Are you heading for your allotted place?

 The last verse in the book of Daniel reads thus;

*13*But go your way till the end. And you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days.” Daniel 12:13.

After all of the experiences Daniel has had throughout his life, both miraculous and mortifying, he is encouraged to, ‘go your way til the end’. What a beautifully simple instruction. God is telling Daniel that he just needs to keep doing what he has been doing. God has confidence in the way Daniel lives his life, there is nothing more that he needs to do so God exhorts him to keep it up. Daniel had many challenges and triumphs throughout his life, and he remained steadfast in his trust in God. Daniel sought God and listened to Him, and learned to care about what God cares about. So the greatest instruction that God could give Daniel at this stage of his life is to keep going in that way, with the confidence that he has a place reserved for him in eternity. Daniel is on the right path and almost there, he has an, ‘allotted place’, a secure position assigned to him because of the faithful and faith-filled life he led, he just needs to keep going.

Wouldn’t you like a word from God like that? 

I would. The simple assurance that the way you are going is right and the confidence of your eternal place. What relief, satisfaction and hope that must have brought Daniel. Towards the end of his Earthly days, he is reminded of eternal security and encouraged in the long road of life that he has been on. Daniel is assured that he will be able to ‘rest and shall stand’. Meaning that he will have relief from struggle, peace of heart, and the right to be there. When we accept Jesus as our saviour and live our lives with a God-first mentality, we too earn the right to rest and stand in our allotted places when our time on Earth is done. 

Are you living to earn that eternal reward? 

This instruction for Daniel shows us the generosity of God. God not only provides us the salvation we need - forgiveness from all our wrongs through Jesus - but He also gives us a place of honour in eternity when we live focussed on Him. God delivers us from the sin which causes separation from Him, so that we can walk life and the life after with God  Yet, like the generous father that He is. God is not satisfied with just that. God did not stop at offering us all salvation and restoration, but He also secures an eternal place for those that believe in Him and live for Him. Not only can we be free from condemnation, but we can also have relationship with God, and be given an, ' allotted place' like Daniel was. 

I think this verse is an apt way to end the book of Daniel. The genuine faith of Daniel has lasted through many trials, roles, responsibilities, persecution and revelations, and he is pretty old now. The faithfulness and boldness of Daniel has a promised reward. Daniel did not get the reward or the promise of it at the start as a young teenage exile, but at the end of an eventful, faith-filled life. Daniel had to keep going through his life doing his best to honour God in the midst of many trials, and now he receives a wonderful assurance from God. Daniel has not much further to go - the end is in sight - he is heading in the right direction, so he just needs to continue so that he gains his 'allotted place at the end of the days'. 

One day, we too will face the end of our Earthly lives. What will be the assurance God gives you then? Will you will be given rest and an eternal, appointed position because of the life you have chosen to live?

*13*But go your way till the end. And you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days.” 

God responds to prayer

In Chapter 9, Daniel records a prayer that he made to God regarding the prophecy from Jeremiah about the length of the exile of the Jews. After reading the prophetic word he realises that, in his understanding, this time frame is almost complete, and so he responds in prayer and fasting. Through his prayer Daniel repents for the nation, and declares God’s faithfulness. He acknowledges that man does not keep his word, but God does. 

As Daniel is praying, God responds by sending an angel named Gabriel to him to explain and comfort him. This is the greeting Gabriel gives;

“O Daniel, I have now come out to give you insight and understanding. *23*At the beginning of your pleas for mercy a word went out, and I have come to tell it to you, for you are greatly loved. Therefore consider the word and understand the vision. 

Daniel 9:22–23.

Gabriel came, on purpose to meet Daniel. He did not delay, but came straight away as God sent him. God responds to our prayers. Daniel's prayer was; heartfelt, confused and yearning for God's will to be done. Daniel was praying beyond himself, praying into scripture and seeking God for the fulfilment of His words. So, for clarification for Daniel, God sends an angel, Gabriel. God listened and responded to Daniel’s ‘pleas’. He heard Daniel, and wanted to invite Daniel into a greater understanding of the situation and of God's plans, so he sent Gabriel. This shows me that God does not want us to be blind about what is happening in our lives, communities, nations, or even in Scripture. God desires us to seek Him about it as Daniel did, and as we do that He will give insight and understanding. 

We all have times when we don't know or understand what is going on. Times when the struggle is real, when we cannot see what God is doing (is He doing anything?), the thing is though, at those times, what is your response? Do you respond like Daniel does? When you are confused, upset and annoyed by what is happening, do you approach God about it? Intentionally seeking His purpose and will through prayer and fasting? Or do you have a good grumble along with others or retreat into internal despair? 

Daniel models the best response - he recognises the weakness and sin of man, and the dependable, righteous, just character of God, and he asks God about what He is doing. Daniel reminds Him of His word, and waits for an answer. Do you do that? Are you brave enough to approach God like that? Tell Him what is wrong, what you are struggling with, admit what you or others have done wrong, recognise who God is and ask Him what is happening and how His words are being fulfilled? 

It is ok to talk to God in this manner - we see different characters in the Bible praying in a similar way - David in the Psalms, Moses leading Israel - just 2 examples from the top of my head. These people ‘get real’ with God. They let Him know how they are REALLY feeling, remind Him of His words and ask what He is doing about it. God doesn’t mind if we speak to Him like that. I wonder if, in fact, He likes it? The raw honesty, heartache, frustration and confusion pouring out onto His ears as He listens as our good father. This kind of outpouring to God builds relationship with Him. It is honest, hopeful and reliant on God. Reminding ourselves of who God really is as we acknowledge the difficulties of life. Ever been so consumed and concerned about a situation that you have approached God in prayer and fasting like Daniel? Bringing your heartfelt emotions, your acknowledgement of sin, your understanding and your questions before God -ever done that?

When you do approach God like this, you should know that not only does God listen, but He also responds. He responds to repentance and the search for understanding and revelation. It may not be in the way you expect, or the answer you desire, but God replies. 

When you pray, do you also listen or watch out for God's response? Do you wait for God to speak to you and give you insight? 

Emotional and Physical health

As we read chapters 7 and 8, we see the insight that Daniel is given into activities that will take place on the Earth - the setting up and tearing down of kings and kingdoms and we are told that Daniel was physically and emotionally effected by what he experienced.

This man of God, Daniel, who sought to honour and obey God at every opportunity, who prayed and fasted, searched the scriptures and heard from God - this man was sometimes overwhelmed and worried! Many of us probably question if we would go through what he did, this amazing man of faith. yet he still had emotions he found hard to handle. We can see this in these two verses;

As for me, Daniel, my thoughts greatly alarmed me, and my colour changed, but I kept the matter in my heart.”

Daniel 7:28.

'I, Daniel, was overcome and lay sick for some days. Then I rose and went about the king’s business, but I was appalled by the vision and did not understand it.'

Daniel 8:27.

I do not know about you, but this gives me great hope and encouragement! 

Like Daniel, I too wish to follow God, be obedient and seek to know God better, but I too feel sick, lose sleep, worry and feel overwhelmed and confused at times. Don't you? 

These verses show me that it is ok to not be ok at times. It is ok to admit how you are really feeling - to yourself and others. Daniel was not afraid to admit it - he even documented it and thousands of years later we are reading it! 

Daniel processed his emotions in different ways at different times, we see from 7:28 that Daniel did keep some things ‘in his heart’. He wasn’t quite sure what God was showing him, but he did write it down and take time to process it. Daniel needed to accept and acknowledge his emotional and physical reaction to what was going on - we need to do the same. It means taking time to reflect and consider our responses to what is happening in life and what God is showing us. Daniel kept the matter to himself, but he still dealt with it by thinking about it and writing it down. Some other ways to do this may be turning the TV off for a while to reflect, use commuting time to think through the events of the day and how you feel about it, ask yourself how you are before you ask anyone else. Personal reflection helps us to be in tune with ourselves and aids us in processing the emotions we do not like feeling and figuring out why we are having them, we can then work out what we need to do about it. 

In the second of these verses Daniel seems to have been so overcome and unwell that he needed time off. Daniel did not deny how he felt, or try to keep on going, he realised that his emotions and body were effected by what was occurring in his life, he needed some rest and restoration time so he took it.. It is good to have a break, a change, a rest. Do not make excuses about it - it is healthy to acknowledge your emotional responses. When life is too much, when you are appalled, overwhelmed or shocked by what is happening, taking time to acknowledge and accept your emotional responses is a good thing to do. It benefitted Daniel, he had some time off then he was able to re-focus and return to work. It does not mean the problems were all resolved or that he was happy again, it just shows that he was able to reframe, reflect and begin to restore.

