Daniel 2:20

Daniel 2:20 says, Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his:  In this verse and the next three we have Daniel's words of blessing, or praise, to God.  Daniel begins by acknowledging the eternal wisdom and power of God.  When we are talking to God, we need to always remember Who He is.  God is the creator and redeemer Who sustains all who are His.  Verse twenty-one adds, And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:  Daniel said that God is the ultimate authority and source of wisdom in the world.  Though we can debate whether God places all rulers in power or simply allows them to rule for a time, we can be certain that ultimately all earthly rulers will be removed.  Likewise, we can be certain that all true wisdom comes from God.  Verse twenty-two continues, He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.  Daniel said that God revealed all the deep and secret things and knew what was in darkness.  Nothing can be hidden from God.  He will bring to light all those things done in darkness.  Verse twenty-three states, I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, who hast given me wisdom and might, and hast made known unto me now what we desired of thee: for thou hast now made known unto us the king’s matter.  After praising God for Who He is, Daniel praised Him for answering their prayers.  We likewise should praise God not just for the fact that He is the source of all good in the world, but also for the fact that He hears and answers our prayers.  Through faith in Christ, we have a personal relationship with God.  Verse twenty-four adds, Therefore Daniel went in unto Arioch, whom the king had ordained to destroy the wise men of Babylon: he went and said thus unto him; Destroy not the wise men of Babylon: bring me in before the king, and I will shew unto the king the interpretation.  Daniel could have asked Arioch that he not destroy Daniel and his three friends, but he included all those who were to be destroyed.  We might sometimes think that when evil people, or simply those who deny God suffer that they are getting what they deserve, but that should not be our attitude.  As followers of Christ, we should pray for their redemption instead of their destruction.  Daniel said he could show the king the interpretation, which meant that God had answered Daniel's prayers.  Verse twenty-five continues, Then Arioch brought in Daniel before the king in haste, and said thus unto him, I have found a man of the captives of Judah, that will make known unto the king the interpretation.  This took some faith on the part of Arioch, because he was not carrying out the king's command.  Sometimes, even those who aren't followers of Christ will help those who are in a time of crisis.

Daniel 2:11

Daniel 2:11 says, And it is a rare thing that the king requireth, and there is none other that can shew it before the king, except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.  This is a continuation of the statement made by the magicians and astrologers, those who were thought to be the wise men of Babylon.  They said that there was no one who could answer the king except the gods.  They were almost correct.  There was none who could answer except someone appealing to the One true God.  We must always remember that what is impossible for man is possible for God, when we rely on Him for whatever we need.  Verse twelve adds, For this cause the king was angry and very furious, and commanded to destroy all the wise men of Babylon.  Nebuchadnezzar was angry about their answer, and he decreed that all the wise men of Babylon be destroyed.  They most likely thought that if they said no one could do what the king asked that he would be satisfied.  Instead, they brought about their own destruction, which will be the fate of all those who claim to be able to tell the future without looking to God for guidance.  Verse thirteen continues, And the decree went forth that the wise men should be slain; and they sought Daniel and his fellows to be slain.  The king wasted no time in issuing the decree that they should be destroyed.  Daniel and his three friends were included in this round up.  Just as Daniel and his friends had been taken captive, they were now about to be killed through no fault of their own.  We may at times find ourselves in bad situations through no fault of our own, but we, like Daniel, must not allow it to shake our faith in God.  Verse fourteen states, Then Daniel answered with counsel and wisdom to Arioch the captain of the king’s guard, which was gone forth to slay the wise men of Babylon:  Then verse fifteen adds, He answered and said to Arioch the king’s captain, Why is the decree so hasty from the king? Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel.  Daniel wanted to know why the king was so quick to decree the death of all for the failure of some wise men and magicians.  Arioch, who was in charge, told Daniel the reason.  If we are going to be condemned by the world, it is always good to know why.  Verse sixteen continues, Then Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would give him time, and that he would shew the king the interpretation.   Daniel didn't just rush in to see Nebuchadnezzar, but when he saw him simply asked for time with the promise that he would tell him the dream and the interpretation.  He needed time to pray to God for the answers.  We need to make sure that we pray and ask God for guidance in all that we do.  Verse seventeen says, Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions:  Daniel did not just rely on himself, but shared the need with his three friends.  We do not need to feel that we are alone when confronting the evils of the world but should always remember that other Christians are at work and at prayer as well.  Verse eighteen adds, That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.  They were to desire the mercies of God that they would receive the answer and should not perish.  We today, by the mercy of God, have the answer to keep us from perishing spiritually, and that is accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord.  None of the other wisdom of the world can save us.  Then verse nineteen concludes, Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.  Daniel had remained faithful to God and God remained faithful to Daniel.  Daniel had placed his life in God's hands, believing that God would give him the answer for Nebuchadnezzar, and God delivered.  We can have that same assurance in life today, and since God has already delivered us to everlasting life, we should bless God by our actions.

