2006-08-14 - Daniel

Installment 13

"The stage was now set to show the reality, wisdom, and power of the one true God-Yahweh-as over against the inarticulate and impotent imaginary gods the magicians worshiped. It is the same general theme that dominates the remainder of the book and serves to remind the Hebrew nation that despite their own failure, collapse, and banishment into exile, the God of Israel remains as omnipotent as He ever was in the days of Moses, and that His covenantal love remains as steadfast toward the seed of Abraham as it ever had been."⁵

Conclusion: What Daniel demonstrates in this challenge is a practical approach to life. It helps us deal with the unexpected, no matter how negative it appears. Daniel certainly seemed to be living by the dictum: "God loves me, God is in control, and God doesn't make mistakes." (Author uknown)

Daniel's life is at stake here, and he know the only hope for him and his friends is God. That being the case, he doesn't respond by saying: "When in danger, when in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout."

The call here is a call to prayer. And Daniel's life reflects continual prayer, not just when chaos seems to reign. Our lives should be lives of prayer. When the storms hit, we can remember God's words:

"... call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me" (Psalm 50:15).

"Whatever God can do faith can do, and whatever faith can do prayer can do when it is offered in faith. An invitation to prayer is, therefore, an invitation to omnipotence, for prayer engages the Omnipotent God and brings Him into our human affairs." ~ A.W. Tozer ⁶

⁵ Archer
⁶ Wiersbe, p. 259.

To be continued.

Comments or Questions?
Geoff

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