In order for Daniel to have been able to have break like he did in 8:27, he must have told someone about it - he worked for the king, so he couldn’t just disappear for a few days - he must have told someone that he was not ok and could not work. That is important too. When you are not emotionally and physically well, you can share your burdens with others. They will probably not be able to fix it or even help you feel better, but if you trust faith-filled family and friends with how you are doing, they can love, support and pray with you. We know that Daniel had trusted faith-filled friends in his life. They all relied on each other as they all faced significant trials. Daniel did not need to go through this alone, and nor do you. 

What do you when you experience things that cause you to feel; sick, overcome, alarmed or appalled?

If you are going through a time in life that is causing you distress, what are you doing about your emotional and physical health? 

You may need some personal reflection time, some time off or to reveal your heart with friends of faith. We cannot handle all of life’s trials ourselves, and it is no surprise that we feel overcome at times, the question is, what do you do about it, and where do you see God in it? 

Difficult life events are not a demonstration of your lack of faith. Daniel certainly was not a man who lacked faith! Having an emotional or physical response to something simply shows that you are human. We often cannot change what is going on around us, but we can accept how we are responding to it and trust God in it as Daniel did.

Are you a saint that will remain standing?

 As we come to chapter 7 of Daniel, we encounter the visions and prophecies that Daniel has received over time. The first dream recorded, occurred during the time of Belshazzar whom we met chapter 5. So these chapters do not continue the same chronological order that has been evident for the first 6 chapters. It seems that this book is comprised of two parts - a historical summary (chapters 1-6) and a record of some of the things that God has shown Daniel. It seems more like a journal as Daniel has recorded what he has noticed, felt, seen and heard from God. 

The first vision that Daniel recounts in this chapter concerns 4 beasts representing 4 terrifying kingdoms. Daniel is rightly disturbed by these images and what they represent. The culminating beast/kingdom is the one most focussed on as it is the most terrifying. Daniel asks someone in the vision about what all of it means, and in verses 23–27, the final beast is interpreted;

‘There shall be a fourth kingdom on earth, 

which shall be different from all the kingdoms, and it shall devour the whole earth, and trample it down, and break it to pieces.*24*As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom ten kings shall arise, and another shall arise after them; he shall be different from the former ones, 

and shall put down three kings.*25*He shall speak words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and shall think to change the times and the law; and they shall be given into his hand 

for a time, times, and half a time.*26*But the court shall sit in judgment, and his dominion shall be taken away, to be consumed and destroyed to the end.*27*And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High; his kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.’ 

This sounds incredible and terrifying at the same time doesn’t it? Terrifying yet tinged with hope. 

As we read the first few verses we see that there is the assurance that there will be one kingdom in the Earth. Unified not by goodness and grace, but by might and violence (v23-25). This kingdom shall; devour, trample and break down all around the world. It is clear that this is not a kingdom where God reigns, in fact the scripture tells us that one of the world leaders, ‘shall speak words against the Most High(God)’. One king that overthrows 3 previous kings shall speak out against God and begin persecuting God’s people. He, ‘Shall wear out the saints of the Most High’, and, ‘think to change the times and the law’.  This one leader will purposefully make life difficult for those that believe in and worship the Most High God. Like the image of the beast, this one king ravenously seeks to devour those who are part of God’s kingdom. This one person is intent on diminishing the kingdom of God, and he is allowed to. God’s people are, ‘given into his hand’. Suffering and persecution is allowed. We see it now in part in different nations across the world, but one day it will effect the whole world, every nation. None of us knows what that will look like, yet this is one of the promises of scripture. 

Does this fit into your understanding of who God is? That God, the Almighty, holy, just, loving, all powerful, Most High will allow His people to suffer?

These verses clearly show us that the people of God are given over to; trampling, devouring and breaking. God permits his servants to suffer, this beastly kingdom that seeks to ‘wear out the saints’, I know that i certainly feel worn out by life at times! This section of scripture show that this is what all of the 'saints' - followers of God - will feel like. The promise is that this time will come and the followers of God will be particularly picked on, but the promise is also that this period will cease. It will last for a predetermined amount of time - there will be hardship and significant suffering - but it will end. Do you have the staying power to make it through a time like that? 

Many won’t. Some will deny their faith, turn away and do whatever is needed to survive and get by on this Earth, will you? Or will you remain ruthlessly devoted to the Most High, the King of kings, the one who, in His kindness has warned you and I that this will come despite the difficulties?

God has warned us that this season of suffering is coming so we can be prepared. So that when it does, we are not surprised, we have the truth of God’s word to stand on, we can know what we are facing, we can see it for what it is. There is great comfort in these verses as they clearly show that God is still there and in control. Even when the worst happens. God is still present, still all-powerful, still in control and He still loves us. 

There is hope for those that do continue to follow God, for those that do survive and withstand the pressure. God promises that this earthly, destructive, ‘dominion shall be taken away, to be consumed and destroyed’. The comfort here is that the only one that will be defeated and destroyed is the terrifying beast, the enemy of the saints. The saints are worn out, but the persecuting ones will be destroyed. How great is that?!

The reality is though, that being emotionally and physically worn out can spiritually wear us out too. Battling every day is tiring and ‘saints’ can lose their way, give up and give in. It is hard work, but keep your eyes on the prize -  one day it will end and the kingdom will be given over to the saints - Will you be one of them at the end of the trial? Eventhough you know that will be worn out, given over and punished for what you believe and how you live your life?

In the end, the saints triumph, but not until years of suffering, restriction and persecution come. Who will hold on and bear to be worn out by the laws, kings and kingdoms of the Earth? The saints, God’s people, can be worn out, but not obliterated. God does not give permission for that. 

Are you a saint that will remain standing?

Are you a disciple or part of the crowd?

I have been struck by the above question as I have been reading and pondering on the lives of Daniel, Hananiah, Azariah and Mishael in the book of Daniel. 

From the moment we meet these guys, as teenage boys, exiles in a foreign land, they have demonstrated dedication in being disciples of God. Despite the fact that they had experienced; the loss of their home, culture, lifestyle, family, and traditions, they kept following God. Even when the rest of those exiled with them, and the community surrounding them were doing otherwise. 

These four lads were not the only Jewish boys captured and brought to Babylon to be trained and educated in Babylonian life, there were others. There were other exiles, also in a similar life stage, with equable background, upbringing and lifestyle, yet these four young men continued to stand for the faith they had despite the fact that everything else in their life had change. These four recognised that even if everything else changed, God didn’t. 

They expressed this in the everyday decisions they had to make. In making their own decisions despite what the prevailing culture taught and demonstrated, in spite of what their peers were doing, or what was expected of them. We see this from the very start when they are faced with the array of food offered to them - the very same food that the king ate, and the same wine the king drank. I am sure most of the crowd were kind of excited by this prospect - the opportunity to see and taste foods they never dreamed of, even food that would not be allowed as part of their jewish heritage. As they were no longer in their own country though, did the rules still apply? even more poignant - did they want to follow them anyway as they were away from their religious leaders and their parents? These teenager boys could make their own decisions and exercise the freedom that this exile-life allowed even in the simple matters of what to eat, and who wouldn’t want to eat like a king?!

Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. They did not want to eat like kings. Well, they probably did, but they chose not to. Why? Because the Law told them that certain foods were unclean and not for eating, and in this Babylonian culture - how could you tell what was what? Which meats are acceptable and which aren’t? So these four dedicated disciples made a radical decision. They chose to avoid meat altogether, they requested to eat only vegetables and drink only water. How many teenagers do you know that would choose that kind of diet?

They did it because they wanted to honour God first. Above their own desires, the expectations and peer pressure. It could not have been easy for them. Can you imagine the taunting? The name calling, the tempting that must have gone on amongst the crowd of lads eating what they liked? 

The crowd were comfortable and content, eating as they liked, amongst their peers doing as expected.  Daniel and his friends were the odd ones out, living sacrificially, surrounded by temptation and teasing. 

Yet, is the aim of life to be comfortable? Is that the aim of yours? The crowd lead us to be satisfied with ourselves and accepting of one another. There’s comradeship, support and guidance. The same is true for the few disciples as well though. The question really is though - where are the crowd or the disciples leading us? 

Disciples lead us to God, the crowd lead us away. 

Jesus tells us the following in Matthew 7:13-14, ‘the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. *14*For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.’

