Re:Verse passage – Daniel 1:1-21 (day five)
“In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah”
There is an interesting background to where we pick up Daniel’s story (chapter 1). Daniel is around 16 (3rd year in reign of king Jehoiakim) when he is taken captive. Scholars use this information to place the birth of Daniel around 622 BC. This is important because around this same time, king Josiah begins to repair and restore the temple. Perhaps the most significant result was the discovery of the Word of God that was lost and probably forgotten. Josiah then instructs and encourages the reading and teaching of God’s Word. So, Daniel grows up in a community and context of regular exposure to God’s Word. Worship, Study, Ceremony.
Is it any coincidence that later on in life (age 16) he has courage and conviction to honor and serve God above any other authority.
Wonder where the amazing wisdom and insight comes from? (God’s Word) Wonder where peace in the midst of persecution and dysfunction comes from? (God’s Word)
Who wants and needs the kind of character and steadfast faith we see Daniel display in chapter 1? Not just kids, but teens and adults also need regular encounters with God’s Word individually and in community.
So, Will you gather with a community of believers this Sunday to encounter and learn God’s Word? The result could be life giving!
Amen! There is nothing more powerful than the living Word of God to shape us into being more like Christ. I thank God we have the privilege of having His Word so easily available.
“I was GLAD when they said unto me, let us GO into the House of The Lord”