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From Habakkuk we turned to Jeremiah – now let us turn to the book of Daniel and read something of what happened to one group of Hebrews as they went off to Babylon.

Daniel Chapter 1 . There is more in this book than the fiery furnace and the lion's den. These Chapters cover some 75 years of a man's life - the life of a man of God.

Daniel was brought up in a palace. He was man with tremendous courage - which he must have been able to pass on to his assistants or colleagues. And he was quite old when thrown into the lion's den.

When we see him in Chapter 1 , he is around 16 years of age - and yet, he goes on to outlive four kings and two Empires.

Jesus spoke about Daniel the prophet - Matthew 24verse 15 . Here is a man of God who heard the word of God in a very trying situation - in prison in Babylon.

One lesson we can learn from this book is that God is in charge - in control of our lives - of national situations - of international situation. The Risen and Living Lord Jesus Christ IS in control. The affairs of men are in the hands of our Creator God.

The decisions we make - can determine how we will be living when we are 60 - 70 - 80,90, as in Daniel's case. That is another message and lesson from Daniel.

What we decide when we are in our teens can have such an influence upon us in later life - and some learn that too late.

We read of Daniel's strange surroundings. Daniel came to terms quickly with his situation - and God used him in his situation - a displaced person away from home.

You don't drown by falling into water - but you might drown if you stay there.

Daniel had been born with royal blood in him. He had everything going for him. He was good looking - handsome - intelligent - had a good education - and Daniel is set to go to the top – but the top people were taken away to Babylon first.

At the age of around 16 - he is taken off in chains to another land - to Babylon - and he never returned. King Nebuchadnezzar came and invaded Israel - destroyed Jerusalem - and took away the people. But when you touch Jerusalem - then that is different. That is the city of God - that is where God decided to be present and live.

What was God going to do? You have to be bold to attack Jerusalem - but we know that God gave Nebuchadnezzar the victory. God allowed him to overrun Jerusalem. Lord, God what are You doing?

Nebuchadnezzar was a tyrant - he would roast men alive. It wasn't because he was good - but because Jehoiakim was a bad king. That is why God allows this.

2Kings 23verse 36f - and 24verse 13 .

Remember, God had said to Israel - if you do not change you will have to leave! You will be taken away captives and prisoners to a foreign land.

Nebuchadnezzar said - "Their God is nothing - my god is everything. He took the sacred cups from the Temple and he set them up in the house of his god." These vessels had had a history.

2Kings 21verses 13to 18 – Hezekiah the king had boastfully shown those cups and vessels, to visitors from Babylon who had come with a ‘get well soon’, greeting.

Word was passed down - they have some nice stuff in Jerusalem - and Nebuchadnezzar came and took them.

Later they were used at Belshazzar’s Feast - Chapter 5 - that was the last night of his reign, as they all got drunk. We must never abuse the things of God.

Nebuchadnezzar also took some human vessels of God - men who were later to announce his downfall.

He was seeking to destroy Jerusalem and God and all things Hebrew and kingly - but what was actually happening was that God was moving to Babylon.

These young men were taking the living God into pagan Babylon. Now - there's a lesson.

“Lord our God – we thank You for what You do within our lives, even when we are unaware of what is happening. We thank You too for warning us regarding abusing spiritual gifts and riches and truths. We thank You for the life and example and witness of this man Daniel. Help us to be as loyal and faithful and courageous. Hear us as we pray in Jesus’ name.” Amen.

"Voice of Inspiration" from Andy Castro

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