If you are following the crowd, it may seem comfortable and satisfying, but do you realise that they are the many going through the wide gate to destruction? The few, the disciples, following God are searching for that narrow gate because they know that way they will find life. It is not easy, but isn’t it worth it?

Daniel, Hananiah, Azariah and Mishael sought the narrow way. They did not go along with the crowd, but searched for the narrow way - we can see that throughout the accounts in the book Daniel about how they pressed into God and away from the crowd. They stuck together in their community of believers and followers of God, even through fire, death threats and persecution. The disciples of Jesus did the same.

The 12 disciples of Jesus gave up; businesses, family, lifestyle, riches, security and comfort in order to follow him. They gave up everything in their life to get close to Jesus. They were invited to be up close and personal to God himself and they chose to do it rather than be part of the ever increasing crowd. As a result, they saw; Jesus walk in water, loaves and fishes feeding thousands, demons fleeing and many healings. They saw these things first-hand because they placed themselves in close proximity to Jesus by the everyday decisions they made. The crowd heard of these stories, but they weren’t there when Jesus calmed the storm or walked on water. They didn’t hear first-hand the conversations. The disciples did. Just like in Daniel, the few got to see God in action. 

Where do you want to be? 

Are you content and comfortable in the crowd? Or are you ready and yearning to be a disciple?

It is in the everyday decisions that we can show where we are. In; how you speak to others, who you spend time with, how you manage the school/work resources, how you deal with finances, if you just go along with everyone else just because that is what everyone else is doing. Everyday you get to show where you; in the crowd or amongst the disciples.

Whichever option you choose, there’s a cost. 

Being part of the crowd may be self-satisfying, comfortable and easier, but it leads to estrangement from God and destruction

Being a disciple will mean hardship, being in the minority, estrangement from peers, but closeness to God and life. 

So, what are you going to choose today? Are you part of the crowd or a disciple?

what is your reputation?

 The satraps and officials got their way. There was no loophole in the king’s edict, no matter how much the king fretted and tried to find one, so Daniel was punished for breaking it by being thrown into the den of lions;

‘Then, at break of day, the king arose and went in haste to the den of lions. *20*As he came near to the den where Daniel was, he cried out in a tone of anguish. The king declared to Daniel, “O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?” *21*Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever! *22*My God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths, and they have not harmed me, because I was found blameless before him; and also before you, O king, I have done no harm.” *23*Then the king was exceedingly glad, and commanded that Daniel be taken up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no kind of harm was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. .’

Daniel 6:19–23.

As soon as he can, after an anguished, sleep-deprived night, the king rushes to the den to find out Daniel’s fate. He addresses Daniel, ‘O Daniel, servant of the living God’. Still gripped by fear, the king doesn't forget Daniel's reputation. It is quite an unusual greeting, certainly not how I have ever heard someone addressed. Yet, what a powerful greeting, what a way to be known!

Daniel’s name has become synonymous with being a servant of God and everyone knows him that way; the satraps, officials, king and the community know that Daniel is a servant of the living God, he is not ashamed of it, he has not hidden it, in fact Daniel has intentionally made his trust in God known through the way he lives his life. 

What are you known for? What is your reputation amongst the people?

Daniel has purposefully been open about the God he serves. He has not kept his private life, his work life or his faith separate. In fact he ensures that everything stems from the faith he has in the Living God. His God is his foundation. Daniel; is obedient, prays multiple times a day, trusts God through the many trials, and he recognises his service to this world is through serving God. Daniel’s faith is not a byproduct of his life or an add on like attending a group, but his identity flows from being a ‘servant of the living God’. Daniel naturally, obviously and openly lives for God. He is patient and perseveres when troubles come, not denying or hiding his faith, but boldly walking in it despite persecution. It is not easy for him, in fact his faith could have cost his life several times.  

Are you living a life of faith as openly and boldly?

This is a challenge for us - how do we build a reputation like Daniel? How do we live so boldly for God? If we look at Daniel, we see that he was open and honest. He never hid his beliefs and values, instead he demonstrated and spoke about them. He made the effort to make God known through his life wherever he was, whoever he was with and in whatever he was doing. He did it when things were going well, and he did it when they weren't. Daniel lived consciously and conscientiously for God. He sought a close relationship with his God through prayer and obedience. This is where Daniel’s reputation came from - a trusting relationship with God. Through this he was secure in God’s goodness and faithfulness. As a result, Daniel realised that he did not need to fight for salvation, his reputation or deliverance. He trusted God. There have been times when Daniel could have made his own plans to save himself, instead, every time, he prayed to ‘the living God’. He did not run away or fight back. As a result he sometimes got answers, revelation and miraculous deliverance, and sometimes, he had to face the terrifying reality in the face so that he and others could see God’s miraculous salvation. Every time Daniel trusts in God. Not himself, or a clever plan, but he seeks God and is rewarded with deliverance and a restored reputation. 

If you want to have a reputation like Daniel’s, what are you doing about it? 

Are you inviting God to make a difference to your character so that you can demonstrate unwavering faith in Him in your lifestyle, your work place and in your community? Daniel's reputation was built upon the foundation of a relationship with God. what is yours built on?

Being dedicated to God in your work life

Daniel’s fellow high officials and satraps are so jealous of his recognition, good service and impermeable character that they seek his downfall. They persuade the king to make a ruling that they know Daniel will not keep because of his dedication to God. They plot and plan together to not punish Daniel, harm him or discredit him - they want him dead. 

The officials and satraps cleverly come up with an edict that could rid them of Daniel and cause the king to feel esteemed at the same time. Thus ensuring that thier plot to be rid of Daniel can be fulfilled. The plan is that king Darius make an ordinance that all prayers and petitions be directed to himself for 30 days, no other person or god. The king likes the idea - he gets the glory and renown, so it sounds good to him. He doesn’t seem to question it or consider the ramifications other than it would make him look and feel good. 

Once the new rule has been put in place we find that despite the rule not to, Daniel has continued to faithfully honour and pray to his God alone. He kept his routine; praying 3 times a day, unhidden, carrying on just as boldly, or even more so, to seek God. The fellow officials and satraps expect Daniel would do so, so they know when, where and how to catch him out. It is no surprise. It seems that it is with glee that they inform king Darius of Daniel’s disobedience, knowing that the king’s favourite must now be dumped in the den of lions;

'14*Then the king, when he heard these words, was much distressed and set his mind to deliver Daniel. And he laboured till the sun went down to rescue him. *15*Then these men came by agreement to the king and said to the king, “Know, O king, that it is a law of the Medes and Persians that no injunction or ordinance that the king establishes can be changed.” 

*16*Then the king commanded, and Daniel was brought and cast into the den of lions. The king declared to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!” *17*And a stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet and with the signet of his lords, that nothing might be changed concerning Daniel. *18*Then the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting; no diversions were brought to him, and sleep fled from him.'

Daniel 6:14–18.

The punishment is quickly brought about, and we can see the concern, regret, the disturbance of the king. He worried, he planned, he tried to rescue Daniel, but he could not figure out how to do it. So he reluctantly carries out the edict that has been written and without much faith says to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!”. Darius does not know that this is possible. A man, chucked amongst vicious beasts does not stand much chance, and he, the king, has decreed it. Unwittingly signing the death warrant of his most loyal, faithful overseer and he can do nothing about it. So he frets, loses sleep, can’t eat and expects the worse. Knowing that Darius showed this level of grief shows that he and Daniel clearly had a good, personal relationship, a mutual trust and respect for one another. Darius clearly sees Daniel as more than a worker or a leader. Through working together, Daniel has become a trusted adviser and friend. So much so, that although the king knows that the rules must be obeyed, he wishes they didn’t so that he could save Daniel’s life.

What are you working relationships like?

Daniel had a mixed experience. King Darius, his boss loved him - he saw Daniel's hard work, success, patience, insight and trustworthiness. Yet, at the same time, Daniel's co-workers were jealous and wanted rid of him. The question is, what are you working for? We all work to receive money, but what is your intent at work? Is it just to earn money? or is it to make God known? 

Through Daniel's work ethic, his honesty,  care for others, his problem solving attitude and diligence, he made it known that he was following God in what he did. He openly talked about his faith and displayed it by his actions. When at work, we have a real opportunity to display Jesus not just in what we say, but what we do and how we do it. 

Do people see you working conscientiously, with care, respectfully? 

Do you honour the rules, even the ones that no-one else does? 

Do you bring God with you to work -do you make it clear where your strength and abilities come from like Daniel did? 

