Daniel s Faithfulness (Daniel 1)

Transcription

1 Daniel s Faithfulness (Daniel 1) When we think of trials in our lives, most of us think about hardship and sorrow. We consider a trial something difficult we go through a tough time in our lives. But a trial is more than that. A trial is actually a test a test that either proves something to be true or reveals it to be false. This is why we have murder trials. We want to prove guilt or reveal innocence. This is why we conduct clinical trials. We want to prove a certain drug to be safe and effective or reveal it to be lacking. This is why we have Olympic trials. We want to prove someone is good enough to represent our country or reveal that someone else is better. A trial is a test and when it comes to the trials in our lives, we need to understand that they indeed are tests tests that will either: prove ourselves faithful to God or reveal we aren t that faithful after all. We ve all experienced trials in our lives, haven t we? I don t think there s anyone here who could claim they haven t. Well, we re in good company. Even great men of God, like the prophet Daniel, have gone through difficult trials. This morning, I want us to look at one trial in particular. Turn in your Bibles to Daniel chapter 1. As we begin looking at this chapter, the first thing we see is... God s Providence Daniel 1:1-2a (KJV) 1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it. 2a And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand (into Nebuchadnezzar s hand)... 1

2 Let s not too quickly pass over this statement in verse 2... And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand... God wasn t asleep folks. The defeat of Judah by the Babylonians was ordained by God. Now think about this Because of this defeat, Daniel and his friends will end up facing a difficult trial. Their faithfulness to God will be put to the test. They will be forced to choose to either disobey God and remain physically safe OR obey God and risk being executed. They will be faced with quite a dilemma. But you know what? None of this will be a surprise to God. God knows the hardship Daniel and his friends will experience because of Judah s defeat. Yet (get this): God ordains Judah s defeat anyway. The truth is (and we need to understand this): God has his reasons for bringing Daniel and his friends face-to-face with their trial, and the truth is, those reasons are more important than their temporary comfort. All of this is a bit disturbing but yet, it s also extremely comforting. It s a bit disturbing because God is well aware of what trials will come our way as a result of his activity in this world. He knows the hardships and dilemmas we will face. Yet He does what He does anyway. But at the same time, this is also extremely comforting. God is never surprised when trials come into our lives. In fact, the same God who loves us so much, has allowed our trials for a reason. This is comforting. Well, what possible reason would God have for allowing us to go through trials? If He loves us, why wouldn t He prevent us from suffering such times of difficulty? Well, the truth is: Our trials have purpose. We know from James 1:2-4 that trials help us grow spiritually. 2

3 We know from Rom. 8:28 that our trials actually work out for our good. We know from 2 Cor. 12:8-10 that God uses our trials to put His own glory on display. His power is displayed to the greatest degree in our weakness. So, even if we can t figure out the exact purpose of each trial, nevertheless, we need to recognize that all of our trials do have purpose. You see We don t always see the BIG picture. But God does. And part of living a life of faith is trusting that God knows best, even in our trials. So, the next time you face a difficult trial Remember: You can t see the BIG picture, but God can and He knows best. Remember: God has allowed your time of difficulty for a specific reason. And that reason must be more important than your temporary comfort. The second thing we see in Daniel chapter 1 is... Daniel s Dilemma Daniel 1:3-6 (KJV) 3 And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs (the master of his court officials), that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of the princes; 4 Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning (or... literature) and the tongue (or... language) of the Chaldeans. 5 And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king's meat (or the king s delicacies which included meat), and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king. 6 Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: So, King Nebuchadnezzar ordered the master of his court officials to choose from among the Jewish nobles, the most promising young men in order to train them in the king s academy, to eventually serve him as officials in the king s court. Well, Daniel and his friends were among the young men who were chosen. 3

4 They would be taught the literature and language of the Chaldeans, to prepare them for their future roles as advisors to the king. But Houston, we have a problem! They would also be drinking the king s wine and eating the king s meat. This is a problem because the king s wine and the king s meat (which actually was the king s delicacies which included meat) were routinely offered to idols and much of it would ve also been prohibited by the Law of Moses. Now We know from Titus 2:9 that servants are, to be obedient unto their own masters... But we also know from Acts 5:29, that when we re told to do something that isn t right, we ought to obey God rather than men. So, here s the dilemma Do these young men take the easy path and go with the flow disobeying God in this one little detail, and live to see another day? OR Do these young men take the hard path and go against the flow obeying God in even this seemingly small detail, and risk losing their life? That s the dilemma. But you know... Daniel and his friends aren t the only ones who ve ever faced a tough trial. They aren t the only ones who ve had their faithfulness to God put to the test They aren t the only ones who ve had to make a difficult decision. We, too, have had our share of tough trials, haven t we? Some of us may have had our boss ask us to do something that we knew wasn t right. This was a trial our faithfulness to God was being put to the test. We had to make a difficult decision: Would we take the easy road disobey God, in one little area, to maintain a good relationship with our boss OR would we take the hard road obey God and risk losing our job? 4