Daniel 2:1

Daniel 2:1 says, And in the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams, wherewith his spirit was troubled, and his sleep brake from him.  Nebuchadnezzar had dreams that kept him from sleeping.  Nebuchadnezzar evidently put a lot of faith in dreams.  There are still those people today who believe that dreams foretell the future base their actions on these dreams.  Verse two adds, Then the king commanded to call the magicians, and the astrologers, and the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans, for to shew the king his dreams. So they came and stood before the king.  Nebuchadnezzar evidently had many people who served to interpret his dreams and give him spiritual advice.  We may have many people today who claim to have the ability to tell us what our future holds, but only God can do that.  Verse three continues, And the king said unto them, I have dreamed a dream, and my spirit was troubled to know the dream.  Nebuchadnezzar told those that he had summoned that he had a dream that troubled him and they were to tell him what it was and what it meant.  This might seem a lot to ask, but if they were truly capable of doing what they claimed, then it should not have been a real problem.  The same is true for those who claim such power today.  Verse four states, Then spake the Chaldeans to the king in Syriack, O king, live for ever: tell thy servants the dream, and we will shew the interpretation.  They started by flattering Nebuchadnezzar.  I do not believe that they thought that he would really live forever, but they wanted to continue to live successfully during his reign.  Then, they asked Nebuchadnezzar to tell them the dream so that they could tell him the interpretation of the dream.  If we tell people what we dream, it is easy enough for them to come up with what the say the dream means.  As followers of Christ, if God does speak to us through a dream, He will reveal to us what it means.  Verse five adds, The king answered and said to the Chaldeans, The thing is gone from me: if ye will not make known unto me the dream, with the interpretation thereof, ye shall be cut in pieces, and your houses shall be made a dunghill.  Nebuchadnezzar not only wanted them to tell him the interpretation of the dream, but he wanted them to tell him the dream itself.  I guess we could say that this alone put them under pressure, but to add to the pressure Nebuchadnezzar said if they could not then they would be chopped in to little pieces.  Even if it is not in this life, there will come a day when those who claim some mystical power will be held accountable for what they have claimed.  They will suffer a greater punishment though, and that will be everlasting separation from God.  Verse six continues, But if ye shew the dream, and the interpretation thereof, ye shall receive of me gifts and rewards and great honour: therefore shew me the dream, and the interpretation thereof.  Though promised death for failure, they were promised great reward for success.  Those who claim to be able to tell the future today, by whatever method, do so for material gain and for personal acclaim.  We as followers of Christ should never look to them for guidance in any form.   Verse seven says, They answered again and said, Let the king telling his servants the dream, and we will shew the interpretation of it.  These who had claimed to have special abilities to determine the future showed the limited power that they really had.  They needed to know the dream before they could come up with what they said was the interpretation of the dream.  Those today who claim to see the future are just as limited.  They must convince someone that they know what the future holds enough to get that person to believe them and act on that belief.  Verse eight adds, The king answered and said, I know of certainty that ye would gain the time, because ye see the thing is gone from me.  Nebuchadnezzar basically said that he knew they were stalling for time.  Verse nine coninues, But if ye will not make known unto me the dream, there is but one decree for you: for ye have prepared lying and corrupt words to speak before me, till the time be changed: therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that ye can shew me the interpretation thereof.  Nebuchadnezzar told these magicians, astrologers and sorcerers that he knew that they had been lying to him, but if they told him his dream, then he would believe their interpretation of it.  I would say that is like someone who believes in astrology asking a person what their sign is.  If all these traits are determined by when we are born, then someone who can tell our future from them should be able to tell us our sign.  Verse ten concludes, The Chaldeans answered before the king, and said, There is not a man upon the earth that can shew the king’s matter: therefore there is no king, lord, nor ruler, that asked such things at any magician, or astrologer, or Chaldean.  They said the king was being unfair, because no one could do what he asked.  They were correct about the group they listed, which included them.  There are still no magicians or astrologer today who can tell the future.  We can only be certain of the future if we put our faith in God through Christ's sacrifice for us.