Daniel relied on God throughout. People knew who he was serving - he lived and was prepared to be ridiculed, pushed out and die for it. Some people loved him, some people hated him, he still did what he knew God wanted him to do - Do people see the same dedication in you? 

Are you jealous?

 *4*Then the high officials and the satraps sought to find a ground for complaint against Daniel with regard to the kingdom, but they could find no ground for complaint or any fault, because he was faithful, and no error or fault was found in him. *5*Then these men said, “We shall not find any ground for complaint against this Daniel unless we find it in connection with the law of his God.” 

Daniel 6:4–5.

The high officials and satraps, Daniel’s; fellow workers, leaders, peers, sought to find fault in him, why? They had no grounds to dislike him or seek to punish him, yet they desired to. They saw his success, and no matter how hard they looked, they could only find that in all things he dealt with integrity - how annoying! They had no reason to complain about him, yet their hatred/jealousy of him did not abate. The only thing they could probably say is that maybe he made them look bad, or not as good as they thought they were because of his integrity. Ultimately, this desire to catch Daniel out, to report him for misconduct or error is not because they were concerned or worried about his work ethic, but because they were all jealous. Not of his character or righteousness, but of his commendation and position.

I wonder what could have happened if they had approached Daniel and sought advice or assistance to improve their reputation and ability in their responsible positions. Or if they had been as diligent with inspecting their own work and resolving problems rather than trying to find problems with Daniel’s. These officials were all men of high regard, authority and power, intelligent and capable. They had similar roles and responsibilities to Daniel, and yet they are consumed with jealousy. They see that eventhough he is the same in position, he is different. Daniel is regarded differently by the king himself, so instead of looking at what they can improve or seeking Daniel's aid and advice, they become consumed with jealousy. They have lost sight of what they already have and are disgruntled because someone else does the job better. Rather than seeking self-improvement they seek the destruction of the one better than them.

Have you ever seen that in your life? Can you be like that? 

Be honest with yourself; do you harbour annoyance, anger, jealousy when others have what you do not? Do you find yourself complaining about others because they are successful? Or are you jealous when others have different roles and responsibilities than you? 

You may not outwardly express the jealousy, or seeks another's downfall in practice, but internalising it is just as unhealthy. 

Jealousy can sneak in over time, and it can be easy to justify our feelings of resentment and dislike by seeking reasons to talk and think badly of others, finding solace in the fact that others feel the same. This is what Daniel's fellow leaders did - they realised they all disliked Daniel and got together to plot his downfall. Yet, finding that others may harbour the same response to someone doesn’t make it right. It doesn’t mean that you are right to feel that way. We can take warning from this story in Daniel about how it is. Jealousy is ugly, so watch yourself, watch your heart, and your responses to others. If you find any jealousy there, talk to God about it, and ask Him to help you. Jealousy is really admiration taken the wrong way, so ask God to help you to restore relationships and help you to see the good in the person, maybe even seek their help and advice - what is it in them that you actually want? Ask God to grow YOU rather than desiring the downfall of another.

I am sure Daniel must have been aware of the other officials and satraps scrutinising his work, and probably their disgruntled feelings towards him, but he does not deal unkindly with them (that would have been grounds for complaint), and he continues to work diligently. He did not change his work style when he realised his fellow officials and satraps were looking into his business. He did not work slower or less in order to make himself seem less good. He simply did what he knew was right and did what he could. You should do the same. 

Daniel knew that this job, as important and significant as it was, was just a job. His aim and what he lived for was to work in such a way as to honour the God he served in whatever capacity he had opportunity to. As followers of God, we to0 should work as if we are working for Jesus, not for the approval of others. So, work diligently, faithfully, with integrity and dedication to whatever task you are given. Do not worry about the others around you - you are responsible for you. You are responsible for the way you behave and your own responses to other people. If you are a follower of Jesus - you are working for a higher purpose, for a greater, more powerful boss than any other. Do those around you see it?

an excellent spirit

As we consider Daniel’s life, we can see that he had times when he was valued and revered, and times when he was forgotten and overlooked. We first met Daniel when he was a young teenage exile thrust into leadership in the Babylonian empire. Over time he was promoted and trusted with solving king Nebuchadnezzar’s problems, Daniel also had responsibility in the kingdom. Then, years later, during Belshazzar’s reign, Daniel is unknown. Daniel went from a position of prominence to oblivion. The influence and responsibility he once had disappeared, and the Belshazzar does not even know who Daniel is. He is only informed about Daniel in his last hours on earth, yet Daniel is still introduced to him as someone of excellent character and capability, and proves his God-given ability to continue to solve dilemma, he has not changed. Next comes Darius, (the conqueror of Babylon), and we find out in the following verses his impression of Daniel; 

It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom 120 satraps, to be throughout the whole kingdom; *2*and over them three high officials, of whom Daniel was one, to whom these satraps should give account, so that the king might suffer no loss. *3*Then this Daniel became distinguished above all the other high officials and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him. And the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.

Daniel 6:1–6:3.

Darius again discovers the 'excellent spirit' that is in Daniel that Belshazzar was ignorant of, and Darius commends and elevates Daniel's position once again. From prominence in his youth, to a substantial time of oblivion from public servitude, to again a period of recognition and responsibility when he is approaching 90 years old! 

Yet, Daniel’s character and faith had not changed. He is a man of God from chapter 1 throughout his life, even during the overlooked years he remains faithful to God, as when he is introduced to Belshazzar, it is as a man with ‘an excellent spirit, knowledge and understanding’, so clearly his reputation and character had not changed, just the position that he was given by men had. 

We see from this account of Daniel’s life that wherever Daniel was, and whatever job role he had, he was still a man who had ‘an excellent spirit’. Is that how you are known wherever you are, whatever you are doing?

How we behave, how we regard God should not change even when situations in life do. God does not change, but man's opinion and esteem of us can, just like it did with Daniel. Some people will appreciate the God-given abilities we have, others will reject and hate it.

Daniel stood out because he was a follower of God. No matter where he was or what he was doing, he was faithful and committed to serving God from his youth through to old age. This made him different in how he handled himself and other people. It was something outstanding and undefinable to the rest of the world, so some accepted it and others rejected it. Nebuchadnezzar did not understand it, but he made use of the wisdom and insight of Daniel, Belshazzar rejected and ignored it, and Darius put to work the ‘excellent spirit’ within him. It is the same for you. People will either accept you for who you are, or they will reject you. If you are living a God-fueled life, do not be surprised by it, but remain faithful. Jesus tells us we will be rejected by some on account of our faith (Luke 10:16 ‘the one who rejects you rejects me’). It is not really us that is accepted or rejected, but the one whom we accept as the Living God. Daniel experienced it, and if you are serious about your faith you will experience it too. When we live our lives for God, it is acceptable to some and repugnant to others. It is the Jesus in you that they are accepting or rejecting. So do not despair if you are being overlooked or rejected. Take comfort in the fact that this happens for the glory of God, because you are displaying Jesus to people and not everyone can handle it, and take inspiration from the life of Daniel also lived unnoticed and unappreciated - but he did not fail to continue following God, to continue to be the man of ‘excellent spirit’ that he was. 

The truth is that when we live for God, we cease to live for mankind, or even for ourselves. When we truly have ‘an excellent spirit’, it does not matter which opportunities come or go, we will still have our character, and our God. We take that wherever we are and whatever we do, are you a person of excellent spirit?

Prepare to speak and hear the truth

  After Daniel clearly spoke about who God is, and showed that the Most High is the one who gives knowledge and insight, he then reveals what the king wants to know, he reads and then explains the writing on the wall;

‘the God in whose hand is your breath, and whose are all your ways, you have not honoured.

*24*“Then from his presence the hand was sent, and this writing was inscribed. *25*And this is the writing that was inscribed: Mene, Mene, Tekel, and Parsin. *26*This is the interpretation of the matter: Mene, God has numbered the days of your kingdom and brought it to an end; *27*Tekel, you have been weighed in the balances and found wanting; *28*Peres, your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians.” 

*29*Then Belshazzar gave the command, and Daniel was clothed with purple, a chain of gold was put around his neck, and a proclamation was made about him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom. 

*30*That very night Belshazzar the Chaldean king was killed. *31* And Darius the Mede received the kingdom, being about sixty-two years old.’

Daniel 5:23–31.

