Tag Archives: Daniel 1:8

Grace That Sustains??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 21

18 Monday Apr 2022

Posted by in All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Daniel's choices, Good News, Grace, Jesus Knows, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Repentance, True Knowledge, Trust God, Trusting Jesus?, Truth, Turn to God's Word

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 21   Grace That Sustains???

“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego,

answered and said to the king,

O Nebuchadnezzar,

we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.

17 If it be so,

our God whom we serve

is able to deliver us

from the burning fiery furnace,

and he will deliver us

out of thine hand, O king.

18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king,

that we will not serve thy gods,

nor worship the golden image

which thou hast set up.”  Daniel 3:16-18

We’re all familiar with the story of Daniel’s three friends and the fiery furnace, but do we really understand the import of the stand that these three godly young men took?  They demonstrated an amazing trust, confidence and assurance of the grace, power and sufficiency of their GOD—The Sovereign Lord God Almighty of Israel!  The God who reigns in all things; all things that they had seen, and experienced because they had determined to serve their God faithfully no matter the circumstances of their service to a pagan king in Babylon!  They knew that God’s power, grace and provision would deliver them, either out of the fire or through it into HIS presence!  How about you and me?

“But Daniel purposed in his heart

that he would not defile himself

with the portion of the king’s meat,

nor with the wine which he drank:

therefore he requested of the prince

of the eunuchs

that he might not defile himself”. Daniel 1:8

While Daniel and his friends had a faith and confidence in God’s grace, we can also have that amazing, glorious, life-giving grace which God in His mercy has provided for us at Calvary.

“For we ourselves also were sometimes

foolish,

disobedient,

deceived,

serving divers lusts and pleasures,

living in malice and envy,

hateful,

and hating one another.

4 But after that the kindness and love

of God our Saviour

toward man appeared,

5 Not by works of righteousness

which we have done,

but according to his mercy

he saved us,

by the washing of regeneration,

and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

6 Which he shed on us abundantly

through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

7 That being justified by his grace,

we should be made heirs

according to the hope

of eternal life.”   Titus 3:3-7

Kind of like something I recently heard, “No matter how hard you try, you can’t get an egg from a rooster”!  Now some of you dear city friends may not get it, but just FYI, only “hens” lay eggs!  So, our self-righteousness is just about as likely to get us to heaven on our own, as waiting on an egg from a rooster!  Paul had a great deal to say about our inability to save ourselves, apart from the grace of God.

“For by grace are ye saved

through faith;

and that not of yourselves:

it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works,

lest any man should boast.

10 For we are his workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus

unto good works,

which God hath before ordained

that we should walk

in them.”  Ephesians 2:8-10

And as he told the believers in Rome:

“What then?

are we better than they?

No, in no wise:

for we have before proved

both Jews and Gentiles,

that they are all under sin;

10 As it is written,

There is none righteous,

no,

not one:

11 There is none that understandeth,

there is none that seeketh after God…

….23 For all have sinned,

and come short of the glory of God;

24 Being justified freely

by his grace

through the redemption

that is in Christ Jesus:”   Portions of Romans 3:9-24

We must decide if we want to be a man, woman, boy or girl of faith and obedience, or if we want to walk our own way! Grace is God’s provision, but we must be willing to repent of our sin—going our own way—and believe in the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross for SIN.  The very resurrection of our Lord and Redeemer Jesus, whose saving work of redemption we celebrate and praise God for each day but especially on this most special day of recognizing the work of grace, love and redemption that God has provided, and continues to provide for “whosoever will”!

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent

in the wilderness,

even so must the Son of man

be lifted up:

15 That whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have eternal life.

16 For God so loved the world,

that he gave

his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have everlasting life.”  John 3:14-16

Jesus was lifted up in a ‘wilderness of sin’, just as Moses lifted up the serpent in a geographic wilderness.  The question is which “whosoever” are you?  One of the believers and receivers, or one of the rejecters and hence the doomed?

“And he commanded us to preach

unto the people,

and to testify

that it is he

which was ordained of God

to be the Judge

of quick and dead.

*** 43 To him

give all the prophets witness,  ***

that through his name

whosoever believeth in him

shall receive remission of sins.”  Acts 10:42-43

Paul reiterated to the believers at Rome that salvation is a grace gift that is available to “whosoever” will call upon Jesus!

“But what saith it?