Daniel 1:16

Daniel 1:16 says, Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.  As stated earlier, this was not just a ten day trial period, but was a commitment for as long as they were in captivity.  After a few days, we might be tempted by the rich food and drink, but they remained true.   Verse seventeen adds, As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.  When they remained faithful to God, He remained faithful to them.  We too often expect God to remain faithful to us, even when we are not faithful to Him.  Living without being corrupted by the king's food and drink, these four were not only physically superior to those who ate what the king provided, but they were given a great skill in knowledge and learning.  We might say that it was only food and drink, but at this time, there were still dietary restrictions for the Jews.  We may not have the same dietary restrictions today, but there are still things that we should not do as followers of Christ, no matter how much it might benefit us materially.  Verse eighteen continues, Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.  The day of reckoning had come.  Melzar was to bring those chosen before the king, including Daniel and his three friends.  When we are firm in our faith to Christ, there will always be days when we are judged compared to others around us who do not follow Christ.  Verse nineteen states, And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king.  The king could find none like these four.  When we are examined by the world, we need to live in such faith that no one living by the standards of the world will compare to us.  This is due to our belief in and faith to Christ, and not because of our own ability.  Verse twenty adds, And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.  The king found them to be ten times better in wisdom and knowledge than all his magicians and astrologers in the land.  No matter how smart those who deny God, and especially His redemption of people through faith in Christ, may think they are, we as followers of Christ are superior in knowledge and understanding.  This is because God gives us true knowledge and understanding.  Verse twenty-one coninues, And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus.  Daniel and the others were not suddenly set free from their physical bondage, but they were never in spiritual bondage.  That is all that we can claim today.  Even if we were to be enslaved physically, if we remain true to God through the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit, we will never be enslaved spiritually.

Daniel 1:8

Daniel 1:8 says, But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.  Instead of counting himself fortunate to be given the portion of the king's food and drink, Daniel knew that they would defile his relationship with God and even with the other children of Judah.  We cannot feast on the riches of the world if it will defile our relationship with God or our identity as His followers.  Verse nine adds, Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs. I believe that God was still at work in Daniel's life because Daniel was remaining true to God.  Had Daniel simply felt that he was fortunate and gone along with the king's plan, I don't believe that God would have been at work in his life.  We cannot follow the world and follow God as well.  Verse ten continues, And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king.  Though the prince of the eunuchs liked Daniel, he feared the king more.  He was worried about what would happen to him if Daniel and his friends didn't eat and drink and looked bad when presented to the king.  There may be people today who like us, but if our beliefs as followers of Christ somehow threaten them or their position, they will quickly cast us aside to preserve their status.  Verse eleven states, Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,  Daniel did not simply refuse to eat no matter what, but he was willing to talk to Melzar, the prince of the eunuchs about a compromise.  Daniel was not compromising his beliefs but was simply proposing a way for his friends and himself to remain true to God without causing harm to Melzar.  Though we cannot compromise our faith, we do not need to go out of our way to bring harm to those who are not followers of Christ.   Verse twelve adds, Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.  Daniel proposed a test.  He and his friends were to be given pulse and water for then days.  Today we might say bread and water.  I wonder how many people, if taken captive and called to live in the king's palace and eat his food would decline the food for fear of poluting themselves spiritually.  Verse thirteen continues, Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king’s meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants.  Daniel told Melzar to examine them after ten days compared to those who did eat and drink the the king's food and drink.  Daniel had to have faith that God would keep them strong if they remained faithful to Him.  We cannot compromise our faith for our own benefit but must decide before temptation comes to remain true to God with the knowledge that He will provide for us.  Verse fourteen says, So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days. Melzar consented, which took some faith on his part.  Verse fifteen adds, And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king’s meat.  God rewarded their faith, and indirectly that of Melzar also.  When we stand firm for God, those around us will notice and be impacted by our faith, whether they acknowledge it or not.  We might say that still Daniel and the others doomed themselves to a lifetime of bread and water, but that was unimportant.  Remaining true to their faith in God was what mattered.

