Some Things Never Change

Beth Moore’s study on the Book of Daniel pointed out things that were completely obvious…once she pointed them out.  It’s sort of like one of those hidden pictures–sure I see it…now.  The thing I remember most about that study shows up plainly to me today as we meet Daniel and his three friends–they were chosen because they were wealthy, handsome, and smart (Daniel 1:3-4).  Some things never change.  As we share this fascinating journey with Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, it’s important for us to remember that the temptations and trials faced by these four young men still face us today.  How they faced them, and triumphed in the face of certain death, will shine a beacon on our paths through the 21st century.

The first chapters set the stage, as we see several important points:

• Daniel and his friends were given favor in the eyes of the Babylonian officials, not always for the best reasons, but always within the sovereign plan of our mighty God (Dan. 1:3-4, 9, 16, 19-20; 2:47-48).
• The young Hebrews were renamed by their new culture, but it didn’t change who they were inside (Dan. 1:7).
• Daniel “determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king,” (Dan. 1:8).  Daniel didn’t set himself against the government, but rather determined to serve God to the best of his ability while in exile.  Daniel was polite and reasonable about the dietary issues, and he trusted God to give the right outcome.
• Daniel and his friends were given exceptional skills and abilities to use in service to Nebuchadnezzar, but they were always careful to give God the credit (Dan. 2:28).  While accepting credit at the moment might have given them some fame and fortune, ultimately all four young men achieved more by acknowledging the source of their wisdom.

When faced with the command to bow down and worship Nebuchadnezzar’s statue, Daniel’s three friends faced the king’s rage without flinching.  They pointed out that every dilemma has several possible outcomes, but that God is in charge no matter what.  Beth Moore puts it like this:  sometimes we’re saved from the fire, sometimes we’re saved through the fire, and sometimes we’re saved in the fire–but no matter what fiery furnace you face today, God won’t abandon you.

If you’re reading through the Daily Walk Bible, today’s passage is Daniel 1-3.