The word is nigh thee,

even in thy mouth,

and in thy heart:

that is, the word of faith,

which we preach;

9 That if thou shalt confess

with thy mouth

the Lord Jesus,

and shalt believe

in thine heart

that God hath raised him from the dead,

thou shalt be saved.

10 For with the heart

man believeth unto righteousness;

and with the mouth

confession is made unto salvation.

11 For the scripture saith,

Whosoever believeth on him

shall not be ashamed.

12 For there is no difference

between the Jew and the Greek:

for the same Lord over all

is rich unto all that call upon him.

13 For whosoever shall call

upon the name of the Lord

shall be saved.”  Romans 10:8-13

I implore you to please come to The Lord Jesus to receive HIS saving grace!  There is only one alternative, and I pray that you will choose Jesus instead.  God’s sufficient grace is just that, “all sufficient” for saving, leading, keeping and escorting us into the very presence of God, in HIS time!

“And I saw the dead,

small and great,

stand before God;

and the books were opened:

and another book was opened,

which is the book of life:

and the dead were judged

out of those things

which were written in the books,

according to their works.

13 And the sea gave up the dead

which were in it;

and death and hell delivered up the dead

which were in them:

and they were judged

every man according to their works.

14 And death and hell

were cast into the lake of fire.

This is the second death.

15 And whosoever

was not found written in the book of life

was cast into the lake of fire.”   Revelation 20:12-15

The choice is yours, but don’t miss the grace of God which is there for YOU; not just saving grace, but as I mentioned above, ‘saving, leading, keeping and escorting’ grace—provided by the blood of Jesus Christ, which “cleanseth us from all sin”! (See Matthew 1:21 & 1 John 1:7)!

“But by the grace of God

I am what I am:

and his grace which was bestowed upon me

was not in vain;

but I laboured more abundantly than they all:

yet not I,

but the grace of God which was with me.” 1 Corinthians 15:10

Amen and Amen!!!

Assurance-VS-Arrogance??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 20

07 Sunday Feb 2021

Posted by in A Father's Love, All Sufficient God!, Assurance or Arrogance, Be not conformed to this world, Blessed by God, Bloom Where You're Planted!, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Confidence or Presumption?, Daniel Prayed--Will You?, Daniel's choices, Dare To Be Different!, Faithful, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, Fearlessness

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 20    Assurance-VS-Arrogance???

 

We have read continually the decision of Daniel and his friends regarding their devotion to God, their godly character, and integrity; an integrity that we need to take note of and learn from.  We are looking at the behavior of godly men who are captives in a pagan land under a pagan king—Nebuchadnezzar—lessons of godly integrity that we can learn from today, especially today!  We begin again with the verse that makes the difference in their lives and can in ours.

“But Daniel purposed in his heart

that he would not defile himself

with the portion of the king’s meat,

nor with the wine which he drank

therefore he requested

of the prince of the eunuchs

that he might not defile himself.”   Daniel 1:8

What have you and I made our mind up about?  Have we committed to trust in God’s provision or are we pursuing our own solutions to the trials of our day?  We talked last time about the character that our three friends had; and I want us to consider the choices that these men made and what they can mean to us!  If you remember, we find them at a grand “unveiling” of the golden statue that the king had erected (in his own honor) yet the issue wasn’t the statute but the call to “worship” and ‘bow down’ before it!

“And God spake all these words, saying,

2 I am the LORD thy God,

which have brought thee

out of the land of Egypt,

out of the house of bondage.

3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

4 Thou shalt not make unto thee

any graven image,

or any likeness of any thing

that is in heaven above,

or that is in the earth beneath,

or that is in the water

under the earth:

5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them,

nor serve them:

for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God,

visiting the iniquity of the fathers

upon the children

unto the third and fourth generation

of them that hate me;

6 And shewing mercy

unto thousands of them

that love me,

and keep my commandments.”   Exodus 20:1-6

Our friends knew the Law of Moses and were committed to keep it—even knowing it could cost them their lives.  The King’s threat was real and as we saw in chapters one and two, Nebuchadnezzar was a man given to temper, and our account in chapter three is a prime example.  But for our purposes we want to focus on the attitudes, responses and humility of our three friends.  Unlike the events of chapter one and two, which were relatively private in nature, this event was a public one and puts our friends on center stage!  What we also see is that their integrity (remember the king promoted them along with Daniel for their wisdom and integrity) has evoked some not-so-nice responses from others!

“Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans

came near,

and accused the Jews.

9 They spake and said to the king Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live for ever.

10 Thou, O king, hast made a decree,

that every man that shall hear the sound

of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick,

shall fall down

and worship the golden image:

11 And whoso falleth not down

and worshippeth,

that he should be cast into the midst

of a burning fiery furnace.

12 There are certain Jews

whom thou hast set over the affairs

of the province of Babylon,

Shadrach,

Meshach,

and Abednego;

these men, O king,

have not regarded thee:

they serve not thy gods,

nor worship the golden image

which thou hast set up.

13 Then Nebuchadnezzar

in his rage and fury

commanded to bring

Shadrach,

Meshach,

and Abednego.

Then they brought these men

before the king.”  Daniel 3:8-13

We could call this the tale of ‘tattlers’, but while our friends were obviously envied, they didn’t respond in kind, but they stood firm in their faith and answered with fearlessness, honor and integrity.  What do you and I do when we are confronted with the ill-will of others?  Do we respond with confidence in our God or our own ‘wits’?  Are you like me and sometimes loose the integrity battle to the smart-mouth urges?  Do we give in to the call of the flesh to answer in kind?  That isn’t what we are called to do, I’m reminded of Paul’s message to the Ephesian church, and while he’s talking about interactions among believers, it applies to the broader context of our relationships with all people.

“Let no corrupt communication

proceed out of your mouth,

but that which is good

to the use of edifying,

that it may minister grace

unto the hearers.

30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God,

whereby ye are sealed

unto the day of redemption.

31 Let all

bitterness,

and wrath,

and anger,

and clamour,

and evil speaking,

be put away from you,

with all malice:

32 And be ye kind

one to another,

tenderhearted,

forgiving one another,

even as God

for Christ’s sake

hath forgiven you.”   Ephesians 4:29-32

Peter also gives us an urgent reminder concerning our behavior, and the import of reflecting our Lord and Savior, Jesus, rather than the world. (And 1 Peter is a great message about suffering for Jesus!)  And friends I believe it’s speeding toward us today!

“Finally,

be ye all of one mind,

having compassion one of another,

love as brethren,

be pitiful,

be courteous:

9 Not rendering evil

for evil,

or railing

for railing:

but contrariwise

blessing;

knowing that ye are thereunto called,

that ye should inherit a blessing.

10 For he that will love life,

and see good days,

let him refrain his tongue

from evil,

and his lips

that they speak no guile:

11 Let him eschew evil,

and do good;

let him seek peace,

and ensue it.

12 For the eyes of the Lord

are over the righteous,

and his ears

are open unto their prayers:

but the face of the Lord

is against them that do evil.

13 And who is he that will harm you,

if ye be followers

of that which is good?”  1 Peter 3:8-13

Jesus Himself gave us an “other worldly” view of relationships and how His children ought to behave.

“Blessed are they

which are persecuted

for righteousness’ sake:

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 Blessed are ye,

when men shall revile you,

and persecute you,

and shall say all manner of evil against you

falsely,

for my sake.

12 Rejoice,

and be exceeding glad:

for great is your reward

in heaven:

for so persecuted they the prophets

which were before you.”  Matthew 5:10-12

We are not alone, when we suffer for Jesus/God; but we must decide, do we want the blessings of God or His judgment.  And don’t be cocky, thinking Christians are never judged, for God will judge His own—not for condemnation, but for discipline and correction.

“Yet if any man suffer

as a Christian,

let him not be ashamed;

but let him glorify God

on this behalf.

17 For the time is come

that judgment must begin

at the house of God:

and if it first begin at us,

what shall the end be

of them that obey not

the gospel of God?”  1 Peter 4:16-17

And more food for thought from God’s Word!  I’m just the messenger!

“For whom the Lord loveth

he chasteneth,

and scourgeth every son

whom he receiveth.

7 If ye endure chastening,

God dealeth with you as with sons;

for what son is he

whom the father chasteneth not?

8 But if ye be without chastisement,

whereof all are partakers,

then are ye bastards,

and not sons.”  Hebrews 12:6-8

So, what does this all have to do with our three friends?  Well, they were willing to “withstand in the evil day”!  Are we?  And, no pun intended, they were about to have their “feet put to the fire”, yet they still stood fast trusting to their GOD!

“Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them,

Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego,

do not ye serve my gods,

nor worship the golden image

which I have set up?

