Lord’s Day, Vol. 9 No. 34
Dare to Be a Daniel
“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself…Daniel 1:8a”
The church living in these troublous times is exhorted to learn from the example of young Daniel. The theme of this book of Daniel is that in spite of Satan and his demons, where depraved world systems are going, God is the sovereign ruler of this universe in total control of everything that is happening. When we read the newspaper, we must read between the lines and see the hand of God. And this is a message we desperately need today.
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 to them godly names. Possibly raised up in godly homes from a young age to fear the living and true God of Israel – Jehovah.
They were being deported by the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar to Babylonian so that they may learn the Babylonian culture and become useful instruments for him to spread the Babylonian system.
Observe several traits in Daniel’s character.
(1) A Commitment to Purity (v8a)
The word “purposed” in the perfect tense signifying completed action means “set, determine, fix”. Daniel set 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 that he found himself captive. He made a commitment in his heart to purity of faith.
(2) Cared 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.” He knew the right thing to do as a worshipper of Jehovah and he is steadfast to do what’s right before God, leaving the outcome to God. This trait meant possible affliction and suffering but his heart was set. He would rather go to the lions’ den than to stop praying to his God.
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 his life, he put God first. He trusted God with all his heart as the Book of Proverbs teach us in Proverbs 3:5-6 “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.” This trait can be seen throughout his life. He would pray three times a day facing Jerusalem.
The outcome of his 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.”
This verse tells that Daniel knows the truth and he abides by it. God blesses 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.”
The wisdom from God’s Word is true wisdom. When we are instructed from God’s wisdom by abiding in Jesus Christ, the Source of all wisdom, He helps us live righteously. In Christ is hid “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3). Do you realize that?
Dangers of Worldly Defilement
These contradict biblical teachings, destroying the Christian way of life, advocating ungodly man-centred ideas impacting families and the very fabric of society.
- Weakens marriage and family life
- Downgrade parental authority
- Downgrade traditional attitudes toward sex, morality and life
- Substitute situation ethics for absolutes of right and wrong
- Deny the importance of written contracts
- Undermining national independence and sovereignty
Christians have the God-given mandate to examine carefully the ideas they are exposed to and the books they read. Most of all, to provide for themselves wholesome and godly teachings from God’s Word.
Conclusion
The training of Daniel started early in life. From a young age, he set his life straight in God’s sight and God gave to 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.” Dare to be a Daniel!
Gospel Rally 2021
Do pray as we prepare for the upcoming Gospel Rally held in the Fellowship Hall at 10am (Mandarin) and in the Worship Centre at 3pm (English) on 5 September 2021.
The theme is “Jesus Christ and Him Crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2).
There are invitation cards that you may take to invite friends and loved ones.
The Lord help us! Amen.
Yours lovingly,
Pastor Lek Aik Wee