiritual disciplines. He found himself in a challenging situation and repeatedly sought God’s guidance which in turn led him to a greater sense of purpose in God’s plan.  

     Scripture tells us that Daniel (1:17), was gifted by God to interpret dreams.  One day Nebuchadnezzar had a dream which no one could interpret.  Outraged, he ordered all wisemen to be put to death.   Hearing this, Daniel prayed to God and God revealed the dream.  Daniel explained that one day there would be an eternal kingdom set up by God, some might hesitate to deliver such news to a king, but Daniel did not.  He boldly shared the interpretation giving God the glory.  Pleased to finally learn what no one else could disclose, Nebuchadnezzar put Daniel in charge of all other wise men.  He later interpreted another dream for the king and so it came to pass…the king was healed, and he praised Daniel’s God.  In yet another dream he learned about the future slaying of the king and the takeover by the Persian king, Darius.  Finding favor with the king, Daniel rose up the ranks, leaving others jealous.  Conspiring, the jealous coaxed the king to issue an edict that for 30 days prayers could only be said to the king.  

      Unafraid, following his typical routine, Daniel went home and prayed.  Friends, in the face of trouble, Daniel kept his mind made up, he was going to serve and trust God.  From the start, Daniel put God in first place and allowed his relationship with God to take the lead.  Daniel was grounded in God: the manmade rules did not affect him, the peer pressure did not influence his decision, he did not waver from God.  Despite the pagan culture, Daniel held to his convictions, resisted the conformity, and was unafraid of the ramifications.  He stood firm on his trust in God and openly prayed as he had done many times.  Through opened windows, three times a day Daniel’s prayers were audible.  In the face of adversity, devoted Daniel chose God.  

     As a result of his prayers, Daniel was apprehended.  King Darius was disturbed over the arrest, but unable to renege his own edict, Daniel was thrown to the lions.  The king’s final words being, “May your God, whom you serve, rescue you.”  The den was sealed with the markings of the king. 

     All night King Darius was restless; he was tormented.  At dawn, he called for Daniel.  Darius’ call for Daniel was the emergence of his faith, his faith was born and cultivated through Daniel’s. This is why it is so important to share our faith with others, not only in words but through our actions; displaying the impacts of faith with evidence sparks others to emerge in faith.   And we know the ending, Daniel…responded. He was protected by an angel and without a single wound.  Daniel prayed while Darius worried.  We have that same option. Do we worry or do we pray? Do we choose faith or fear, they cannot occur simultaneously.  We need to make the choice.   

       In hindsight, we can say, thank God Darius followed through on his edict, how else would the many witnesses have seen the power of the sovereign God?  Soon after Darius issued another decree…everyone was to revere Daniel’s God.  

      Sometimes life throws us into challenging and unfamiliar situations, and we need to have the courage and confidence to honor God by not conforming.  Maybe today you find yourself not taking a stand. Is there something you need to consider or reconsider?  Is your decision pleasing to God or is it aiding you in living a life contrary to the life God has called you to lead?  

     Daniel teaches us how to live.  He swam against the tide, with grace. He worked his way to the top against the odds by leaning on God’s gift of wisdom and prophecy.  When he was faced with threats and opposition he stood in faith and spoke the truth.  He didn’t let fear control him, hold a grudge, run away, hide or pray in secret. He made up his mind to give his best as he represented God.    

     Hebrews 11 reminds us about the miraculous acts throughout scripture that were witnessed and recorded by the faithful.  God closed the mouths of lions for Daniel, parted the Red Sea for Moses, opened a prison door for Peter, turned water to wine, and raised Lazarus from the dead. God can certainly provide for us. Rejoice and have faith…there is nothing we are facing today which is too hard for God.  Go to Him, trust Him to take care of you!  Keep on praying and all God’s people say, amen.

Grace and peace, 

Pastor Kerry

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