2007-05-27 - Daniel

Installment 53 ~ Chapter 6

Remember that it was through the testimony of Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah - as well as Daniel - that rulers and rule-makers came to know of the one true God. It is only by standing firm in a world which rejects God, sin, or anything other than self-fulfillment, that people will be confronted with the truth of Scripture. If we don't testify to the truth of the gospel, who will? If we aren't willing to acknowledge the Lord, then who will?

"Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven" (Matthew 10:32).

Keep in mind, to stand firmly doesn't mean to stand unchallenged. While these children of Israel were, in the last analysis, protected - they nevertheless were first imprisoned. God does not guarantee that with obedience comes protection from suffering.

However, to take a stand, to speak forth for the Lord in a fallen society and a fallen world, we must know His will. And to know His will, we must seek His will. In fact, it was the seeking of God's will, the fellowship with Him, that got Daniel into trouble in this incident. He was arrested because he insisted on spending time in prayer with the Lord.

Comments or Questions?
Geoff

GKragen@aol.com
http://www.cfdevotionals.org