Category: Seasons of Life

Re: Verse reading–Daniel 1 (day three)
“[Daniel] asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.”  The scriptures tell us that “Daniel resolved not to defile himself.”  As undesirable as the circumstances appeared to Daniel, his first inclination was not to rail against his surroundings, but to please the Lord within his surroundings.  There was a voice in Daniel’s life–from the Lord, from his upbringing, from wise counsel, from somewhere–that expressed this thought to him: “You’re here; what are you going to do about it?”  It’s the same thing Paul knew later on: “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”  Early on, Daniel, like Paul after him, decided that his priority, wherever he found himself, was to live with God.  Here.  Now.  Security followed.

Re: Verse reading–Daniel 1 (day two)
“…The Lord handed Jehoiakim king of Judah over to him…” Jehoiakim’s name means “the LORD raises up.” He didn’t choose to be king of Judah. His father, King Josiah, was killed in battle. His brother lasted as king for 3 months. Then the conquering ruler made Jehoiakim king (see 2 Kings 23). In defeat, Jehoiakim’s name rang true although he was no longer “raised up.” Daniel is clear. It is the Lord who “raised up” this conquering king of Babylon. The Lord gives the city over to defeat. Ironically, this is the note of hope amidst crushing defeat. If God was sovereign in defeat, then God will be sovereign in restoration. Perhaps this pattern was on Jesus’ mind when he said, “I lay down my life-only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord” (John 10:17-18). In a surprising way, the pattern applies to us as well. “Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers” (1 John 3:16). The greatest evidence of a hopeful Christian is sacrificial service. So are you hopeful?

Re: Verse reading–Daniel 1 (day one)
“But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself”  (v 8)  Handsome, young, gifted man.  Opportunity for advancement in a secular culture.  The price?  Accomodate his beliefs.  Compromise the commandments of God.   It is a classic story of temptation and faithfulness.  Daniel searches his heart and then searches for a way to serve Nebuchadnezzar and still serve Jehovah.  He resolves that his commitment to God is first.  He will not compromise the path of purity commanded by God.  In doing so, he becomes our example.  Does purity matter?  Is obedience to God’s law a realistic path in a secular world?  Daniel concludes that the answer is yes and resolves to walk the path with courage.  Part of God’s equipment for his people is a clear conscience before the Father.  “Therefore, if a man cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.”  (2 Timothy 2:21)