Daniel stands tall among the godly servants who had served God faithfully. He was born in a royal family in Judah and was taken as a captive in his teens. But he resolved to adhere to God irrespective of his captivity. For a believer who is separated for God's holy purpose to keep his holiness in a land like Babylon was a real challenge (Daniel 1:8-19). Even then he and his compatriots could keep up with God's rule of separation. Prov. 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” His initial training in his home ground had proved worthwhile when he was challenged in a heathen surrounding. Let us train up our young ones accordingly so that they will stand up for God.

As we move ahead we see how God favored him with divine wisdom and understanding, which he used to help the rulers of his times. He totally believed in the sovereignty of God over all. This made his work more effective among the heathen surrounding. In general, his piety led him through his long tenure in the courts of Babylonian, Mede and Persian kings. He was mightily used by God to prove God’s control over the nations of the then known world. Even after all these wonderful revelations and senior positions in kings’ courts, his attitude was that of a humble man—a model for us to follow in our daily walk with God. He can use us in various ways in our culture to bring in wisdom from above through our living relationship with God Almighty. 

Towards the end of his life God showed Daniel the vision of the future events and he was puzzled. Chapters 7-12 deal with these visions. Some were really startling revelations that he became terrified. This led him to pray as we see in chapter 9. But God answered him that  many things are hidden for a time and will only be revealed only at its due time. [Dan 12:8-9 NKJV]: ... Then I said, "My lord, what shall be the end of these things?"And he said, "Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.” In this life there were will be many things which are not understood by us. That does not mean that we are short of any blessing; instead what is beneficial for us, God will reveal it to us. But that which does not fall in our share may not be revealed. In today's world many are deceived in the name of these hidden knowledge. Our carnal nature will cause us to go after these hidden knowledge, which can end up in traps laid by the devil himself. So take care no one will deceive us!

The beautiful portion recorded in the Bible regarding the life and ministry of Daniel was his commendation from God that he will be resurrected at the end of days. He was assured by God Himself about his inheritance in the eternal kingdom for his faithful service for God down here on earth. This is what we should aim for in this life. Let us strive after the things that are of eternal value as we read and meditate on today’s Word of God from the book of Daniel. 

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Thought for the day:

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. [Colossians 3:1 NKJV]