15 Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick,

ye fall down

and worship the image

which I have made; well:

but if ye worship not,

ye shall be cast the same hour

into the midst of a burning

fiery furnace;

and who is that God

that shall deliver you

out of my hands?

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego,

answered

and said to the king,

O Nebuchadnezzar,

we are not careful to answer thee

in this matter.

17 If it be so,

our God whom we serve

is able to deliver us

from the burning fiery furnace,

and he will deliver us

out of thine hand, O king.

18 But if not,

be it known unto thee, O king,

that we will not serve thy gods,

nor worship the golden image

which thou hast set up.”   Daniel 3:14-18

In closing for this session, we see that our friends gave no quarter in their willingness to stand faithfully before their God regardless of the circumstances.  They had seen God’s faithfulness in the past and they trusted their future to Him, and answered the king in humble honesty, knowing that whether God physically delivered them or not—HE would deliver them, and they would NOT BOW!  Are we willing to trust God in all?  Even in the midst of hatred, jealousy and anger.  I’ll leave you with Nebuchadnezzar’s response, and then we’ll pick up next week, with GOD’s response and WOW does GOD have something to say!!!

“Then was Nebuchadnezzar

full of fury,

and the form of his visage

was changed

against

Shadrach,

Meshach,

and Abednego:

therefore he spake,

and commanded

that they should heat the furnace

one seven times more

than it was wont to be heated.

20 And he commanded

the most mighty men

that were in his army

to bind

Shadrach,

Meshach,

and Abednego,

and to cast them

into the burning fiery furnace.”   Daniel 3:19-20

What’s burning in your life?  What fires are you afraid of?  Will you look up trusting God to provide?  Do you know Him?  Do you know HIS Word?  I call you to join me in spending time this week asking God to grow us in grace, truth and love toward those around us.  May others see Jesus in you/me?  May we reflect assurance rather than arrogance?

“Let this mind be in you,

which was also in Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in the form of God,

thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 

7 But made himself of no reputation,

and took upon him the form of a servant,

 and was made in the likeness of men:

 8 And being found in fashion as a man,

he humbled himself,

and became obedient unto death,

even the death of the cross.”  Philippians 2:5-8

Amen and Amen!!!

Used Where They Were? Really?? Bible Ballistics: BBs #707

04 Thursday Feb 2021

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, All Sufficient God!, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Flesh-vs-Spirit, Follow Jesus, Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done, Trials, Troubles, Trust, Trust God, Trusting Jesus, Truth, Under His Wings, You can overcome

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #707 Used Where They Were?   Really??

 

I would like to take some time today taking a preview look at Daniel chapter 3. Why, you might ask; and the answer would be that there is so much to consider besides the exciting story of the “fiery furnace” which is often missed when we just read the story and go on to the next chapter.  I want to give you some homework, if you would, that I think will make our next session together of more benefit to you and me both!

“Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold,

whose height was threescore cubits,

and the breadth thereof six cubits:

he set it up in the plain of Dura,

in the province of Babylon.

2 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together

the princes,

the governors,

and the captains,

the judges,

the treasurers,

the counsellors,

the sheriffs,

and all the rulers of the provinces,

to come to the dedication

of the image which Nebuchadnezzar

the king had set up.

3 Then

the princes,

the governors,

and captains,

the judges,

the treasurers,

the counsellors,

the sheriffs,

and all the rulers of the provinces,

were gathered together

unto the dedication

of the image that Nebuchadnezzar

the king had set up;

and they stood before the image

that Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

4 Then an herald cried aloud,

To you it is commanded,

O people,

nations,

and languages,

5 That at what time ye hear the sound

of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer,

and all kinds of musick,

ye fall down and worship

the golden image

that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up:

6 And whoso falleth not down

and worshippeth

shall the same hour

be cast into the midst

of a burning fiery furnace.”   Daniel 3:1-6

Here we have an encounter that involved three of the four young men that we have been following; and I’ll just tell you up front, we don’t know where Daniel was, but he, at the very least, isn’t mentioned in this account; now whether he was away on government business or assigned to keep charge of the palace in the King’s absence, we just don’t know.  But his three friends are the subject and the object of this account.  If you take a few minutes to go back and review chapter 2’s prophetic part, you’ll find that the emphasis was on a statue, of which King Nebuchadnezzar was represented by the “head of gold”!  No matter what else the king heard from this dream’s interpretation from Daniel, it would appear that his own “head” has been puffed up with the thought of this “head of gold”!  So, he has built and erected a 90-foot-tall statue of “gold”!  And I have no doubt that the likeness of this statue was very likely the likeness of King Nebuchadnezzar—a man of pride, and temper.