5 Some of us may have had a fellow Christian do or say something very hurtful to us. This also was a trial our faithfulness to God was being put to the test. We had to make a difficult decision: Would we take the easy road disobey God by refusing to forgive our fellow Christian OR would we take the hard road obey God, swallow our pride, and forgive our brother or sister in Christ? Some of us may have been seriously injured in some sort of accident. This was a trial our faithfulness to God was being put to the test. We had to make a difficult decision: Would we take the easy road blame God and turn our backs on Him in anger OR would we take the hard road recognize God allows our injuries for a reason, and continue to love Him and trust Him regardless? Life is full of trials full of situations that will test our faithfulness to God. With these trials will come dilemmas difficult decisions to make. And the right choice is often the harder path. The question is: In these dilemmas Will we prove our faithfulness to God? OR Will we prove we care more about our own temporary comfort? Let s now see what Daniel did when he was faced with such a dilemma The third thing we see in Daniel chapter 1 is... Daniel s Decision Daniel 1:8a (KJV) 8a But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank Let s put this in perspective Refusing to obey our boss will, in the worst case scenario, what cost us our job? But Daniel refusing to obey the king s wishes, could easily have cost him his life. Yet, Daniel purposed in his heart that he would obey God. 5

6 What I find most interesting about Daniel s decision is actually when he made it. Notice He didn t delay making a decision, hoping the king would change his mind. He didn t wait until he could figure a way out of his dilemma. He didn t even wait to officially find out the consequences of disobeying. No, before there was any hope, Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself that he would not take the easy road and simply go with the flow. How often do the circumstances of our situation dictate whether we will be willing to obey God or not? I suspect the answer is: Too often. If the consequences seem too harsh, too difficult We will often convince ourselves that God will understand our disobedience. But is this what Daniel did? No. Regardless of how difficult his life would become by obeying God Daniel purposed in his heart that he would remain faithful anyway. This also is what Abraham did. Turn with me to Genesis 22:1-3 (KJV) 1 And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt (or test) Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am. 2 And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of. 3 And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him. Now, if we were to keep reading, we would come to find out that God did not really want Abraham to sacrifice His son. In the immediate context, God was testing Abraham to see if he would be willing to sacrifice even his son, in order to please God. 6

7 But here s the thing: Abraham didn t know all the details before deciding to obey. When the worst outcome remained a real possibility long before God stopped Abraham from sacrificing his son, Abraham chose to remain faithful to God. Like Daniel, Abraham purposed in his heart that he would obey God. We should be doing the same. Our boss tells us to lie on the invoice to save him some money. We need to purpose in our hearts that we will obey God rather than men, before we find out whether disobeying our boss will cost us our job. Our wife packs her bags and says she wants a divorce. We need to purpose in our hearts that we will not blame God, but remain faithful to Him, before we figure out if we can actually win our wife back. Our doctor informs us we have cancer and further test are needed. We need to purpose in our hearts that we will not walk away from God in anger, but draw closer to Him instead, before we find out whether our cancer is terminal Listen Daniel made a decision early on in his trial. When the worst outcome remained a real possibility, Daniel purposed in his heart that he would remain faithful to God. We should do the same. The fourth thing we see in Daniel chapter 1 is... Daniel s Wisdom After choosing to obey God no matter what, notice the details of Daniel s response to the trial he finds himself in Daniel 1:8b (KJV) therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs (or the master of the court officials) that he might not defile himself. 7