Daniel, having preceded the revelation with a revelation of God's presence in his life and that of the king's family, tells Belshazzar that he has limited time left, that God has found him lacking, and that the kingdom he should have been caring for is going to be torn apart. Do you think that this is really what the king wanted to know?! These things are probably the worst news a king could get; He is going to die soon, his kingdom too is going to suffer and God is not pleased with him. However, Belshazzar does not get into a rage, he does not order for Daniel to be punished and killed, instead he gives Daniel the honours that he promised! Even though he has just been told that everything he has worked for is going to be ripped apart, and cease to be. So Belshazzar must have seen the validity in what Daniel shared, otherwise why would he have treated him so kindly? Maybe even the horrendous truth is better than the terrible unknown. 

The truth may be hard to hear and to tell, but it will do us good if we take it onboard. 

When someone comes to you for advice, or when you need it - do you seek the truth or placation and comfort from wherever you can get it? Or do you pray and ask God for revelation, for truth? 

If you really want solutions to the difficulties you are facing, if you really want to help your friends in times of trouble - then surely you owe ourselves and them the truth. No matter how painful and hard it is. Jesus tells us in the New Testament, 'If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free'(John 8:31-31). What a marvellous promise! The truth does not bind or terrify, but it sets us all free - no matter how hard it may be to hear or tell, it is necessary for freedom. Maybe that is why Daniel was able to be honoured - because he was a man of God and a man of truth, telling a desperate king the honest truth, and Belshazzar could rest from his worry, because now he knew. I know that i prefer to know rather than be surrounded by unanswered questions and confusion, there's something about truth that puts us at ease. It gives us freedom.

When sharing the truth though, it is not acceptable to be harsh - either with ourselves or others. Daniel is great at framing the truth he needs to reveal. He prepares the king by explaining God’s interest, forbearance and existence before he interprets what the king says he wants to know. It is like he prepares a prologue for what he is about to reveal. This ensures his hearers that Daniel is relying on God for insight, and gives some background to God's previous work that may yet remain unseen. He gives an intro to the truth. 

Like Daniel, when we have a message from God to share with someone we should be clear to the person where our information is coming from. Prepare them to hear the truth that it is from God, tell them that you have prayed and that you believe God has spoken. Demonstrate the history of your understanding, and their experience of God (even if they do not see it, like Belshazzar), show that God has always cared about them and wants to speak into their lives now to help them. I think that most of us should probably spend more time considering how we reveal God's truth to people, rather than just going straight into it. Give consideration to your words, prepare a prologue through prayer. Sometimes the truth is hard to hear and share. Daniel understood that and prepared his audience to hear the cold, hard truth by displaying who has given the message, and how God has been active already, so that the hearers have time to contemplate the God whom this message is coming from before they receive the message. If you think about it, it is how medical practitioners deal with patients - they remind them of the tests, results and then the diagnosis and implications. It is not always the best news to hear, but there's a relief in the truth because it sets us free.

It doesn’t matter if you have something from God that will be encouraging, or an admonition like Daniel, but making it clear where your insight is coming from is key - otherwise however will they know that there is a God who cares for them? The truth can set people free, are you ready to share it with others? Next time God reveals something to you for someone, take time to construct your thoughts and frame the truth so that people can see the God of love, hope and freedom behind the truth.

Have you carefully considered the existence of God?

After the wise men of the kingdom had failed to read the mysterious writing and interpret it, Daniel is remembered. Therefore he is called upon for assistance, as a last resort just as in Nebuchadnezzar’s time. Both times the kings prefer to seek ‘wise’ worldly counsel than seek the truth of God. In this case, Belshazzar doesn’t even seem to know who Daniel is. When Daniel enters, the king tells him what he has heard of him, and again makes the promise of gifts and authority, this is Daniel’s response:

17*Then Daniel answered and said before the king, “Let your gifts be for yourself, and give your rewards to another. Nevertheless, I will read the writing to the king and make known to him the interpretation. *18*O king, the Most High God gave Nebuchadnezzar your father kingship and greatness and glory and majesty. *19*And because of the greatness that he gave him, all peoples, nations, and languages trembled and feared before him. Whom he would, he killed, and whom he would, he kept alive; whom he would, he raised up, and whom he would, he humbled. *20*But when his heart was lifted up and his spirit was hardened so that he dealt proudly, he was brought down from his kingly throne, and his glory was taken from him. *21*He was driven from among the children of mankind, and his mind was made like that of a beast, and his dwelling was with the wild donkeys. He was fed grass like an ox, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, until he knew that the Most High God rules the kingdom of mankind and sets over it whom he will. *22*And you his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, though you knew all this, *23*but you have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven. And the vessels of his house have been brought in before you, and you and your lords, your wives, and your concubines have drunk wine from them. And you have praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood, and stone, which do not see or hear or know, but the God in whose hand is your breath, and whose are all your ways, you have not honoured. 

Daniel 5:17–23.

Daniel has certainly not become a frail old frightened man has he?! Even though he is in his 80s, living in this besieged city and has just been dragged in front of the king and his partying audience, Daniel still tells it like it is! He still tells the truth as uncomfortable and unwelcome as it may be - he stands with integrity and faith. He makes it clear from his introductory speech where his knowledge and understanding come from, and does not hold back his disappointment in Belshazzar’s lack of faith. In fact he holds Belshazzar to account for what he has and hasn’t done both in the present and the past. He reminds Belshazzar of the  well-documented story of his ancestor, Nebuchadnezzar, and points out that Belshazzar has not considered the reality of the Most High God even when, in his very own family, he knows how it is told that God has shown himself, yet Belshazzar has remained purposefully ignorant and disrespectful. 

Daniel points this out before he gets into why he has been brought there - not what Belshazzar was expecting - he just wanted to understand the writing, not be told off! Yet Daniel gives this background to demonstrate that God has been working all the way through, and Belshazzar has missed it. 

Before Daniel makes any attempt to relieve the terror the king is under, he shows why this has happened - because God has seen Belshazzar's wilful ignorance and disobedience, and wants his attention. Belshazzar is challenged for not seeing the truth, for not remembering or exploring the events that occurred with Nebuchadnezzar. He has had opportunity to see who God is through his family, through the stories Nebuchadnezzar has told, even through the very items that he defiled at the celebration - all these things point to who God is, but he chose to ignore and disregard them. Now is the time he is being called to account for it.

It is clear from this account that God expects us not to only learn from our own mistakes, but also the experiences, mistakes and successes of others. God has shown you things in others lives, maybe even in your own family history, so that you can learn from them and avoid the pain and disruption that disobedience and ignorance offers. Belshazzar didn’t, and that is brought against him, he and his kingdom suffer for it. 

It is God’s expectation that we learn from others; that we listen to their God stories and that we make an effort to discover whether God is real. Have you done that? Do you take people's faith stories and carefully consider them? do you allow them to build faith or even build curiosity? or do you just disregard them as Belshazzar did? 

One day you too will be called to account for your own life; for whether you have accepted, rejected or disregarded the existence of God, I wonder how you will fare...

how do you explain the inexplicable?

 We have read how Belshazzar was terrified by the mysterious hand writing on the wall, now we see his response as he responds to the shock;

7*The king called loudly to bring in the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the astrologers. The king declared to the wise men of Babylon, “Whoever reads this writing, and shows me its interpretation, shall be clothed with purple and have a chain of gold around his neck and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.” *8*Then all the king’s wise men came in, but they could not read the writing or make known to the king the interpretation. *9*Then King Belshazzar was greatly alarmed, and his colour changed, and his lords were perplexed. 

Daniel 5:7–9.

Can you see his desperation?

The king is so alarmed that in the midst of the celebration he ‘cries aloud’, surely an unnerving response for a king. Then he orders the infamous wise men to come, they are summoned by the king’s command in the midst of the celebration. These worldly experts are are faced with the terrified king, a grand audience and are requested to read and interpret some mysterious writing. Doesn’t sound like such a tough job - to read something, but they cannot. They too are puzzled by this writing and the terror of the king increases as he realises his own intellect and that of the 'experts' has been outwitted. Where else can he turn?

The very people that are meant to be able to help, to bring answers and comfort have nothing. Known for their arts, knowledge and understanding, what a disappointment the 'wise' must have been to themselves and the king as they are shown not to be able to even read! What a contrast to what the king, the thousand people present and even the wise men expected. 

This is what can result when we rely on worldly things - whether that be understanding, material goods or even 'experts' - we, at some point, will be disappointed and let down. The king already felt; scared, confused and terrified, he became more so as he realised that all the resources he was dependent on failed. There are times when all the explanations, reasonings and insights are not enough, when they do not provide answers that suffice - .what then?