The king has not only built this giant statue, but he has also called everyone of import to the ‘reveal’ of the image of gold; and not only a ‘reveal’ but a call to “worship” this image he has set up!  How ‘coincidental’ that he has called all the people to worship this image—including our three friends!  What I want us to consider today is the fact that our three friends find themselves in a dilemma of choosing how to respond to the king’s command!  There’s an old southern gospel song that sums it up: “They Wouldn’t Bend, They Wouldn’t Bow, They Wouldn’t Burn” (Written by Arthur Smith)!  But when did these three choose?  When will you choose?

“But Daniel purposed in his heart

that he would not defile himself

with the portion of the king’s meat,

nor with the wine which he drank:

therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs

that he might not defile himself.”    Daniel 1:8

Daniel and his friends made up their minds at the beginning to follow and serve their God no matter where they were!  They knew God and they trusted HIM to care for them one way or another!  Their faith and devotion was in their GOD not ‘religion’!  They had already chosen to trust God and follow HIM no matter where it led; whether it was pleasant, convenient or fair—they determined before the crises came that they would not do anything to “defile” themselves; and remember they had already been ceremonially defiled by their captors!  They weren’t filled with hate, but they were filled with love for and trust in the Almighty God of creation, their GOD, knowing that HE would use them whereever HE placed them.  God can use YOU/ME right where we are (or where ever HE may lead us) if we will repent of our sin, turn to Jesus and give our lives to HIM for HIS service where ever we are!  When we decide to follow Jesus any–where HE leads and to trust to HIS care, we will find that God will do amazing things—no matter whether the circumstances are pleasant or not—no matter if it is convenient or not—no matter if it seems ‘fair’ or not!  Our God reigns in all!  Here are some reminders for us to consider.

“God reigneth over the heathen:

God sitteth upon the throne

of his holiness.”  Psalm 47:8

“How beautiful upon the mountains

are the feet of him

that bringeth good tidings,

that publisheth

peace;

that bringeth good tidings

of good,

that publisheth

salvation;

that saith unto Zion,

Thy God reigneth!”  Isaiah 52:7

“And I heard as it were

the voice of a great multitude,

and as the voice of many waters,

and as the voice of mighty thunderings,

saying,

Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent

reigneth.”  Revelation 19:6

So, as we wind down for today, I would like to ask you to spend some time this week reading through and pondering the content of Daniel chapter 3 and noting what these men did, how they did it, why they did it and in whom their trust was secured!  How could they be so bold (never arrogant) as to face a raging king and respectfully stand fast trusting God!

“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered

and said to the king,

O Nebuchadnezzar,

we are not careful to answer thee

in this matter.

17 If it be so, our God whom we serve

is able to deliver us

from the burning fiery furnace,

and he will deliver us

out of thine hand, O king.

18 But if not,

be it known unto thee, O king,

that we will not serve thy gods,

nor worship the golden image

which thou hast set up.”  Daniel 3:16-18

How will you respond when you are under a Nebuchadnezzar who challenges your faith?  If we are ever called to ‘civil dis-obedience’ will we behave with godly civility or be arrogantly uncivil.  And if you need to see even more of an example ponder this with deep humility.

“For this is thankworthy,

if a man for conscience toward God

endure grief,

suffering wrongfully.

20 For what glory is it, if,

when ye be buffeted for your faults,

ye shall take it patiently?

but if, when ye do well,

and suffer for it,

ye take it patiently,

this is acceptable

with God.

21 For even hereunto

were ye called:

because Christ also suffered

for us,

leaving us an example,

that ye should follow

his steps:

22 Who did no sin,

neither was guile found in his mouth:

23 Who, when he was reviled,

reviled not again;

when he suffered,

he threatened not;

but committed himself

to him

that judgeth righteously:” 1 Peter 2:19-23

May you hear from God as you ponder these things.  I pray that we will each bow before our God not the world!

Lord willing, we’ll take this back up Sunday!

Amen and Amen!!!

