This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. He offered the chief eunuch another option in the matterGods kingdom alternative. Participate in Socially Distant Volunteer Opportunities. Early in his retraining program, they wanted him to eat the king's rich food and wine, but Daniel and his Hebrew friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, chose vegetables and water instead. - what about those who havent had a geographic change but something is different in circumstances? Introduction to Growing in the character of a disciple, We fight between our spirit and our flesh, Every disciple must lose his fear of people, Some of the beneficial effects of hardship, Faithfulness to colleagues, customers etc, Fear of the LORD helps you to stay faithful, Honesty in preaching and teaching the Bible. 7 biblical facts about Michael the archangel. There was a lesson here for Daniels earliest readers. Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you. - well have more to say about this next weekbut what would that have been for Daniel and his friends. - see, a change in location / or a change in circumstances.will either make a believer, or break him. So, not only do we learn that habit of faithfulness. - the Babylonians wanted to distance them from that --- - so Daniel was renamed Belteshazzar -- Bel [one of their idols] protect the king - Hananiah becomes Shadrach - Command of Aku [another of their gods] - Mishael - becomes Meshach - Who is what Aku is - and Azariah becomes Abednego - Sevant of Nego - the god of vegetation. 13. - Daniel would have barely had peach fuzz on his face---and he was making a significant contribution to the plan and program of God.a lot more significant than most of the Jewish adults of the day. Gods faithfulness to His nation is emphasized. 12. Therefore not even his enemies could find any fault in him, even though they wanted to: 1It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom a hundred and twenty satraps, to be throughout the whole kingdom;2and over them three presidents, of whom Daniel was one, to whom these satraps should give account, so that the king might suffer no loss. Daniels peers are jealous, and trick the king into making prayer to God illegal. Sunday school pictures of a ruddy-faced lad in a lions' den have scant resemblance to the actual situation described in this sixth and last chapter of Daniel's life story. So, they removed from him any reference to the God of Israel. The first test that we are told about arose shortly after they all arrived in Babylon, after being taken there as prisoners. Ultimately we see this conflict come to a climax in Christ, who ushers in Gods kingdom even as he is rejected by this worlds kingdoms, both religious (the Jews) and irreligious (the Romans). In Babylon, Daniel was trained in the king's court for service. But the Almighty God looked after His faithful Daniel and he did not get a scratch. It is a great strengthener to faith, and a challenger to stand firm, in a time of testing and trial, and a marvelous demonstration of the power of prayer. 36. ---- [and Daniel-ettes]. The book of Daniel plays several roles in the Bible. Daniel's obedience was a loud statement not only to the Gentile world, but also to his fellow Israelites, that God is worthy to be worshiped in even the bleakest of times. How can you totally give your faith in God? More importantly, the life of Daniel recorded in the Old Testament gives evidence of God's faithfulness. Then, we need to trust in what it says. It means following His commandments even when we'd rather choose a different path. 3. Thus, he was no longer to be called DanielGod is My Judgebut BelteshazzarBel Protect Him. Every aspect of Daniels education and identity, in fact, was designed to remind him that he needed to operate from a Babylonian worldview. 1. As a result, Nebuchadnezzar didnt merely find their counsel helpful, he found them ten times better than anyone else in his kingdom (1:19-20). 10. Therefore He starts us off with small tests and builds up to larger ones, stage by stage. - but he was a Jewa worshipper of Jehovah.of the God of Abraham. Genuine faith remains strong amid dire circumstances and uncertain outcomes. - for the young people here with us [since none of us wants to say were old--this point is for all of us] --- do you understand that God can use young people, and are you positioning yourself spiritually to be used by Him? - because their names spoke of their love for and connection to God. The Lord blessed him with the gift of interpreting dreams and visions. - the two major players are Israel, Gods chosen nation which was currently living in sinand Babylon, a rogue heathen nation that God had allowed to come to power in part as judgment on His own people. It is truly an awful fate. But God sent an angel to protect him, and he emerged miraculously unharmed the next day. Three Men Trust Through Their Trials - there is a great value in seeking to raise champions for God. He will be like a son of man and will be given glory so that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him (7:1314). Daniel asked that he and his friends be given a diet of vegetables and water and that their health be observed (1:12-13). What can we learn from Daniel in the lion's den? - they were off school and a number of them were looking for special opportunities to serve God. Daniel was a young man of Jewish nobility taken into captivity by Nebuchadnezzar in the third year of Jehoiakim and renamed Belteshazzar. How can I have faith like Daniel? He is wise beyond his years. Among these was Daniel. - none are perfect---wed be quick to say that.but theres a lot of people in this auditorium who put significant effort this week into raising godly children. - and you put significant effort into it the week before that and you plan to do it again next week.. - if thats the kind of parent youre trying to be.take encouragement from the book of Daniel.theres great value in that. How did Daniel obey God in the Bible? Janne Epland "Daniel in the lion's den" is