Inasmuch as an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting dreams, solving riddles, and explaining enigmas were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, now let Daniel be called, and he will give the interpretation. (Daniel 5:12)
Last week, Pastor Sam shared a devotional on “Dare To Be Right”! The childhood song. “Dare to be a Daniel”. immediately came to mind and I find it to be an appropriate follow-up to the challenge presented in last week’s devotional. Now is not the time for complacency but rather for men and women to stand up for the Faith. Daniel’s life provides us with several keys in how this can be achieved.
1. A life separated and consecrated to God
But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. (Daniel 1:8)
The pleasantries of Babylon were made available to Daniel due to his position and role before the king. He made a conscious decision to not allow his heart to be tempted and drawn astray from God. How would we respond if offered similar privileges? Do we love and know God enough in being able to refrain from worldly treasures?
Daniel, along with his three friends, also made the decision to consecrate themselves to God in prayer and fasting over a period of ten days (Daniel 1:12-14). The fruit of their efforts? An increase of Wisdom and Knowledge (Daniel 1:17). Isaiah speaks of the importance of growing in these anointings.
Wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of your times, And the strength of salvation; The fear of the LORD is His treasure. (Isaiah 33:6)
2. Understanding Dreams and Visions
The Chaldeans answered the king, and said, “There is not a man on earth who can tell the king’s matter; therefore no king, lord, or ruler has ever asked such things of any magician, astrologer, or Chaldean. (Daniel 2:10)
The king had a troubling dream that he could not remember, let alone know of its meaning. He demanded of his leaders to both tell him the dream and its interpretation. His men said there was no such man that could do this. But yes, there was a man! Daniel, due to him being set apart and consecrated to God, was able to have the dream and its meaning revealed to him by God. Remember, the prophet Joel spoke of a time when the Spirit of God would pour out his spirit resulting in men, women, sons and daughters prophesying and having visions and dreams (Joel 2:28).
Today’s world is filled with complex challenges. Are there Daniels who will be able to provide wisdom and guidance? Whether we are the leader of a home, a church, business or nation, God can provide the needed answers for any matter. Daniel’s exemplary character is the model we should seek to emulate.
3. Consistency in Prayer
Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days. (Daniel 6:10)
There were many leaders who were jealous of Daniel because of his reputation for having an excellent spirit (Daniel 6:3). They sought to trap him based on Daniel’s commitment to prayer. Even though Daniel understood their plot, he continued to maintain his disciplined prayer life.
As we progress in our Christian walk, we become more aware of our need to pray. This was seen in the life of Jesus as He drew nearer to the cross (Luke 22:42-44, John 17). The same is true for our day. It is important that we do not allow the fast-paced pulse of life to get in the way of spending time with God. May Daniel’s example provoke us to a stronger devotional life in both Bible reading and prayer.
There are many other lessons that can be drawn from the life of Daniel. For example, in his prayer, he would take responsibility for the sins of the nation (Daniel 9:5, 8, 11, 15). There is a reason why Daniel came into such a realm of wisdom and revelation knowledge. He dared to be different and stand out in a time when there was need for such leadership. What about today? Daniel spoke of a time when there would be those who would turn many to righteousness, in addition to an increasing of knowledge (Daniel 12:3-4). Will we be the Daniels of our day?
Dare to be a Daniel, Dare to stand alone, Dare to have a purpose firm, Dare to make it known.
DAILY MEDITATIONS:
Monday: Luke 18:1
Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart,
Tuesday: Ezekiel 14:14
Even if these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they would deliver only themselves by their righteousness,” says the Lord GOD.
Wednesday: Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.
Thursday: Daniel 1:20
And in all matters of wisdom and understanding about which the king examined them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in all his realm.
Friday: Luke 2:52
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
Saturday: Daniel 10:11
And he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you.” While he was speaking this word to me, I stood trembling.
Sunday: Matthew 24:15
“Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand),
All scriptures are quoted from the New King James Version (NKJV).
By Pastor Timothy O’Connell
