WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM DANIEL?
Daniel in the Bible was deported to Babylon at the age of sixteen and then for almost seventy years was used by God to speak into the Jewish and Gentile World. In the early stages of his captivity, he was handpicked for government service. Even though he lived in a heathen culture, was trained in their customs and learnt their language, he never lost the integrity of his relationship with God.
The word ‘define’ means:
· Mark out boundaries
· Show clearly the outline
· State precisely
· Give a clear cut outline
The reason Daniel’s life speaks today, is because he was very intentional about marking out inner boundaries and having a clear cut outline of how he would live his life.
Here are some things we can learn from his life:
1. DANIEL LOOKED BEYOND HIS CURRENT CIRCUMSTANCES
Daniel 1.4 The King of Babylon looked for young men in whom there was no blemish, but good looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had the ability to serve in the kings palace, and whom they might teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans.
While Daniel was in exile he had his name changed, learnt a new language, read the literature of a foreign heathen people, was trained in their customs and had to serve in the kings palace, but with all this, he never allowed his belief and love for God change.
2. DANIEL SERVED WILLINGLY EVEN WHEN HIS ENVIRONMENT CONFLICTED
Daniel 1.5 for three years he was trained that he might serve before the king.
He didn’t have the power to choose his environment, but his attitude is displayed by the fruit he carried. He served willingly, and gave of his best.
3. DANIEL WAS VERY PURPOSEFUL HOW HE LIVED
Daniel 1. 8 Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself.
He established boundaries in his life, so as to protect himself from evil influences. His boundaries were in area of food, but how much do we need boundaries in areas of morality, alcohol, drugs, relationships etc.
Part two soon