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Was he an enslaved aristocrat from a conquered land or a pampered official of a victorious empire? (Daniel 1:1-5 &48) A young man who had lost family, home and place of worship or one who had gained favor, status and wealth? (Daniel 1:6-18 & 48) A man of God from the land of Judah or a man of Bel from the land of Babylon?

At the mere mention of Daniel’s name we immediately think of the lion’s den, but Daniel’s life was full of memorable events. He was captured at the fall of Judah and dragged away a slave to Babylon. Once there he was selected for possible use at the King’s court, given preferential treatment and training (some of which he refused – see Daniel 1:8), and as a result was shown favor by his God as well as King Nebuchednezzer. (Dan.1) However, to fully understand and appreciate Daniel’s story, we must first realize that he was not where he would have preferred to be nor was he given any choice as to the circumstances he daily found himself in. His Godly response to the unexpected is what made his life challenging and rewarding as it presented him with opportunities for service to his God, the King and his fellow countrymen.

It would seem as if Kings came and went, but Daniel remained. He served King Neduchadnezzar the conqueror; his son Belshazzar, who saw the handwriting on the wall and died shortly thereafter (Daniel 5); Darius, who took the throne in the name of the Medes and Persians; and Cyrus, who succeeded him. The cornerstone of Daniel’s long service to four king’s would appear to have been his absolute allegiance to his God and his consistent trustworthiness to those he served. He purposefully did his best at all times, earning for himself a reputation of faithful service and dependability that was unrivaled and undeniable. (Daniel 6:1-5) He spoke the truth – even when it was contrary to what his listeners expected to hear. (Daniel 2:29-48,4:1-27,5:18-29) As a result, he was trusted above all others and was rewarded with wealth, position and influence. Throughout all this, Daniel’s witness stayed constant as he continued to worship his God as he felt led to, regardless of opposition and hardship (Daniel 6:1-15); giving credit to Jehovah as the originator of who he was and what he could accomplish. (Daniel 2:27,28) As a result, Daniel’s worth was recognized and his duties increased. The over-riding benefit however, was that Jehovah was honored and proclaimed pre-eminent as the One True God throughout the land on a number of occasions. (Daniel 2:47,4:37 & 6:25-28)

Daniel was blessed as a result of his placing himself in a position to be blessed. And no, that wasn’t necessarily in Babylon where he could curry the King’s favor; but in obedience wherever he was, whoever he served. His life was not one of total ease and comfort, his troubles arising from the same place as his blessings; his absolute allegiance to his God and adherence to His ways. His main cause of trouble? Envy. (Daniel 6:3,4) The target of his enemies? His faith and faithfulness. (Daniel 6:5) Even pagans, (then and now) realize that strong ethical behavior is rooted in strong personal devotion and worked to turn this positive aspect of Daniel’s character into a seemingly negative practice before the King. (Daniel 6:6-16) Thus Daniel’s experience in the den of lions.

And even though the King himself could do nothing to save Daniel at this point, God could and did. Daniel being miraculously rescued and justice carried out against his false accusers; this actually being the second miraculous rescue recorded in the book of Daniel. The first occurred at the fiery furnace which Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were thrown into as a result of their refusal to worship the golden image erected by King Nebuchadnezzar. They had served the King well and would continue to do so after this experience as well. (Daniel 3:30) But they had to do so on their terms, obedience to their God coming first. They realized God sometimes delivers us from evil altogether but more often sustains us in the midst of difficulty. Why? To what purpose? To increase our faith and faithfulness while proving himself stronger than anything or anyone, furthering his witness throughout the world. All four men, in their own way and at different times declared: ‘Regardless of what you do, we know God is able to save us from it and rescue us from your hand. But even if he does not do so, we will not serve you if it means disobeying our God!’ (Daniel 3:16-18,6:21,22) As a result of their steadfast faith they were saved, rewarded and God’s power was realized, his name being praised throughout the land. (Daniel 3:28,29 & 6:25-27)

What can we learn from Daniel? To develop a desire to be different in our lifestyle, resolving to commit ourselves to a higher purpose. Obedience to the law of the land – as long as it doesn’t contradict the laws of God. A striving for excellence in all we do, even when circumstances aren’t ideal or what we prefer. The need to be true to God in all things, depending on him to save, salvage and prosper as he sees fit. Being willing to serve – God and man – regardless of the personal circumstances we find ourselves in. (Part of Daniel’s service to God was being the best Administrator of Babylon he could be; not just blessing the King and Babylonian people but blessing many other Jewish captives as well.) Thus putting ourselves in a position to be blessed. Which is not however, a decision to do only if and when we receive something in return but a desire to be the right person all the time – living righteously – which God will in turn bless, sometimes in unexpected and unforeseen ways. Total dependence on God and complete acceptance of the consequences of our obedience (or disobedience) will help us realize that we are not called to continuous success but to a constant faith.

What a difference we could make in our own world with the faith and discipline of Daniel and his companions. Let’s work to make it so and maybe have said of us what was declared of them:

“Praise be to the God of (Daniel), Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any God except their own God. (Daniel 3:28) How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders! His Kingdom is an eternal Kingdom; his dominion endures from generation to generation.” (Daniel 4:3)

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