8 Notice first that Daniel didn t try and force the Laws of Moses onto the Babylonians. He didn t tell his master he shouldn t be eating the king s meat either, right? Why do you think this is? Well, for one thing: Just conforming to a set of rules doesn t cleanse the heart. Daniel knew that even if the Babylonians were to eat all the right foods, they still were lost and on their way to an eternity separated from God. What the Babylonians needed wasn t laws to obey, but a God who would save. I m sure that when Daniel had opportunity, he would ve shared with anyone who d listen, how he was a follower of the one true God and that by God s grace he would spend eternity with His God because of his faith. But Daniel didn t try and make pagans more moral by giving them God s rules. We need to take note of this folks. I believe we, as Christians, too often make the mistake of trying to get the world to conform to God s laws, when what the world really needs is the gospel. The world around us doesn t need to hear, stop smoking and stop swearing. No. The world around us needs to hear that the only way to God is through faith in His Messiah who we now know to be Jesus of Nazareth. Back to Daniel: The second thing I want you to notice about his response is that Daniel didn t organize a sit-in or a strike. Neither did he lead a revolt or a rebellion. Daniel didn t outright refuse to comply and undermine his master s authority. Nor did he cause a big scene and get his master in trouble with the king. No, Daniel showed a lot of wisdom and used a lot of tact in facing his trial. 8

9 He assessed his situation, and decided that the wisest approach was to request permission from his master. We need to take notice of Daniel s example here folks. Too often, we will be asked by our boss to do something we can t do as Christians, and instead of using wisdom, we will draw a huge line in the sand. I WILL NOT work every Sunday. I don t care what you say. It ain t happening! But is this the kind of response we see with Daniel? No. Daniel approached the situation with wisdom. Why don t we? Instead of freaking out at our boss, why not ask permission to avoid going against our conscience like Daniel did? Why not try and find a solution to the problem with gentleness and respect, instead of destroying our Christian testimony by lashing out in anger? You see There s the right way to respond to issues like this, and there s the wrong way. Romans 12:17-18 (KJV) 17 Recompense (or Repay) to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest (or Consider beforehand how to do things honorably) in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you (or as far as it depends on you), live peaceably with all men. You see Christians need to think not only of the convictions they hold, but the way in which they hold those convictions. We need to represent God in a way that will bring honor to Him. Back to Daniel again Did His wisdom pay off? We see the response of his master in Daniel 1:9-10 (KJV) 9

10 9 Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs (Daniel s master the master of the court officials). 10 And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king. So, even though Daniel approached the situation with wisdom, his master the master of the court officials (identified here, as the prince of the eunuchs) feared the king too much, to risk letting Daniel and his friends not eat the king s food. So, Daniel gave up, ate the king s food and drank the king s wine, and God understood. At least you tried, Daniel, said God. Is that what happened? No. What happened was this: Daniel continued to use wisdom, and didn t give up. We see Daniel s next move in Daniel 1:11-14 (KJV) 11 Then said Daniel to Melzar (this is Daniel s immediate supervisor), whom the prince of the eunuchs (the master of the court officials) had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse (or vegetables) to eat, and water to drink. 13 Then let our countenances (or appearance) be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king's meat (or as I said before, the king s delicacies which included meat): and as thou seest, deal with thy servants. 14 So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days. Daniel understood why his master couldn t just let him and his friends do what they wanted. His neck was on the line. So, instead of ignoring his master s own problem, Daniel helped find a solution. He offered a solution that both his master and him and his friends could live with. 10

11 He proposed a 10 day trial, that Lord willing would prove that eating only vegetables and drinking only water wouldn t negatively affect the health of Daniel and his friends. Daniel s immediate supervisor, and presumably also his master, agreed to this proposal, and after 10 days, the results were in which brings us to: The fifth thing we see in Daniel chapter 1... God s Presence Daniel 1:15-16 (KJV) 15 And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat. 16 Thus Melzar (Daniel s immediate supervisor) took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse (gave them vegetables). This was a miracle folks. The majority of the young men, who were in training for the king s court, ate a wide variety of quality food, and drank the choicest wine from the king s table. But Daniel and his friends ate only vegetables and drank only water, for ten days. The expected result was that they would appear less healthy than the rest. Yet, after ten days, the surprising result was that Daniel and his friends actually appeared healthier. What this miracle means, is that during the time Daniel and his friends were facing their dilemma, God had been with them. He was not oblivious to their situation. He had been there the whole time and had actually rewarded their faithfulness. What a comfort this must have been to Daniel and his friends. But we must be careful not to draw the wrong conclusions here God was under no obligation to reward their faithfulness. It wasn t as if Daniel and his friends deserved a miracle. No. God had been gracious. 11

