Daniel is one of those Bible heroes who manifested a profound level of faith in God, in experiences that ran the entire gamut of God’s providences. He was faithful in spiritual as well as temporal matters, and in issues pertaining to the well-being of his soul and body he not only depended on God, but the choices he made were in harmony with the grand principles written in the scriptures, for he understood that it is cooperation with God in all things which enables us as followers of Christ to grow in grace.
There were occasions where his faith caused him to be placed in life-threatening conditions and at other times, his unwavering trust in God resulted in him being placed at the pinnacle of success. However, his steadfastness did not occur in a vacuum, nor did it happen by accident, for as we observe his life we see where he was constant in prayer, taking every matter and every challenge to God for resolution.
We observe him always acting upon sound Biblical principles, in every aspect of life, not just in some areas, as is too often the case in our day. The good news of the gospel, and the religion of Christ, reach into the spiritual and the temporal experiences of our lives. The gospel opens up closets, and exposes skeletons to us that were previously thought to be buried.
Then, through the mighty power of The Holy Spirit, it empowers the sincere-hearted to rise above past failures, it ennobles, and refines the tastes, it gives wisdom knowledge and strength to surmount every difficulty, and thereby causes believers to walk with a steady and even tread. It was thus that Daniel was taken from one stage of development to the next, until he could handle lions and spies.
But we should not once believe that it occurred by accident. Daniel was not your average politician, for as it was stated on several occasions, God has not called us as Christians to be just average. A peculiar people should have something peculiar about them, something unique, as far as character is concerned, whereby godly principles, upright traits, and habits run like golden threads throughout the fabric of our experience.
Dorcas was not your average seamstress, because in the community where she lived, she made such an indelible impression through her humble faith and works, that her neighbors, and friends missed her to the point where God saw fit to refill the void, by resurrecting her. Dorcas combined benevolence, accuracy, and innovation in her work. She was also enabled by The Holy Spirit to produce clothing for people of all classes.
Her work bore witness to the fact that she was being instructed and guided by grander principles than the average tailor or seamstress worked upon. If Walmart, or Bloomingdales were around at that time, they would be hard-pressed not to carry the Dorcas line of clothing, for her unique work and her benevolence placed her in a different category, and by the grace of God a permanent mark was made in her county, and on the pages of sacred history. God has not called Christians just to be average. Let’s read:
Acts 9:39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.
40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
41 And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.
42 And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
In Daniel’s case, in his handling of all temporal and mundane issues, he was found to be without fault. In other words, he was found to be the head, and not the tail, just as God had promised to those who keep His commandments, statutes, principles, and laws.
When put side by side, true believers should show a marked contrast in every aspect of living so that the observers, spies, and dirt diggers will be convinced as to the veracity of the gospel, or otherwise would return home with shamefacedness, as was the case with Daniel’s enemies. This is one of the many ways in which God is glorified, and as a result He can use believers in very marked ways for the benefit, and upliftment of the human family.
But throughout all of his life experiences, the focus is not to be on Daniel, but on Daniel’s God, for it is not the human agent that is to be glorified, praised, or exalted, but God alone. Therefore, as we observe Daniel’s life, great things pertaining to God will be revealed. His ways, His methods, and the inevitable results which follow those who commit themselves fully to God will be manifested before the world, for we are a spectacle unto the world, unto angels, and unto men, as the scriptures teach.
Very early on in his tenure in Babylon, Daniel was to be tested on issues that have spiritual, and physical ramifications for the Christian. Those Hebrews who were to be chosen for the king’s court were granted a portion of food that was reserved for royalty only, and it was commanded by the king to the chef, that no deviation from the provisions stipulated was to be made, on pain of death.
This command was given with the best of intentions on the part of those who were in ignorance, for it is specifically inferred in the narrative, that such a diet was superior, as far as all conventional wisdom back then had concluded. But this would pose a problem for Daniel and his friends who were instructed upon different principles by their parents.
Thus, at the very onset of his experience in Babylon, his faith in God would be tested, and in the process great truths about God would be displayed. But we aren’t going to focus on the food aspect, but rather on the method, by which God seeks to convince the unbelieving world of the truth.
Coercion, and force are not foundational principles of Christ’s kingdom, therefore, He gives us sufficient evidence on which to build faith. What we do with the evidence from that point onward is up to us, for we can be either submissive, or dismissive of it. In the narrative, a few words would be highlighted, for they give us meaningful insights as to the thinking and evaluations taking place in the mind of Daniel and the Chef. Let’s read:
Daniel 1:5 And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king's meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king.
6 Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.
8 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.
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.
If we were to follow the line of reasoning here, on the part of the head chef, we will observe that the phrase “Worst liking” suggested that Daniel’s diet would have the effect of compromising the health and well-being of the faithful Hebrews, and thus, by default, the insinuation is made that the king’s diet is ultimately the best. For the chef, this is a settled conclusion, but for Daniel and his friends who have known much better by experience, the conclusion is false.
Therefore, God who is rich in mercy, and who is just and right in all His ways, does not seek an argument with the chef; instead, He calls for a practical test, in which the facts of the matter can be established in the minds of the honest-hearted. There is no such thing as blind faith, because faith must rest squarely upon clearly established facts which cannot then be controverted. The Bible does not seek to prove God, it assumes that sufficient evidence appealing to our intelligence will cause us to draw right conclusions.
Thus, God calls for witnesses; those who subscribe to the wisdom of the world, and those who espouse godly principles. God calls for them to be observed, side by side so that any rational being may be able to examine for himself the end product of each set of principles. In other words, the chef’s conclusions should not rest merely on “Hear-say” but upon the concrete evidences presented in living form. Let’s read:
Daniel 1:11 Then said Daniel to Melzar;
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.