Willing To Wait & Trust??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 17

17 Sunday Jan 2021

Posted by in All Sufficient God!, Blessed by God, Choices And Consequences, Commitment Or Convenience, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Daniel's choices, Dare To Be Different!, God Is In Charge, God Who Sees, God's Faithfulness, God's provision, Holy Living, Polluted by the world?, Pursuing Excellence?, Servanthood, Testing and Trials?, The Word Or The World?, Trust God, Wait on the Lord

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 17 Willing To Wait & Trust???

 

As we continue in our study of Daniel’s character and that of his three close friends, today we will consider their trust in their God in the midst of a crises of faith and obedience.  Their personal faith and integrity are put to the test in the midst of their Babylonian captivity and service to King Nebuchadnezzar.  But let’s rehearse Daniel’s mindset in the midst of his circumstances.

“But Daniel purposed

in his heart

that he would not defile

himself

with the portion of the king’s meat,

nor with the wine which he drank:….”    Daniel 1:8a

This young man (and his 3 friends) had made up his mind and set his heart on God and his faith in Him, with a determination to be faithful to the law of his God, regardless of the circumstances or the consequences.  But the thing I want us to focus on is the rest of verse 8 which shows us Daniel’s behavior with decorum!  What about us—you and me?  What does our behavior reveal?  Sometimes mine just plain slips off the page; how about you?  I need this lesson whether you do or not!  I want to be found faithfully waiting on my Lord with decorum—not the flesh!!!

“…therefore

he requested

of the prince of the eunuchs

that he might not defile

himself.”  Daniel 1:8b

Here we find Daniel behaving with that “decorum” that we spoke about last week; behavior that was a reflection of the glory of his God.  Which, in the later years of his life, even his enemies had to admit was the lodestar of his life and behavior.  Note, this passage took place close to 70 years later (a man of some 80-90 years old, and he was still a man of honor, integrity and faithfulness to his God) than the events of chapter 1.

“Then the presidents and princes

sought to find occasion against Daniel

concerning the kingdom;

but they could find none occasion nor fault;

forasmuch as he was faithful,

neither was there any error or fault

 found in him.

5 Then said these men,

We shall not find any occasion

against this Daniel,

except we find it

against him

concerning the law

of his God.”   Daniel 6:4-5

Not only did his enemies recognize his integrity (even though they used it against him, God had other plans!) but King Darius recognized in Daniel a heart, mind and life that was different—and it was all due to his service to his GOD! What about you and me?  What would our enemies say about us?

“Then the king commanded,

and they brought Daniel,

and cast him into the den of lions.

Now the king spake and said unto Daniel,

Thy God

whom thou servest continually,

he will deliver thee…

…Then the king arose very early in the morning,

and went in haste

unto the den of lions.

20 And when he came to the den,

he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel:

and the king spake

and said to Daniel,

O Daniel,

servant of the living God,

is thy God,

whom thou servest continually,

able to deliver thee

from the lions?

21 Then said Daniel unto the king,

O king, live for ever.

22 My God hath sent his angel,

and hath shut the lions’ mouths,

that they have not hurt me:

forasmuch as before him

innocency was found in me;

and also before thee,

O king,

have I done no hurt.”  Portions of Daniel 6:16-22

The Apostle Peter had a similar thing to say to believers in times of trials, suffering and persecution.

“For this is thankworthy,

if a man for conscience toward God

endure grief,

suffering wrongfully.

20 For what glory is it,

if, when ye be buffeted

for your faults,

ye shall take it patiently?

but if, when ye do well,

and suffer for it,

ye take it patiently,

this is acceptable with God.

21 For even hereunto

were ye called:

because Christ also suffered for us,

leaving us an example,

that ye should follow his steps:

22 Who did no sin,

neither was guile found in his mouth:

23 Who,

when he was reviled,

reviled not again;

when he suffered,

he threatened not;

but committed himself

to him that judgeth righteously:”   1 Peter 2:19-23

We see this same kind of commitment in the young man Daniel; he who also “committed himself to him that judgeth righteously”!  How about you and me?  Are we trusting to God to take care of us when we suffer unjustly or are you like me; getting out your pencil and paper and figuring out what “we” need to do.  I think we can learn a lot from Daniel and his friends about trusting, waiting and allowing God to provide in His way, in His time and for His purposes.  And what we’re going to see in the next few weeks as we peruse Daniel’s story, is how God will show Himself faithful time and time again, when we will but love HIM, obey HIM and then just “let God BE God”!

