better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in his realm (1:20). Nebuchadnezzar had never witnessed such powers of perception or insight. We see the reason for this in such a verse as I Corinthians 1:25. The study of Daniel should give us courage to continue boldly in the way of life which God demands of His own (v. 21). We as God’s peo ple are in the midst of a world strongly opposed to the Lord and His people. It was no different in the days of Babylon. The modern Babylon of our time, prophesied in Revelation 17 and 18, would crush the Christians completely if this were possible. Our responsibilities are clear (II Cor. 6:17-18). Daniel lived to see the downfall of the very same empire by which he had been taken captive. Daniel’s God, who is our God, hasn’t changed, nor has His Word. Do not render obsolete the principles upon which the men of yester-years stood firm. Some of the precepts of modern psychology are poor pillows upon which to lay your weary head. The Bible admonishes the Christian to “Be not conformed to this world.” When Daniel faced a crisis in his moral life, he didn’t postpone the decision. He answered the temptation to do wrong with an immediate and emphatic “No!” It’s better to stand for the right prin ciple than to betray a Christian pro fession. So many give in with the slightest pressure from the World. The world needs men and women with courage and conviction. Can it be said of you today, “Are you will ing to ‘Dare to be a Daniel’ ” ? C hapter F ive I N the second chapter of Daniel, we find one of the most famous portions of the Bible. It contains a most amazihg prophecy. Really, it is a mountain peak of predictive truth. It depicts prophetically the develop
get started right. Daniel let it be known at the very beginning that he was a child of the true God. He had certain convictions and upon these he had to stand. The one who had custody over them gave them their request (v. 14). When the four young men were brought before the king after the ten days of testing, they were healthier physically and keener in tellectually than all the Babylonians and other Hebrew children (v. 15). What a beautiful lesson for us! We can see a demonstration here of both the grace and the power of God. It was nothing short of miraculous that Daniel and his friends flourished physically on such a meager diet. The test was so successful that Daniel’s requested diet was contin ued (v. 16). What a testimony to the power of Israel’s God (I Peter 4: 19)! The emphasis in the remaining verses of this first chapter concerns the progress of growth, especially in regard to Daniel. He was soon to demonstrate the calling and gifts of a prophet and his attainments were gifts from God. We must learn this same truth for ourselves. All we have has come from God. If we ever do become proud of our learning, we’ve fallen into the snare of wick edness. If the Lord has given you such gifts, get on your knees and thank God for them, making sure that they’re used for His glory! Let us never become puffed up with knowledge. Dedicate your mind to God. The wisdom and understanding God gave to Daniel was knowledge of a discerning type. In order to serve effectively it was essential to be instructed in the ways of the Babylonians. God gave him the greater gift of discernment so that he could distinguish things which differ. His progress of development was so noticeable that the king found Daniel and his companions ten times 8
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