In sports vernacular they use the word “phenom.” It is used to describe someone who “stands out” at an early age. In music they are called “rock stars” or “country stars” or any other use of the word “star.” Hmmm. That phrase “rock star” is now used to describe some of the younger pastors who hit it “big” early in their ministry.
But that is not how I want it to be used in this post. Let me explain.
Over the course of the year, I have taken several different approaches to reading the Bible. I have read Psalms about 5 times this year, taking a monthly break twice. I read the book of Proverbs every other month. I am currently in I John as I read through the New Testament. I have also read Ecclesiastes and Malachi and today (Tuesday) began reading Daniel. After reading just the first chapter, my thoughts were stated out loud and in my Moleskine journal:
NOW. THERE. IS. A. STANDOUT!
Probably like many of you, I know the story of Daniel and his three Hebrew friends. I was taught that since I was knee high to a grasshopper (yeah, I know, an ooooold saying). If you have never read the first chapter of Daniel here it is. Daniel and his friends and thousands of others were taken captive into Babylon, but then Nebuchadnezzar had certain young men put into a class of excelled learning. The first test to their faith was eating the king’s food. They asked to eat only vegetables and drink only water for ten days and then to be compared to the others who ate the king’s food. Two things stood out to me as I read that passage:
The first is in verse 9 it says, “And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs.”
The second is in verse 17 when the test was over. It says, “God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom.”
Notice the source of all they had. I have no doubt they had some mental acuity and some “natural” abilities. But the Scripture states clearly where they got it from. I believe what happened was when they submitted to God and refused to compromise their convictions, God gave them an even stronger hold on essentials.
That has me thinking how often we may compromise our convictions to be accepted. Of course we read later how both the three Hebrew young men passed their own test (chapter 3), and then Daniel passed a further test (chapter 6). I have read these stores many times before, but I look forward to doing so again, especially now that I have noted the two phrases used in chapter 1. I will also read with renewed conviction on how God “honors” those who take a stand.
Do you struggle with taking a stand for your convictions? Do you have any other take-aways from Daniel 1?
I don’t find that I am often put into a position where I have to stand for my convictions. Do you think that means something?
That could mean Daniel that people already know your stand and know it is worthless to try. That happened to me in high school. After 3 tries of “come to the party on Friday night.” “For what?” “To drink and get drunk.” “And then?” “Throw up” “And then?” “Do it again.” “Yeah, sounds like real fun to me. No thanks.” They finally decided it wasn’t worth asking. 🙂
Hi Bill,
I don’t seem to struggle right now because I won’t lose alot if I do take a stand. For some believers the cost is much more. However, a stand still needs to be taken in some way that satisfies a believer’s conscience toward God.
I thought of how Daniel and his friends were under the care of the chief of the eunuchs. This may mean that Daniel and his friends had experienced the loss of these parts of their bodies.
I am amazed at how faithful the four of these men stayed to God under such circumstances. Many believers today would be very angry and feel abandoned by God. Faithfulness to God would likely be the last thing on their minds.
The stories in the book of Daniel show us that the test for God being with us is not everything going well and good. But God providing for these times in our lives with what we need to continue on with Him.
We’re talking about eternal life. This is never ending life that we will experience if we stay faithful to God. Will we experience a natural death? Likely. Maybe not(rapture). If we will overcome the obstacles that hinder us in our walk with God we will experience victory. Living eternally with God. That’s amazing!!
I also stand amazed at Daniel and his friends and their faithfulness in spite of bad circumstances.
My take is that He is such a personal God, but Hecis fullyvin control. If I think about that, it takes the pressure off.
It does help having and knowing He is in control.
I have no problem standing for my convictions or explaining my reasoning for them if anyone cares to know. I think the message in Daniel is that we should eat more vegetables. My mother was big on this as well.
i see you as one who would stand for his convictions Jeff. And I want to thank you for the chuckle this morning.
I think it’s important to remember that, like Daniel and the gang, if God had not given us what He has given us there is no way we could do what we have done. (I hope the meaning of that sentence is not hurt too badly by the poor construction of it).
Totally understand what you are saying Matt. Is that scary or what? Good to hear from you.
God does honor those who took a stand. I am getting better at standing by my convictions. When I was younger I caved ALL the time. AND I suffered the consequences. I’m learning it’s best to follow His lead!
Hopefully maturity for all of us makes us stand stronger Eileen. It certainly is best to follow His lead.
That’s one of the few things I don’t struggle with.. I may even struggle with that one to a fault. The best of anyone is the in born gift from God I believe…
I agree with you Floyd about the inborn gift from God. The best!
I just started reading Daniel as well. The first 6 chapters of Daniel were fascinating for me to read. Not the first time I’ve read them but they really spoke to me this time.
The contrast between the young Israelites and the rulers of Babylon is striking. I can’t imagine the feeling of seeing a floating hand writing words that eventually are translated to say “You have been weighed on the scales and found deficient”.
So many amazing stories in those chapters. I don’t do so well with the rest of the book but I’m trying.
Daniel and the other Israelites are a great example of standing for God.
I’m with you on the latter chapters also DJ. I find the first 6 intriguing and captivating but after that….
Yeah, those were some high stakes. I haven’t had to take a stand like they did, but standing for integrity and character when it would be easier to “let things slide” is important. I’ve had many opportunities to do that, and God certainly does grant us His ability. Don’t want to live without grace! Thanks Bill.
Well said Jason: high stakes. You are right about standing for integrity and character.
I just finished teaching on Daniel. There are so many instances where they stand up for their convictions – where they take a stand for God. And the crazy thing is that they take a stand on things as seemingly trivial as diet!
That struck me also Loren. Diet! But they were so convinced it was God’s command that they stood their ground. Great point! Bet you could teach me a thing or two about Daniel.
Good point Loren.
To God nothing is trivial. Diet was important to Him, therefore it should be important to us. Taking a stand isn’t easy, especially if we we begin to place values on what is more important in scripture. God says all His word is important, therefore we should think that as well.
I know I fall short, but I’m so glad God continues to teach me. I learn more all the time 😉