In verse 8 we saw Daniel asking “permission”—well, pardon me, “I” am “entitled”!!!  NOT necessarily, let’s see what Daniel’s experience was; and WHO was really in charge!

“Now God

had brought Daniel into

favour

and tender love

with the prince of the eunuchs.

10 And the prince of the eunuchs

said unto Daniel,

I fear my lord the king,

who hath appointed your meat

and your drink:

for why should he see

your faces worse liking

than the children which

are of your sort?

then shall ye make me endanger

my head to the king.

11 Then said Daniel to Melzar,

whom the prince of the eunuchs

had set over

Daniel,

Hananiah,

Mishael,

and Azariah,

12 Prove thy servants,

I beseech thee,

ten days;

and let them give us pulse to eat,

and water to drink.

13 Then let our countenances

be looked upon before thee,

and the countenance

of the children that eat

of the portion of the king’s meat:

and as thou seest,

deal with thy servants.

14 So he consented to them

in this matter,

and proved them

ten days.”   Daniel 1:9-14

Daniel went, if you would, through ‘channels’ and asked the first level for permission; but when this guy thought about it, he said he was fearful of his “head” if he disobeyed the King’s edict.  Then Daniel went to the next in line and offered a solution to the danger in giving them this leeway of their food and drink.  He asked the official to simply test them for 10 days and then he could decide how they appeared, and Daniel said they would abide by his decision.  No ‘doubting, pouting, and dropping outing’ but a willingness to pursue obedience and trust God for the outcome!  We must abandon our “western” mindset of demanding our way—or no way.  Or if you would, “it’s my way or the highway”!  I don’t know about you, but I wrestle with letting go of “my way” and pursuing and trusting to God’s plan without reservation……as Peter said, we ought to be committing ourselves “to him that judgeth righteously”!!  God is absolutely trustworthy!

The results are amazing when we let “God be God”, and simply do what God asks us to do, and be what HE has transformed us to be!

“Whether therefore

ye eat,

or drink,

or whatsoever ye do,

do all to the glory of God.”  1 Corinthians 10:31

And back to Daniel 1:

“And at the end of ten days

their countenances appeared

fairer

 and fatter in flesh

than all the children

which did eat the portion

of the king’s meat.

16 Thus Melzar took away

the portion of their meat,

and the wine that they should drink;

and gave them pulse.

17 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.

18 Now at the end of the days that the king

had said he should bring them in,

then the prince of the eunuchs

brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.

19 And the king communed with them;

and among them all

was found none

like Daniel,

Hananiah,

Mishael,

and Azariah:

therefore stood they before the king.

20 And in all matters

of wisdom

and understanding,

that the king enquired of them,

he found them ten times better

than all the magicians and astrologers

that were in all his realm.”    Daniel 1:15-20

So, what do we conclude?  You can make your own conclusions, “but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD”, trusting to His love, care and provision in every matter; and pursue His ways and not my/our own!   Are you ready and willing to trust and wait on God?  I think we better learn, and learn quickly!

Jesus puts it pretty concisely:

“Abide in me,

and I in you.

As the branch cannot bear fruit

of itself,

except it abide in the vine;

no more can ye,

except ye abide

in me.

5 I am the vine,

ye are the branches:

He that abideth in me,

and I in him,

the same bringeth forth

much fruit:

for without me

ye can do nothing.”  John 15:4-5

Amen and Amen!!!

Commitment With Character??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #703

15 Friday Jan 2021

Posted by in Approved Unto God, Be not conformed to this world, Blessed by God, Daniel's choices, Dare To Be Different!, God Is In Charge, God's Faithfulness, God's provision

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #703   Commitment With Character???

 

“But Daniel purposed in his heart

that he would not defile himself

with the portion of the king’s meat,

nor with the wine which he drank:

therefore he requested

of the prince of the eunuchs

that he might not

defile himself.”  Daniel 1:8

Last time we talked about the circumstances that brought Daniel to Babylon; and while they were difficult things to deal with, Daniel was a young man committed to God, as well as a young man with dignity, integrity, character and a most godly demeaner—also known as decorum.

Decorum:  dignified propriety of behavior, speech, dress, etc.

