Daniel’s first two chapters involve his faithfulness when facing uncertain or adverse circumstances related to the Babylonian authorities above him. Specifically, Daniel was pressured to eat foods that would have defiled him as they were a violation of Jewish law. These were foods offered to pagan gods at the time and likely included pork, which was a forbidden food. Secondly, he was among a group of administrators who were condemned to execution because of their inability to define and interpret a dream Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, experienced. The king was insistent upon an explanation and interpretation from those made responsible for making clear the meaning of the dream.
As Daniel was a Godly man of conviction, prayer, and excellence, he serves as an example for people today who wish to honor Yahweh and others. Not specifically about forbidden foods, or to explain and interpret dreams of others, but to be an individual of character. With integrity, we can pray for others, and especially those in leadership. Then when it comes to having affirmed and settled beliefs about who God is and what He requires of us, we are in the same way consistent in living out those convictions. Whether in the little things in life or with wisdom, toward the more consequential matters in life.
Daniel lived his life in such a way that his life was a testimony to others and those foreign to Yahweh. His conduct, demeanor, influence, and persuasive nature helped enable him to love and serve God by how he made a difference in other people’s lives. Especially among those who were otherwise hostile to him and his beliefs. Confident and assertive, Daniel represents the character befitting one who is responsive to God and the needs of others. His win-win mindset served him well as He maintained his faithfulness to Yahweh. A talent gifted to him by God, he trusted and believed God for the well-being and blessings he continued to demonstrate. The wisdom of Daniel stemming from the relationship he lived out with God was responsible for the results under pressure we read about in the beginning of the book of Daniel.
His life exemplifies the fact God can use His people wherever they are. He can use His people in whatever circumstances they face. If or when we face hardship or tough situations, we can look to Daniel’s example about how we can honor God and those we are with. To make the right choices that glorify, honor, and serve God to assure that our lives’ testimony and witness point clearly to Him and the work He does within us. So that when we have the opportunity to give an apparent reason for the hope we have (1 Pet 3:15), we speak about God’s goodness and how He is very much worthy of our love and trust as He is the source of our confidence and faith.
As we see and experience God’s power through the work of the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to live as Daniel did. To make practical everyday choices about what we choose to believe and how we conduct ourselves among others in light of what God wants and values.
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