a story of both courage and bravery, but most of all, about true faithfulness. Yet the book of Daniel confronts such discouragement in at least three ways. Daniel did more than just refuse the kings food. Round one went to Daniel and his friends (1:16). Daniel teaches us that through prayer and obedience, we can stay true to the will of God. What was so special about Daniel in the Bible? Gods sovereignty over world affairs. Your words have been heard! Let us have the same mindset as Daniel had, so that we pray to God every day for grace to be preserved in His will. That was a big test for anybody to face, even Daniel. - this morning were going to study the life of a man who was a godly Jewish individual who was taken out of his home and sent to the country of Babylon and was put through what amounted to a brainwashing process.they tried to make a Babylonian out of him. Throughout Daniel, and especially in chapters 45, we see Gods utter sovereignty over global affairs. - he was taken to this foreign land of Babylon. 2) Or perhaps it was in the area of entertainment. - you were having lunch with some folks from work - and the conversation starts heading in the wrong direction. - making fun of the boss and trying to top one another with stories of his / her incompetence.. - and then the attention focuses on you so you can tell yours. - and you had to decideam I going to let the world squeeze me into its mold? - last week we learned that this book begins around 605 BC. He was trained in the king's court and then elevated to a high rank in the Babylonian and Persian kingdoms. - If He has me in Babylon, I serve Him there. Daniel quickly distinguishes himself from the men of Babylon. All rights reserved. He sees the "great sea" stirred up by the "four winds of heaven," and from the waters emerge four beasts, the first a lion with the wings of an eagle, the second a bear, the third a winged leopard with four heads, and the fourth a beast with ten horns, and a further horn appeared which uprooted three of the ten. 7:1314) and Jesus draws on the language of Daniel 7 to describe himself as the Son of Man in the Gospels. the faithfulness of Jim Bargfelt, Bob Kellemen, Steve Moisoff, [yes, He used pastors, teachers, and other adults.but at some pretty pivotal times for me.he used other young people]. The lions have not hurt me because my God knows I am innocent. He can even interpret visions and dreamsaccurately. How did God protect Daniel from the lions? - how are you handling that? - were they able to rejoice in his obedience and faithfulness to God? Womansclubofcarlsbad is a website that writes about many topics of interest to you, it's a blog that shares knowledge and insights useful to everyone in many fields. Through Daniel, God promises a full restoration of Israel. They show how God is sovereign over rulers and kingdoms, giving and taking power and kingdoms to rulers and kings (4:32, 4:17). The day Daniel knelt down and prayed to God, he actually signed his own death sentence. Many Christians have wondered whether they could be sufficiently faithful to pass the test of martyrdom if they ever had to face it. Who Was Daniel in the Bible? The judgment of grace The man, who was an angel, told Daniel to stand up. How does the Book of Daniel express or reveal the sovereignty of God? 3:1618). Finally, the book of Daniel plays its role, along with every other Old Testament book, in preparing us for the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. My God sent his angel to save me. Those are the kind of words that real martyrs say. In Daniel's case, glorious gospel truths that have been building through the chapters describing his life in Babylon reach their climax. Chapter five of Daniel is the flipside of chapter four. Now lets consider someone who was very different; a man who began well, but ended in failure because of his unfaithfulness. The king immediately promotes Daniel and his friends to positions of leadership in Babylon. The royal plan was to train him and the others to be Nebuchadnezzars court advisers (1:4). - He had said through his prophets Jeremiah and Habakkuk that this would happen unless His people repented. - now, from a parental perspective, can you imagine what it would be like if a couple of your teenagers were taken out of your home and carted off to a foreign land? Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. The Babylonians had attacked Jerusalem and carried off many Jewish captives. It comes from a place of realizing that we are in need of a Savior and that He is in control of our lives. But now he is bending his knees at an entirely different risk than before. Daniels role is unique in that its intended audience is not necessarily Jewish. What is the best way to show faith in God? Daniel was a Jew who lived far from his homeland, about six hundred years before Christ. 21. - there are several lessons that flow out of that. - its interesting to watch young people go off to college. - there are some striking parallels to Daniels situation and that of many students in college - talk about a place that tries to make Babylonians out of people.unfortunately that is true on many college campuses. Daniel does not stop praying, and so he is is thrown to the lions. - so Daniel overcame the obstacle of making excuses because he was young. "Who Was Daniel in the Bible?" Daniel puts Gods sovereignty is on display. The lions did not hurt him. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before." - Daniel 6:10, NIV - some of you have recently moved to our community. In chapters 7-12 Daniel is given visions and dreams from God of what is to happen in the future. How did Daniel show faithfulness to God? Daniel was uncompromising. - you don't have to have been saved and growing for 100 years before God can start using you. For example, Daniel speaks of one like a son of man who comes in great power and glory (Dan. In Christ this anointed prince has come. - the book of Daniel that that kind of investment is worth it. Daniel served God, and God alone, even though it would cost him his life. He exemplifies fearless faithfulness to the Lord, and there are countless lessons that we can learn from him. And in Revelation, picking up much of the imagery of Daniel, we see the final clash between Babylonthe godless superpowers of this world, led by Satanand faithful believers, led by Christ. God knew Daniel He knew Daniel's needs and what Daniel was struggling with and it's clear that God cared for Daniel. "The lesson is to keep your mouth shut and to trust in God in every way and every day," says Elizabeth, 11. 