Lord’s Day, Vol. 4 No. 08

Dare to Be a Daniel

Daniel 1:8a “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself…”

God’s people living in today’s troublous times are encouraged to “Dare to Be Like Daniel”. The book of Daniel tells us that in spite of what depraved leaders of this world system are doing, God is still the sovereign ruler of this universe. He is in total control of everything that is happening.

The name Daniel means “God is my judge”. His friends, Hananiah means “The Grace of Jehovah”, Mishael – “Who is what God is”, Azariah – “Jehovah helps”. Their parents gave them godly names. They were probably raised up in godly homes, and from young, learned to fear the living and true God of Israel – Jehovah.

These young men were deported to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar to learn the Babylonian culture and be useful instruments to spread the Babylonian system.

We can observe several traits in Daniel’s character.

 

1) A Commitment to Purity (v8a)

Daniel set out in his young heart to be dedicated, committed and devoted to his God by not defiling himself with the pollutions of the idolatrous Babylonian culture. He made a commitment in his heart to purity of religion. He “purposed” in his heart.

 

2) A Care Only to Do What’s Right in God’s Sight (v8b)

Daniel “requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defiled himself.” (Daniel 1:8b)

Daniel knew the right thing to do as a worshipper of Jehovah, and he was steadfast to do what was right in the sight of God, leaving the outcome to Him. This trait meant possible affliction and persecution, but his heart was set.

 

Dare to be Right

Dare to do right! Dare to be true!

You have a work that no other can do;

Do it so bravely, so kindly, so well,

Angels will hasten the story to tell.

 

Dare to do right! Dare to be true!

God, who created you, cares for you too,

Treasures the tears that His striving ones shed,

Counts and protects every hair of your head.

 

Dare to do right! Dare to be true!

Cannot Omnipotence carry you through?

City and mansion and throne all in sight,

Can you not dare to be true and be right?

 

Dare to do right! Dare to be true!

Prayerfully, lovingly, firmly pursue

The path by apostles and martyrs once trod,

The path of the just to the city of God.

(George Lansing Taylor)

 

3) A Complete Trust in God (v8b)

Though young, God was pre-eminent in Daniel’s life. He put God first.

Proverbs 3:5-6 declares, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Daniel prayed three times daily, a habit he kept throughout his life. He would rather go to the den of lions than to stop praying to his God, Jehovah (Daniel 6:10,16).

Outcome of Daniel’s Unwavering Faith in God

1) Favour with God and man (v9)

Daniel 1:9 “Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.”

Daniel knew the truth and abode by it, and God blessed him.

2) Bestowed Godly Wisdom (v17, 20) Daniel 1:17, 20 “As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams…And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.”

God gave Daniel and his three friends wisdom that surpassed any persons in Babylon. God’s Word is the best wisdom. In Christ is “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3).

CONCLUSION

From a young age, Daniel set his life straight in God’s sight and God gave him success. Joshua 1:8 “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”

Yours lovingly,

Pastor Lek Aik Wee