Are you prepared to put aside your dependence on your own understanding, and consider that there is something ‘out of this world’ going on? That even, perhaps, there IS a God that is trying to get your attention by allowing you to see that your resources - however vast, experienced, and dependable they have previously seemed - are not enough. Or do you decide to bury those events deep inside and not even face them because you cannot comprehend them? Having to live without the answer. 

King Belshazzar was not prepared to do that - he did all he could to seek out what this event meant. He used all of his resources, and those of others he knew, and still he was left ‘greatly alarmed’, and others also became ‘perplexed’ as there seems to be no reasonable explanation. Where do you go then?

Do you know God's presence?

At the beginning of Chapter 5 of Daniel we meet a different king of Babylon, Belshazzar. He is the last king of Babylon and is having a massive party, getting carried away, and he has begun to drink from the vessels from the jewish temple when this happens;

'5*Immediately the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall of the king’s palace, opposite the lampstand. And the king saw the hand as it wrote. *6*Then the king’s colour changed, and his thoughts alarmed him; his limbs gave way, and his knees knocked together. *7* The king called loudly to bring in the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the astrologers. 

Daniel 5:5–7.

That is rather scary, right?! 

A floating, disembodied hand, writing on the wall right in the midst of this raucous celebration. King Belshazzar may have considered that he was seeing things, or maybe that he had drunk too much…..but clearly it was no magic trick, no figment of the imagination - It was so real that he could not explain away what he saw as his whole body responded in shock; Trembling, falling, looking as if he would faint. What a change from the pompous, proud, partying king that was lavishly celebrating and cavorting with those present! From the centre of celebration, the host is transformed into a quivering wreck. 

What a change this brought upon the celebration too. Suddenly all the fun and feasting disappears in a moment and horror has been exchanged for enjoyment. I wonder what the other people present must have thought as they saw the ghostly shock of the king, and heard his terrified cries for help. To see the king suddenly in this state would have been disturbing and require urgent action. Such an out of character response as an unknown terror had struck the king’s heart and mind. Something had to be done, but there was no-one present that could help relieve Belshazzar’s troubled mind. They might have offered comforting words, attempted to placate him, or offer him another drink, but no-one there could solve the puzzle of the writing or soothe the fright. So, the king rightly acknowledges that he needs outside help. There’s no-one in his immediate sphere, even though there are over a thousand people present, who can help resolve this matter, and he knows that he will not feel alright until this mystery is solved.

It is probably quite difficult for us to imagine being in the same situation - I do not expect many or any of us to see a floating hand writing on the wall. God clearly did this to get Belshazzar's attention. It may extreme, but it was necessary as God knows that Belshazzar would need conclusive evidence that there is another world outside the one he had built. A kingdom that is higher and capable of impossible things like a disembodied hand writing on the wall.

So, my question for you today is; are you aware of God's presence? or does God have to perform extreme things for you to see Him?

God does and will perform signs, wonders and miracles - are you seeing them? Do you expect them? Or are you someone that explains things away in your own mind so that they do not seem supernatural, but natural consequences? Are you waiting for your own writing on the wall experience in order to truly believe?

Facing Challenges

 I am not quite sure what happens between the end of chapter 4 and the start of chapter 5 in Daniel, but it does seem that we jump a number of years. It feels like the Nebuchadnezzar story ends abruptly. We do not hear about the rest of his reign, or about his successor. The narrative just ceases.

As we arrive at chapter 5 we realise that we have been fast-forwarded to the end of the Babylonian empire - the last evening in fact - of the last king of Babylon. So, clearly a significant number of years have passed after the last full stop. It is estimated that this happened about 70 years after Daniel and the other jewish captives were exiled to Babylon. We pick up the story in chapter 5, the very end of this epic empire that has reigned for so many years, conquered so many nations, and now itself is waiting to be conquered;

King Belshazzar made a great feast for a thousand of his lords and drank wine in front of the thousand. 

*2*Belshazzar, when he tasted the wine, commanded that the vessels of gold and of silver that Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken out of the temple in Jerusalem be brought, that the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines might drink from them. *3*Then they brought in the golden vessels that had been taken out of the temple, the house of God in Jerusalem, and the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines drank from them. *4*They drank wine and praised the gods of gold and silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone. 

Daniel 5:1–4.

Now this sounds like a night to remember, a party of parties doesn’t it? The king has over a thousand people celebrating, eating and drinking. They are getting carried away with themselves - using the holy vessels for unholy tasks. Not that Belshazzar thinks there’s anything significant about these items. He is just having a great big party at his place in Babylon……..at the same time that the city was under siege. 

Don’t you find that crazy?

The city of Babylon is under siege and has been for some time, and what is the king doing? Hosting a lavish party!

Not fighting. Not protecting his kingdom. Not leading the army but eating, drinking, celebrating.

The king is having a big celebration when there’s a battle raging outside the walls of the city. Capture is imminent and he is hosting a bounteous banquet. I wonder if he invited so many people just to drown out the sound at the attacking enemy.

Perhaps the king realised the futility of fighting. Or maybe he felt secure behind the walls, or he might just have been ignoring the fact that there was a real problem that needs dealing with and he was ‘burying his head in the sand’. Whatever the thought process behind it, it is not how we would expect a king to respond. Belshazzar shows no regard for the wider state of affairs, he is only concerned about what he is experiencing right now, so he is levelling up the ‘fun’ factor at his party. He has put aside the wider, national issues to immerse himself in celebration. 

We can look at this situation and shake our heads, or even feel aghast at Belshazzar’s response, but don’t we sometimes do the same? 

Do you ever feel like something is too big or scary to handle? Do you sometimes want to escape the battles of life and have a bit of fun?

It is not a shameful thing to admit that you feel like that - everyone gets fed up sometimes, but don’t forget the revelation of chapter 4 - that there is a Most High God that intervenes in lives, who is right and just. If you live our life with Him at the centre, and focusing on Him throughout challenges then you’ll make it through. Trust in God and take responsibility. You may not be a king, leading a nation, but you are responsible for leading your own life. You will make mistakes, you will face challenges -  are you facing up to them? 

God is right and just

 37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble. 

Daniel 4:37.

‘His works are right’ - we may not understand the workings of God’s plans, they way situations unfold or resolve, but that doesn’t mean that God has got it wrong. What it does mean is that we have not seen things the way God does. 

It is good for us to remember that we do not see the whole creation view that God does, that we do not have His mind, or the ability to appreciate the time frame He is working with. We only see, and are only really concerned with, the little part we have to play. We do not like it when things do not go how we expect or how want them to go, what we think is the best outcome. It is then that we can question God, question whether He is good, or if He even exists. That is because we lose sight of who He is and who we are. We become overwhelmed with circumstances and begin to mistakenly believe that we, in fact, know best, and are in control. We forget that He is the Most High, He is the King of heaven, He is right. 

It does us good to remind ourselves that we are not whom the world revolves around. We are not the most important, nor the know-it-alls that we think we are. We are created creatures of grace. God is looking, He is in control and ‘His works are right’ even when it seems to us the worst. 

‘His ways are just’ - This means that God is fair to all, and is morally right. Whatever God is doing, it is just. It may not seem so to us at the time, but it will come to pass that justice will be done. Not according to our standards, but according to His.  

There are many historical events that may seem unjust, and horrific, yet this statement tells us that God’s ways are just - so who has had influence at those times? Sometimes we can attribute some of the tragic circumstances to God, forgetting that there is an enemy that is working and moving around us just as God is. Yet, even at those times, you can see and hear stories of hope, of goodness, of the miraculous, of righteousness and justice. One thing to remember is that our time frame and expectations for justice are wildly different to God’s. We see and know in part (1 Corinthians 13), so we cannot rightly judge as we do not see the innermost being, nor the eternal consequences of each action or decision. God can. One day every person will give an account of himself before God - do you trust God to be just then? If you believe in Him and accept Jesus as your saviour, then justice has already been served over your own life. God is so concerned with being just that all our wrongs deserve death as they separate us from our holy God. So Jesus died, cruelly, in agony. It may not seems just to you, right or fait, but don’t you rely on it for your salvation?

‘Those who walk in pride he is able to humble’ - I think that there is a fine line between confidence and pride. Particularly in the society where we are trained from our young years that we can do anything. This builds confidence, but can also build pride, so it is important that we can distinguish between them, as clearly, pride is something to avoid if you do not want to be humiliated. 