12 So, what this means that if you or I were to find ourselves tomorrow in the same situation as Daniel, God has every right to choose to not perform a miracle. The implications of this truth are worth noting: Even if we remain faithful to God in our trials We may still lose our job to an unreasonable boss, or even worse We may still lose our life to an ugly disease. I ll say it again God is under no obligation to reward our faithfulness. But equally important to understand is this: Even if God chooses not to reward us for our faithfulness This doesn t mean He isn t pleased with us for our faithfulness, and This doesn t mean He hasn t been right by our side the entire time. For what does the writer of Hebrews attribute God as saying in Heb. 13:5? I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee Do you believe that this morning? Do you believe that when facing the toughest test of your faith, God is there? Do you believe that when facing your most difficult decisions, God is there? It s true. I pray you recognize that this morning. No matter how dark the valley is that you may find yourself walking through, you can take comfort God will be in that valley with you. Listen to these words of encouragement and comfort this morning Hebrews 4:14-16 (KJV) 14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession ( let us remain faithful). 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. 12

13 The sixth thing we see in Daniel chapter 1 is... God s Blessing Daniel 1:17-20 (KJV) 17 As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. 18 Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs (the master of the court officials) brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. 19 And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king. 20 And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm. Wow! Not only do we see God s presence with Daniel and his friends through the performing of a miracle. But we also see God s blessing of Daniel and his friends, above and beyond what they would ve ever expected. In verse 17 we read that God, gave them knowledge and skills in all learning and wisdom and Daniel was given understanding in all visions and dreams. Then in verse 20 we read the proof of such blessings: King Nebuchadnezzar declares that Daniel and his friends were 10 times better than all of the others who served in his court. Was God under some sort of obligation to bless Daniel and his friends? No. But God is gracious, and He often blesses His people: for their good and for His glory. Let me tell you something I may not have been given a supernatural ability to interpret visions and dreams. And I may not have been given supernatural knowledge or supernatural wisdom. But I do know this: I ve still been so blessed. I look at my life and the times I ve rebelled against God, and I declare: I don t deserve anything good. 13

14 Yet, God in His mercy has given me so much. I have a great wife who puts up with me and four wonderful kids who love me. I have been freed from earning an income so that I can spend the majority of my days (get this ) praying to the God I love, studying His life-changing Word, and ministering to His people. I have been truly blessed. And the truth is: You have been blessed too. We need to remember the words of Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV) 18 In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. The final thing we see in Daniel chapter 1 is... God s Plan Daniel 1:21 (KJV) 21 And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus. At this point in his life, Daniel has not yet discovered why God has given him such favor with the king, but he ll figure it out in time. God has a plan. In the future Daniel will interpret the king s dreams. Daniel s friends won t burn in the fire. One king will be humbled before God. Another king will be judged by God. And Daniel will survive the den of Lion s. And through each of these events, God will be brought much glory. And you know what? All of these things will only happen as a result of Daniel and his friends remaining faithful to God, in the midst of this trial in Daniel chapter 1. It was all part of God s plan. You see We never know what affect our decisions today will have on our lives tomorrow. We need to remain faithful to God in even the smallest details. 14

15 Like Daniel and his friends We need to recognize God s providence when we face trials in our lives. We need to decide early on that we will remain faithful no matter what. We need to show wisdom and tact as we work through our trials. We need to recognize that God has not abandoned us. He is still with us, and has graciously and tremendously blessed us. And we need to realize that we often can t see the BIG picture, but God can. Our role is to remain faithful to Him and continue to trust Him no matter the outcome. (Close in Prayer) This morning, we ve seen Daniel and his friends remain faithful to God during a difficult trial. But do you know what? They weren t perfect. There s only been one man who s ever lived a perfect life, and His name is Jesus. He is our Savior, He is our Lord, and He is our treasure. And this morning, in a special way, we want to remember Him and the sacrifice He made for us on the cross. If you have turned to God through Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins in other words: if you are a Christian, then please join us in this service. And if you have never turned to God through Jesus Christ in other words: if you aren t a Christian, then please stay, but don t partake let the plate pass you by. But stay! Because in our communion service We want you to see our love for Jesus, and how He s changed everything for us. And we want you to see that we take no credit for the salvation of our souls. We give all the credit and glory to Him. Let s begin with the first 2 vs. of hymn #224 When I Survey the Wondrous Cross 15