15 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.
The case was closed as far as their physical aspects were concerned, for the evidence before the chef could not be controverted. But could it be that they only looked good, but had been compromised in their intelligence quotient, as some may suggest? Would they be found inferior when it came time to do their examinations, mandated personally by the king? Let’s read:
Daniel 1:18 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.
Not many Christians have a correct concept of the nature of the battle in which we are engaged. God is glorified in His people when, by His grace, and the faithful obedience to His commandments, they can stand forth, not as average John Does, but as being products of the superior wisdom and understanding found in God’s word for this is what convinces those in darkness of the truthfulness of the Bible.
This is what Isaiah is referring to when he writes by inspiration, let the nations of the earth bring their witnesses. As the end-products of worldly wisdom and practice are observed, side by side with those who espouse godly wisdom, and practices, a great, and noticeable contrast will be seen, the difference being as night and day, or as apples and oranges. Let’s read:
Isaiah 43:9 Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assembled. let them bring forth their witnesses, that they may be justified: or let them hear, and say, It is truth.
10 Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.
In fact, this pattern of bringing respective witnesses is not new or unique to Daniel and his friends, for it has been employed by God throughout history as a means whereby the truths of the Bible would be firmly established. The end-products of the various religions and systems of the world, in the form of witnesses, are brought next to God’s true witnesses and they are to be tested in public for all to see, so that the honest in heart may make sound, sensible, rational conclusions. Let’s read:
Exodus 7:10 And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the Lord had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent.
11 Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments.
12 For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods.
Exodus 8:19 Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God.
1st Samuel 17: 10 And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.
42 And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance.
43 And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.
45 Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, whom thou hast defied.
47 And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hands.
49 And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.
1st Kings 17:17 And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Art thou he that troubleth Israel?
18 And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the Lord, and thou hast followed Baalim.
19 Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel's table.
20 So Ahab sent unto all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together unto mount Carmel.
22 Then said Elijah unto the people;
23 Let them therefore give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under: and I will dress the other bullock, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under:
24 And call ye on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the Lord: and the God that answers by fire, let him be God. And all the people answered and said, It is well spoken.
26 And they called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon, saying, O Baal, hear us. But there was no voice, nor any that answered. And they leaped upon the altar which was made.
29 And it came to pass, when midday was past, and they prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that there was neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any that regarded.
31 And Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob.
32 And with the stones he built an altar in the name of the Lord: and he made a trench about the altar, as great as would contain two measures of seed.
33 And he put the wood in order, and cut the bullock in pieces, and laid him on the wood, and said, Fill four barrels with water, and pour it on the burnt sacrifice, and on the wood.
34 And he said, Do it the second time. And they did it the second time. And he said, Do it the third time. And they did it the third time.
35 And the water ran round about the altar; and he filled the trench also with water.
36 And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word.
38 Then the fire of the Lord fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.
39 And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The Lord, he is the God; the Lord, he is the God.
This is the one and only instance in the Bible where the fire of God burned down the altar together with the stones, the sacrifice, and the water which was poured upon it. The Lord went over and beyond to establish beyond the shadow of a doubt the truth in the matter so that any honest-hearted person could come to a reasonable, sensible conclusion, for faith is to rest squarely upon incontrovertible facts.
Therefore, the following passages in Revelation and in the book of Joel are of very grave importance to those living in the last days, when all professed Christians, as well as unbelievers will be brought to the test once again. At that time, just as in days of yore, The Lord will again call for His witnesses to be tested in public, so that the truths of His word may be firmly established in the minds of the people, and thereby, all honest-hearted persons who had previously sat in darkness will be able to make rational, sensible decisions. Let’s read:
Joel 3:11 Assemble yourselves, and come, all ye heathen, and gather yourselves together round about: thither cause thy mighty ones to come down, O Lord.
12 Let the heathen be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat: for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about.
14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.
Joel 1:1 Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand;
2 A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations.
11 And the Lord shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?
32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call.
Revelation 16:15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.
These passages lead us to the main course of our study, because Daniel was tested in public too. In their jealousy and rage, the politicians of the day had sought to dig up dirt on him and they probably hired the Babylonian version of Wikileaks to do the dirty work. As they tried to find faults and errors in Daniel they began with all temporal matters which pertained to Daniel, for if he was unfaithful in the temporal, he would certainly fail in the spiritual. Let’s read:
Daniel 6:4 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.
They began with his taxes to see if he had for some reason robbed the Babylonian IRS. Next came his credit, to see if what Daniel was preaching was in harmony with what he was doing. Then they went after Daniel’s cell-phone and personal computer to see if there were any deleted text messages to any questionable shady characters in the porn industry. Then, having found not a single instance on which to build a case against Daniel, they went after his religion.
The investigations began in the temporal matters of life, and when these were utterly exhausted, to no avail, then they turned to the spiritual. Those of us who will come up to the testing times would also be scrutinized in the same order, with all the temporal matters taking precedence, and if no incriminating evidence is found, then the beast of Revelation 13 will turn to the spiritual. Let’s read:
Daniel 6:5 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.
It is of critical importance then, for those of us who believe the testing truths for this time, to be not only hearers, but doers of the word. Our freedom of choice must be engaged proactively, in order that the work of The Holy Spirit can continue to bring us to full maturity in Christ on all levels.
The 144000 of Revelation are to be living specimens of the fullness of God’s grace through Christ, and as a direct result, will have every aspect of their lives in tip top shape. They will not be found to be excellent in some areas, whilst deficient in others, but instead will be well balanced and fine-tuned in all aspects of Christian living, to the glory and praise of God. Let us therefore follow the exhortations given by Paul, so that this goal may become a reality in our lives. Let’s read:
Ephesians 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.
14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus.
God Bless!