Confidence is an assurance we have in our capability. Pride is also a confidence in yourself, and having a deep satisfaction in who you are that leads to feeling dignified, arrogant and superior. That is why it is dangerous. Pride results in thoughts of being better than others. Confidence accepts abilities, doesn’t brag about them and is not afraid to give credit where it is due. The confident will admit that things took time, are gifts from God, are taught well by others, that they have limits. Pride displays that everything they can do is because of them, because of how great they are and all that they have done. 

Be warned -  ‘those who walk in pride he is able to humble’. 

That is the worst punishment for someone who is proud, consider Nebuchadnezzar. He once was full of pride, boastful of ‘great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power’. A confident, but pride-filled man until everything was stripped from him; power, majesty, his role, his sanity. Nebuchadnezzar had the attitude that he had all he did because of his character and works; his kingdom, his riches, his authority. Then he was humbled. Once he acknowledged that he can just as easily have; riches or poverty, weakness or strength, reason or insanity and that none of it was according to his will, effort or influence, but all according to the will of God, his reason returned and he honoured God. 

Are you in a position where, like Nebuchadnezzar, you are waiting to be humbled? If so, ask God and trust Him to help you out now.

Nebuchadnezzar learnt about God's righteousness, justice and power through different experiences, but predominantly through the last recorded event. It was a journey that took many years, but he eventually had this revelation that there is a Most Hight God with these qualities. Which of these do you need to hold onto today?

Forgiveness and Restoration

As we have been reading through Daniel, we have seen how Nebuchadnezzar (the king of Babylon) has; conquered nations, acted in anger, been disturbed by dreams and had a period of mental illness. A lot has happened. A lot that he has been in control of, even the orchestrator of, and for the latter part, a significant period where he was not in control, not even of himself. 

That period of time has been reviewed in Chapter 4, and the consequences of that time are recorded at the end of the passage:

34*At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honoured him who lives forever, 

    for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, 

            and his kingdom endures from generation to generation; 

    35*all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, 

            and he does according to his will among the host of heaven 

            and among the inhabitants of the earth; 

    and none can stay his hand 

            or say to him, “What have you done?” 

*36*At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my majesty and splendour returned to me. My counsellors and my lords sought me, and I was established in my kingdom, and still more greatness was added to me. *37*Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble. 

Daniel 4:34–37.

These verses talk about the restoration of both Nebuchadnezzar, and the kingdom. Both have returned to their previous state with him as king, but clearly he is fundamentally changed. He now knows there's a king greater than himself, he now sees that he was walking in pride and self-sufficiency, and now realises that life isn't all about him.

Yet, as we read, we see that the scripture seems to have skipped over the, ‘seven periods of time’ that Nebuchadnezzar was without ‘reason’. It is mentioned, but there is no detail about what occurred for the nation during that period - it must have been quite a scary and unsettling time for a secure, conquering nation such as Babylon. Prior to this they were triumphant, capable and strong with a leader whom they held in high esteem. Then one day, this king became incapable of leading the nation, even leading himself, he started to act in strange ways, living with the beasts and without reason. That must have really rocked the stability of the leaders, the nation - the shock of seeing their king incapacitated for an undeterminable period of time. 

Then, it seems as suddenly as he lost his reason, Nebuchadnezzar is found to be in his right mind. His ‘reason returned’, so his leaders invite him back into his kingly role. This surprises me. It would have been known what had happened with Nebuchadnezzar, surely. The leaders and counsellors would certainly have been aware of the insanity of the king - fallen from glory, humbled to the level of the ‘beasts'. Yet, once they see he is returned to his right mind, they seek him to become leader again, they want him elevated again to his kingly role. What a demonstration of forgiveness and restoration! 

Not something the Babylonians are famous for, but the people give Nebuchadnezzar another chance. The lords and counsellors clearly still trusted in him and wanted him to lead even though they had experienced his downfall. 

What a lovely picture of hope that can give us - When we mess up, when we make mistakes, even when ignore what we know we should do, and turn our backs to God - there is hope of restoration. There is hope of forgiveness and purpose, even of regaining what we have lost through our own fault, our own ignorance, our own disobedience. If we, like Nebuchadnezzar, lift our eyes to heaven, bless, praise and honour the Most High, then we too can experience that hope, that forgiveness and restoration. 

God loves to give us a second chance, even a third or fourth …etc... maybe you need to hear that today, and give yourself another chance to get it right. Or, maybe there’s someone else or some others you need to give another chance. Like the people did for Nebuchadnezzar - they even sought to give him another opportunity. It must have been difficult when they had been hurt and let down, but they demonstrated forgiveness and restored him to his original status. 

It is an example of how God forgives and restores us too. When we lift our eyes to see Jesus on that cross, dying for all that we have ever done to turn our backs on God, we can know complete forgiveness, restoration and hope. 

Loving your enemies

 

18*This dream I, King Nebuchadnezzar, saw. And you, O Belteshazzar, tell me the interpretation, because all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known to me the interpretation, but you are able, for the spirit of the holy gods is in you.” 

19*Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was dismayed for a while, and his thoughts alarmed him. The king answered and said, “Belteshazzar, let not the dream or the interpretation alarm you.” Belteshazzar answered and said, “My lord, may the dream be for those who hate you and its interpretation for your enemies! 

Daniel 4:18–19.

Do you notice how Daniel here is very respectful and kind? 

He demonstrates care and honour towards Nebuchadnezzar. I think this is interesting knowing their history. Daniel has been living as one of the king’s leaders in the city of Babylon for quite some time. His formative years were disrupted by battle, and he was conscripted into the Babylonian leadership program in his youth, not much choice in the matter. He has also been hunted down by the kings soldiers to be killed, and watched his friends face the furnace. Nebuchadnezzar was the orchestrator of all these things, and Daniel still treats him with respect and honour. When Daniel is given the understanding of this dream by God, he isn’t smug or pleased, or looking for revenge. Daniel instead, demonstrates care. We see this in the hesitance in verse 19, where Daniel is ‘dismayed for a while’, he does not want to reveal the meaning of this dream, and he wishes out loud that the dream was not for Nebuchadnezzar, but for his enemy because it makes Daniel sad that the outcome is for this man. 

Does that make you wonder how Daniel has not built resentment but affection for this king? How has Daniel managed to extend forgiveness to this foreign king who had tried to kill him in the past, and has even now used him as a last resort? 

I wonder how any of us would have responded in that situation.

How has Daniel extended kindness, respect and loyalty to one who has shown him none?

I am sure that many of us, if we were in the same circumstance, may well have seen Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians as everyday enemies, and some may even be waiting for a chance to bring the whole lot down. Having cultured resentment in their hearts, even praying for a time of comeuppance. Not Daniel. He has learnt, grown and served in this kingdom, all the while keeping hold of God with his friends. He must have forgiven and accepted his life and the opportunities it has raised for him despite the circumstances. He has been a willing and loyal leader and respects the leadership of the king. He has spent years serving the country, and has probably focussed on the good things, looking for qualities in the king that are admirable and likeable. So that, now, we can see genuine disappointment and sadness when Daniel has bad news for this Nebuchadnezzar.

Are there people in your life that you have learnt to love when they were once enemies? 

Who do you need to be praying for, and seeing the best in in your life? 

Is there an awkward boss, colleague or neighbour that has made your life difficult? 

My advice is pray for these people, and ask God to show you how you can help them. Ask God to show you the good in them and, if you dare, ask God to help you like them, even love them. 

We can do it. Daniel did. Jesus did. Look at the impact they had - how different could your life, and the lives of those around you be if you trust God in the most tricky relationships you have?

Are you the last resort?

After the great introduction to the letter Nebuchadnezzar has written to his  whole nation, he tells us the events that have led to him acknowledging the “Most High God’, we shall start by looking at the beginning of this story in Daniel 4:4-9;

Nebuchadnezzar’s Second Dream

4 I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at ease in my house and prospering in my palace. *5*I saw a dream that made me afraid. As I lay in bed the fancies and the visions of my head alarmed me. *6*So I made a decree that all the wise men of Babylon should be brought before me, that they might make known to me the interpretation of the dream. *7*Then the magicians, the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the astrologers came in, and I told them the dream, but they could not make known to me its interpretation. *8*At last Daniel came in before me—he who was named Belteshazzar after the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods - and I told him the dream, saying, *9*“O Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you and that no mystery is too difficult for you, tell me the visions of my dream that I saw and their interpretation.

So, beforehand, Nebuchadnezzar was relaxed, comfortable, enjoying his extravagant lifestyle and his kingdom, not a trouble in the world really. Then, he is disturbed by another unfathomable dream.  Nebuchadnezzar realised that this dream was no ordinary fancy of the mind, but was relevant and of purpose. There was something about this dream, like the first that he had, that would not leave him and concerned him even though the meaning was not obvious to him. Therefore, as occurred after the first troubling dream, Nebuchadnezzar calls all of the ‘wise’ people of his time. 