Daniel 1:1

Daniel 1:1 says, In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it.  Once more, God's chosen people were under attack because they refused to follow God.  We cannot be God's people, followers of Christ, and live in disobedience to His will and expect that there will be no consequences.  When God's chosen people began to live for themselves and not for God, He often removed His protective hand from them.  Verse two adds, And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.  When God removed His protection from Judah, they were defeated by Nebuchadnezzar, who then took the vessels from the house of God and carried them to the treasure house of his god.  We might question why God would allow this to happen, but I believe that when His people did not follow His will that the vessels of the temple had no meaning.  We cannot claim that something is God's if we do not follow Him.  Verse three continues, And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king’s seed, and of the princes;  Since Asphenaz was tasked with bringing certain children of the king's seed to him, we can assume that Daniel must have been of the royal family.  Now, he found himself enslaved.  As followers of Christ, we are part of His royal family and must never allow ourselves to be enslaved by sin once more.  Verse four states, Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.  The king didn't want just any children, but he wanted the best so that they might stand, or serve, in the king's palace.  I guess if a person were enslaved by another, then serving in the palace would not be the worst thing that could happen. Verse five adds, And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king’s meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king.  We are not told how the rest of those captured were being treated, but the others chosen with him and Daniel himself were to be treated to the finest food and drink.  We may be offered the finest that the world has, but if we have to stop identifying as followers of Christ, we cannot accept it.  Daniel and those with him were basically going to be removed from his identity as a Judean.  Verse six continues, Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:   We are given the names of four of the children of Judah who were chosen.  Again, they might have felt fortunate to be in such a position and have even credited God with placing them there, but they were really being put in a position of having to praise, or at least thank, the king.  Verse seven concludes, Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego.  I believe that this is further evidence that they were to be assimilated into Babylonian culture.  Even the names that they had were going to be changed.  If we begin to try to fit into the world, taking on all the habits of the world, we may soon lose our identity as a follower of Christ.  No matter how tempting things may look, if the lead us away from the will of God, they are wrong.  We must stand firm in our identity as God's followers, no matter what it costs us in this world.

2 Corinthians Review concluded

We will spend one more day looking at some of the things that Paul taught in 2nd Corinthians.  I think that he taught us that we will not always get to do everything we decide to do to spread the gospel.  Paul often had his plans changed as far where he was going, but that never stopped him from doing what he was called to do.  He was under the leadership of the Holy Spirit in all his ministry.  We may have plans for what we are going to do to witness for Christ, but something may happen to change our plans.  This does not relieve us of the responsibility of witnessing.  Paul said that he had prayed about being relieved of a thorn in his flesh and that it didn't happen.  That did not mean that God did not hear and answer, but simply that the answer was no.  Paul did not allow this to cause him to question God, and if God says no to our prayers, we cannot allow that to cause us to rebel against God.  We can sometimes become almost bitter at God when we don't get what we pray for, but if we are following the leadership of the Holy Spirit, we never should be that way.  Paul also said that he was caught up in the third heaven several years before, but he was not sure if it was physically or just spiritually.  He had not mentioned it previously, I believe in order to keep the emphasis on the gospel.  He said he saw great things and heard unspeakable things but did not elaborate on them.  I personally believe that he was given a vision of heaven, but don't believe that he was physically there.  We cannot become a follower of Christ simply to gain access to heaven.  We can only become a follower of Christ by accepting His gift of salvation, and then we must live for His glory, and not for our own benefit.  The truth of the gospel is a restored relationship with God and not heavenly rewards.