WOW!  What a mouthful!  Many today don’t even know what decorum is, much less desire to exhibit it in their lives.  Daniel could have been the poster-boy for decorum in all his ways—especially his devotion to God and the ways in which he reflected his God to a lost, pagan culture who had taken him captive far from his own home.  For most of us, we’d have been ready to “doubt, pout and drop out”; in fact, I think most of his companions from Jerusalem did just that, for we never hear anything more of the others who were also chosen for training for service to King Nebuchadnezzar.  But Daniel and his three like-minded friends became men of honor and valor in a difficult place, through whom God made Himself known in a dark place.  A place where they were suffering the consequences of other’s choices.  But their valor was evident to many in amazing ways.

Valor:  boldness or determination in facing great danger….heroic courage; bravery.

Daniel and his friends determined to be faithful to their God with a heart of humility (not whining, pouting or blaming God for their situation!) that God used to make a difference; not only in their lives but also in the the lives of others, as they lived out their commitment to God with respect, and a character that set them apart from others.  We will see this as we continue this series and see see what God provided for them in ways made evident to those willing to really see!

All this began with Daniel’s decision to set “his heart” on God no matter the consequences!  Oh, that we could learn to have such faith, decorum and valor! Oh, how we need more “Daniels” today!  Godly men, women, boys and girls, who love Jesus and are willing to stand against the tide of popularity and greed and be humbly faithful to our Lord Jesus and Father God, by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit and truth!  Oh, God raise up Daniel’s to make a difference in our world today, and “let it begin with me”?

While Daniel had probably been ceremonially defiled already at the hand of his Babylonian captors, he made up his mind to never do anything to “defile” himself before his God!  What about you and me?  What have we decided to do about our lives in a world gone crazy?  Will we “withstand in the evil day” (See Ephesians 6:10+) or will we just throw in the towel and quit?  Will we cave to the pressure of our peers and join in the chaos or will we speak “the truth in love” (See Ephesians 4:15 & 1 John 3:18) regardless of the consequences.  Remember that Jesus told us that when we follow Him and live righteous lives, as HE called us to, we will often have to endure persecution and suffering!

“These things I command you,

that ye love one another.

18 If the world hate you,

ye know that it hated me

before it hated you.

19 If ye were of the world,

the world would love his own:

but because ye are not of the world,

but I have chosen you

out of the world,

therefore the world

hateth you.

20 Remember the word that I said unto you,

The servant is not greater

than his lord.

If they have persecuted me,

they will also persecute you;

if they have kept my saying,

they will keep yours also.

21 But all these things

will they do unto you

for my name’s sake,

because they know not him

that sent me.”  John 15:17-21

I remember years ago when we were helping to start a new church, someone gave us some advice on seeking a pastor; they told us that we needed to look for the “oldest godly young preacher-boy” that we could find!  I thought that was one of the most profound pieces of advice that I had ever heard; and we followed that advice and found a young man who had a great heart for God, and a wisdom beyond his “young years”—in other words we were blessed to find the “oldest godly young” man who served, blessed and helped us do God’s work in that little church!  Daniel fit that bill!  He was a godly young man with wisdom, devotion and character beyond his years.  What about you and me?  Now, I’m way beyond the “young” years part, but I know many my age who still have no wisdom and willingness to be “God’s” man and woman!  How about you?  Are you still stuck in what the author of Hebrews calls the “babies” of the faith?  Or will you “quit you like men” and “withstand in the evil day”!  And if you haven’t noticed, we are there!

“For when for the time ye ought to be teachers,

ye have need that one teach you again

which be the first principles

of the oracles of God;

and are become such as have need of milk,

and not of strong meat.

13 For every one that useth milk

is unskilful in the word of righteousness:

for he is a babe.

14 But strong meat

belongeth to them that are of full age,

even those who by reason of use

have their senses exercised

to discern

both good and evil.”  Hebrews 5:12-14

“Watch ye,

stand fast in the faith,

quit you like men,

be strong.

14 Let all your things

be done with charity.”  1 Corinthians 16:13-14

And in closing this session, Daniel gives us a great example in verse 8; “therefore he requested”!  Daniel didn’t pout, pitch a fit, or demand his way!  He simply made up his mind and set his “heart” on God and did right with humility, character, and respect for the authorities over him.  He “requested” permission to do that which would be acceptable to his GOD and left the results with his God!  Join us next time to see the results (or you could read ahead and see for yourself before then!)!  What an awesome God we serve—the same awesome God that Daniel served with commitment and godly character!  The choice is yours, but there is a test!

Amen and Amen!