SCRIPTURE: Daniel 1-7
A people in bondage because of their sin.
A foreign ruler oppressing the people, treating them as slaves.
A faithful prince, staying true to God despite the consequences.
This prince survives the death penalty (lions den), and is restored to life.
The foreign rulers are judged, and found wanting; God’s prince is vindicated.
Daniel is a messianic prince, a reminder of God’s coming Saviour.
“In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.” (Daniel 7:13-14)
Jesus is this human being (son of man) who is given authority over all heaven and earth.
We are called to follow Jesus; like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, we will survive the fires.
We are to resist the temptations of the world around us, and live by God’s diet.
With Jesus, we will show that God is God, and His kingdom cannot be defeated.
Stay true to God, even in hard times; He will raise you up in the end!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, You have been given given authority, glory and sovereign power! I choose to follow You!
Jesus follower
trying to find His way
Observation/Application
Standing up for your beliefs – eating the foods for their religious reasons. Staying true. ‘7 To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning.’ reminds me once again that it is the Lord God Who gives wisdom as Daniel also praised the Lord after he received the mystery of the vision. It is God Who gives all to His people – also their learning to make them instruments of His peace..
Although the king fell down in honour of Daniel it wasn’t long before he made an image to be worshipped. We all too often need advice when in need and then forget those who have helped us because we love to have the recognition. Vain we are. At all times we need to serve the living God who gives us all that we need in good times and other times. Stand up for Jesus.
The deliverance – love that statement. Just like when we pray for healing – sometimes the disease is taken from us and other times we are taken out of the disease. Trust God always and worship Him always. He is the Deliverer. He alone saves. But all too often we are puffed up with our own pride.forgetting that God is God. He must be first in our lives and be acknowledged in all that we do.
In living for Jesus – habits are also good. Setting aside specific times for prayer in addition to other times is good. Setting time for the Lord is good because all too often we get lost in doing our own thing and find no time for Him. Devotions first thing in the morning is my thing. Make time for Jesus. Spend time with Him.
Standing by a purpose true,
Heeding God’s command,
Honor them, the faithful few!
All hail to Daniel’s band!
Refrain
Dare to be a Daniel,
Dare to stand alone!
Dare to have a purpose firm!
Dare to make it known.
Many mighty men are lost
Daring not to stand,
Who for God had been a host
By joining Daniel’s band.
Refrain
Many giants, great and tall,
Stalking through the land,
Headlong to the earth would fall,
If met by Daniel’s band.
Refrain
Hold the Gospel banner high!
On to vict’ry grand!
Satan and his hosts defy,
And shout for Daniel’s band.