Daniel Review Concluded

As we continue to look at lessons learned from Daniel, we next need to realize that there are those who claim to have the ability to foretell the future based on some ability other than understanding God's word.  They will often outnumber those who truly speak for God.  They will also usually want to say what will make them look the best to those in power.  As followers of Christ, we can never allow ourselves to be caught up in simply endorsing the actions of those in power, especially when what they are doing goes against God's teachings.  We may live a longer and more prosperous life by doing so, but ultimately, we will be held accountable for our actions.  Also, if we do find ourselves in positions of power, we must use those positions for God's glory and not our own.  Daniel never abused his position but worked to benefit the king that he was serving at that time, so that God would be glorified by his actions.  We are never to use our position in life, whether it be great or small, simply from a selfish point of view.  I personally believe that this applies to nations as well as to individuals.  If God has blessed a nation, it is so that those less fortunate may be helped for the glory of God.  God does not value one group of people over another.  A person's relationship to Christ is all that matters.  Also, we need to understand that kingdoms, some good and some terrible, come and go, but God's kingdom is forever.  As followers of Christ, we are already a part of that kingdom.  One day, and nobody knows when, Christ will return to claim those that are His.