They could not help.

So it seems rather reluctantly, the king calls Daniel. I say reluctantly because surely, after the first success, you would have called the same person in to help as first port of call, wouldn’t you? But Nebuchadnezzar doesn’t. The LAST thought is to enquire of Daniel. i expect that this is because Nebuchadnezzar knows that by asking Daniel, he is relying on the god he serves for the solution, and Nebuchadnezzar, like most other people, comes to God last. Preferring to; try their own methods, call upon their friend’s or even expert knowledge, seek natural understanding from other sources for the situations and difficulties in life. 

God is the last resort. 

Don’t we experience that when we speak to others? That often God is the last resort after having tried other things? After having exhausted ones own resources, and the problem remains, what next?

Have you noticed that people do not really want your help because they know where you’ll go with it (to God)? They do not ask willingly for prayer, even those who we see are desperate? Even if we do offer help or prayer, it is sometimes rebuffed. That's ok.

It is only when all other options have run out and people have nothing left that they may cry out to a God that they are not sure even exists to help them, and that is when they might come to you. Nebuchadnezzar is a great example of this. He had reached this desperation point. He was unsettled, confused and without any answers. So, even though it was his last resort, he ‘at last’ called upon Daniel to help. 

(You may think I am being a bit harsh with Nebuchadnezzar by saying that Daniel was a last resort when he speaks so kindly about him - well, wouldn’t  you speak nicely of someone, after the event, if that person has actually helped out with the solution? It doesn’t stop the fact that approaching Daniel and his god was the last resort, the only available option after all others have failed.)

When he does come to Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar talks of him as one ‘in whom is the spirit of the holy gods’, or as we may understand; a spiritual or religious man. He clearly has the gift of the Holy Spirit, but Nebuchadnezzar would not know what this is, he just knows that there’s something significant and godly about Daniel, different to everyone else he has approached and trusted for solutions. Yet, Nebuchadnezzar was still reluctant to rely on him.

I guess that is one of the encouragements for us as we read through these verses - When we are overlooked by friends/family/colleagues for advice, we should not be disheartened, but expect it. Many people do not want to admit that they cannot sort their lives out, that they need external help, and certainly not that they need a ‘god’ - some kind of overarching entity they are unsure exists to help them. They would rather rely on natural solutions than supernatural ones. They would rather seek advice and explanation from scientists, psychics and the like than those who worship the One God. So, do not be surprised when your advice is shunned or considered last.  Nothing has changed since the times of Nebuchadnezzar! 

People do not want to admit that there may be more to life than they can see or have control over. They do not want to admit that they cannot do it alone, and if you are someone who relies in God yourself, then you are a scary person because people do not understand the faith you have. That does not mean that we should hide what God does in our lives, in fact the opposite is true. We should demonstrate our reliance, the hope and wonders that we experience with those around us. We should share with others how God has changed and challenged us, healed us, broken through for us. Otherwise, where are the people going to go when they really are really desperate and there is no other hope? 

Daniel was a last resort, he was the final hope. You might be that for someone too, but how will they know unless you share the good news of living with God?

Introduction to the Most High God

  King Nebuchadnezzar to all peoples, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you! *2*It has seemed good to me to show the signs and wonders that the Most High God has done for me. 
*3* How great are his signs, 
                how mighty his wonders! 
His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, 
                and his dominion endures from generation to generation. 

Daniel 4:1–3.

What a start to a letter! 

You’d expect some pretty great stuff to be revealed from that intro wouldn’t you?! The promise of great signs and mighty wonders! If a letter from the king wasn’t enough to warrant listening to it, then this assurance of some exciting news is surely enticing to the hearer! King Nebuchadnezzar is declaring to his kingdom that there is a God that; is Most High, has worked on his behalf, performs signs, completes wonders, lasts forever and is for everybody. That’s an impressive opening! 

This God that Nebuhadnezzar has finally seen, is the same God that Daniel, Azariah, Mishael and Hananiah have followed and shown to him - The God of Israel. Previously, to Nebuchadnezzar, the conqueror of many nations, this god was just another foreign god. One of many, as insignificant and powerless as any of the others. Now, he refers to the God of Israel as ‘the Most High God’. God is above all else. He is exalted above any other idea, doctrine or thing. Clearly, there has been some kind of revelation that Nebuchadnezzar has experienced to pick out this god out as of significance. This ruthless, proud, Babylonian king, has seen something of who God is, and he wants to share it, not just with those close to him - but the whole kingdom!

Can you sense the excitement in the first paragraph of this letter? It is like there are not enough words to commend this God to his readers. Are you or I that excited about who God is? 

What have you seen or heard about God's wonders? How has God shown himself to you? Are you sharing that with others who do not yet believe?

*3* How great are his signs, 
                how mighty his wonders! 
His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, 
                and his dominion endures from generation to generation. 

Nebuchadnezzar did not get a lot of things right, and it isn't certain that he fully understood what faith in Israel's God was like - did he just worship this god along with others? or did he realise the fullness and reality that this god isn't just higher than anything else, but is exclusively to be worshipped? Yet he gets this right. He has seen something of who God is, and he wants to share it. Not just in his court or palace, but to anyone and everyone, so that they too can live knowing this God, maybe even so that they can be saved from experiences like he had. Doesn't that inspire you? A pagan king, seemingly a hardhearted man, can still be reached with the gospel, and when he is - it changes his mindset and his life. 

So, today, consider;

Who are you intentionally sharing God's good news with? 

What would your introduction to God be like? 

How can you prove his existence, what signs and wonders are you able to describe in order to reveal God to people? 

It may be worth your while having a think about it and writing it down, then sharing it - who knows whom you could inspire to follow God - maybe even a king!

Facing the Furnace

  

*24*Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up in haste. He declared to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” *25*He answered and said, “But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.” 

*26*Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the door of the burning fiery furnace; he declared, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here!” Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out from the fire. *27*And the satraps, the prefects, the governors, and the king’s counselors gathered together and saw that the fire had not had any power over the bodies of those men. The hair of their heads was not singed, their cloaks were not harmed, and no smell of fire had come upon them. *28*Nebuchadnezzar answered and said, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants, who trusted in him, and set aside the king’s command, and yielded up their bodies rather than serve and worship any god except their own God. *29*Therefore I make a decree: Any people, nation, or language that speaks anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego shall be torn limb from limb, and their houses laid in ruins, for there is no other god who is able to rescue in this way.” *30*Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the province of Babylon. 

Daniel 3:24–30.

WOW!

Don’t you think this account is incredible? 

The three men; Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, are thrown into an overheated furnace and survive - that’s amazing in itself, but we also learn that; there’s another person there the, ‘fourth is like a son of the gods’, and not only that but they do not even smell of smoke when they walk out, and there is no evidence on their bodies (or clothes) that they have been anywhere near any fire! That’s incredible!

Now, I wonder what the onlookers were thinking or feeling! Especially those whom were responsible for these men being thrown in. They must have been awestruck, devastated and terrified all at the same time! Some of those gathered had planned for these three jewish men to be killed, but the plan had failed in an unbelievable and almighty way. Then, not only that, but the very people they wished dead, were now promoted! How vulnerable and confused the accusers must they have felt.

What a beautiful picture of how God switches things around. He brings the dead back to life, and the proud and aloof to humility. 

Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego had been given the death sentence, and they still did not renounce their faith. They faced a powerful, ruthless king, and they did not fail to stand in hope. The accusers accused, and these men still stood for what they knew was right, even though it meant they had to face death, the result was that their faith was revealed through the fire as genuine.   

These men; Meschach, Abednego and Shadrach were doing what they knew was right by their God. They stood up for what they believed and did not fall into what the rest of the world expected from them. They faced persecution for it. For being different, for not conforming to the pattern of this world (Romans 12:1). For being faithful followers of the One True God, they were rejected by those in power, accused by those in authority. 

So, if today you are facing trials, accusation, persecution, even death, you are in good company. Shedrach, Meschach and Abednego also did - Will you hold on to what you believe, like they did, to the end? Do you have the courage to admit the faith you have when faced with opposition (- that’s a tough one as it is often tempting to be quiet).

I am encouraged, and a bit scared by the examples we have read today, of men really staking their lives on their faith and not being ashamed to do so. Would I stand and face the furnace knowing that God can do something miraculous through it? Would you?