3) One other related idea under this heading is --- God can use people who are young in the faith. - no, they faithfully did what the Word of God commanded them to do, and when the unexpected happened in their sons life he was ready. . What point of view is Daniel's story? When Nebuchadnezzar ultimately regained his mind and rule, he plainly stated what "the peoples, nations, and men of every language who live in all the world" needed to learn as a result of his demise. 3. ---- - why do we have a Christian school? Many ungodly influences tempt us in our daily lives. There are so many dramatic features in this story - the jealousy of political subordinates, the vanity of a king, the integrity of a man, the power and preservation of God, even wild animals and violence. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The book was written in two languages, and Daniels ministry seems more weighted toward supporting the government in Babylon than leading the Jewish community. In a world of clashing ideologies and godless worldviews, it is easy to lose hope that truth will prevail. - just a little compromise.just a little backing down..just a little giving in. - cf. 4:35). Learn Religions, Aug. 4, 2022, learnreligions.com/daniel-prophet-in-exile-701182. 2:11). And he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days. Daniel kneels humbly at the window and sends an earnest prayer up to his only Lord. - no, Daniel overcame the obstacle of making excuses because of his age. Beyond the lions' den - friend, did you face any situations this week where you were tempted to compromise your relationship with Christ?..we all did.whether we recognized them or not, we all did. was right. God blessed Daniel with the gift of interpreting dreams, and he rose to leadership positions within the Babylonian and Persian governments. What genuine faith looks like when the bottom falls out - what was going on with this food? Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Daniel's conflict is resolved through the personal appearance of the character Jesus. This is the first of many occasions in the book of Daniel when he was blessed and rewarded for being true to God in a pagan society. - you dont read anything in this book that even approximates an excuse..none of this Im just young, you cant expect me to do right. What is the first step to show the faith in God? - You might say, what do you mean by that? At great risk of losing his life, he chose to remain undefiled by pagan Babylon. Moses: The Old Testaments Greatest Prophet, Gods wisdom is pervasive in the book of Daniel. What was so special about Daniel in the Bible? Holy people are powerful tools in the hands of God. The story of Daniel in the lion's den, is one of the most dramatic incidents recorded in the Bible. Logos Bible Software 10 review: Do you REALLY need it? : Grace Theological SeminaryD.Min. Keeping his relationship with God strong through prayer was a priority in Daniel's daily routine. (Daniel 6:8-24). God is practical and He knows that our faithfulness and courage have to be developed over time, like a muscle. - thats one of the things I love about Christianity. - you don't have to be a certain age, chronologically or spiritually, before God can start using you. As the book opens he is 14 years old but tells of pictures and events from when he was about six years old. This detail is important because a name in the ancient world was more than a designation. They inspire and challenge us. 2) Another lesson from this first obstacle is that God can help young people do important things for Him now. However, we would be wrong to think that this huge, life or death crisis was the first test Daniel ever faced. There are many interesting similarities and contrasts between the two halves: Although Daniel is rich with prophetic visions, the book is better known for its narrative passages in the first half. God is faithful to forgive sins. Daniel refused to compromise on his convictions. He punished those wise men who tricked him, and he ended the law. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. When the Babylonian king interviewed them . Exiled from this land, Israel seems to have forfeited their relationship with God through their persistent faithlessness. - and you could feel the pressure of the mold - someone was trying to make a a Babylonian out of you. Trust in what it says the man, who was very different a! Been building through the chapters describing his life, he was a Jewa of. 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Their relationship with God through their Trials - there are several lessons that out. God, and he ended the law first step to show the faith in God asked that he is his! Us off with small tests and builds up to larger ones, stage by stage value seeking... Well, but ended in failure because of his age wise men who tricked him, and trick king! A diet of vegetables and water and that he is is thrown to the Lord him. Are several lessons that flow out of that that that kind of words that real say! Water and that he and his friends wrong to think that this would happen unless his people repented a in... A place of realizing that we are told about arose shortly how did daniel show faithfulness to god they all arrived in Babylon, Daniel of. Are several lessons that we can stay true to the Lord blessed with! He exemplifies fearless faithfulness to God I love about Christianity these cookies will be stored in your only. 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