Boldness with love possessing great faith and sound doctrine in all of God’s Word, in all of God’s ways is sorely lacking in today’s men, in today’s leaders, in today’s pastors in general, in today’s professed Christians.
Daniel is not a fictional character in a fiction novel or film.
His example, while none of us will live what he did and what he went through, his example, his story, his history, his faith and boldness, his righteousness and obedience to the Lord is an example each of us can engage in, gather up, store up, and hold within us. By trust, by total faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, total faith and always going to the Holy Spirit, total faith in the whole Word of God, and being as Bible literate, Bible fluent, Bible discerning as the Holt Spirit will measure out to us.
To be bold always in every instance for God. For Jesus. For the Holy Spirit. For the Word of God. For those in darkness, those opposed to God and in rebellion and at war with the Lord and the Word.
Boldness with love.
With obedience.
Not fearing.
Always faithful, obedient, and trusting in the Lord.
To be a light unto the world.
We are in a figurative lion’s den, a figurative fiery furnace. We ought never to kneel to the idols of this world, the ways, practices, and beliefs of this world — the politics of this world that go against God, against Yeshua HaMaschiach, the Lord Jesus Christ, against the Holy Spirit — and against the Word of God.
Meaning we better know better what is contained in God’s Word and able to give a defense, an explanation correctly.
Example — what would the response be to an atheist, a non-believer that takes Matthew 7:1 out of context in a contentious effort to trip up the Christ follower? Each of us better have right discernment and understanding and always be asking the Holy Spirit for help — faithfully.
Need to plan, prepare, practice, condition, and strengthen spiritually for the perilous times in which we all live that are approaching the times of Daniel in Babylon, approaching as in the days of Noah. The time is short. The harvest is vast. Our service to the Lord is required.
With boldness, love, and obedience.
Even in the face of death.
Read on…
Ken Pullen, Monday, June 24th, 2024
Daniel: God’s Man in Government
Bold leadership is needed when wickedness ascends
June 17, 2024
by Jesse Smith
Reprinted from Truth Unmuted
We are living in extremely tumultuous times. Rapidly evolving situations threaten to negatively affect the future for decades, perhaps even centuries to come. Fears of another world war, financial crises, new viruses and pandemics, job loss to AI and robots, and planetary disaster from climate change flood the news cycle.
Religious persecution, political discrimination, and racial hatred are all trending upwards. Societies are swiftly decaying as morality, justice, and freedom fade away into the night. Elements of Socialism, Communism, Fascism, and Technocracy threaten republics and democracies based on Christian principles and values. Drug abuse is rampant, depression is the new normal, and children are being encouraged to cut off body parts to swap genders.
It’s hard to have hope for the future amid all this darkness. However, despite the chaos and turmoil found throughout the world, the promises of God stand true. Psalm 112 serves to remind us that those who revere the Lord are blessed, and further proclaims that the:
“…righteous will never be moved;
he will be remembered forever.
He is not afraid of bad news;
his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.
His heart is steady; he will not be afraid,
until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.”
– Psalm 112:6-8
The psalmist reminds God’s people that they’ll never be moved, shouldn’t fear bad news, and expect victory over adversaries. This kind of confidence may seem implausible in the face of growing antichrist forces. Wicked people have claimed leadership in government, public institutions, corporations, and the whole of society. They believe Christianity and Christian culture are dead and a new era promising godhood, immortality, and global unity without God will replace it. But throughout history, God’s people have been left for dead many times only to be revived and reinstalled to prominence as His ambassadors in the earth.
Defying a King
Daniel was one such ambassador. Taken captive by Babylonian forces while a youth in the fifth century B.C. he, along with three other young men from Judah (Hananiah [Shadrach], Mishael [Meshach], and Azariah [Abed-Nego]) were selected to serve in King Nebuchadnezzar’s palace. God gifted them with wisdom, knowledge and understanding superior to all the king’s astrologers, magicians, and soothsayers. Daniel was particularly skilled in literature and in interpreting dreams and visions.
Shortly after their palace arrival, the young men put the Babylonians on notice by declining to eat the king’s feast, adhering to their customary diet instead. The head adviser warned them against abstaining and feared they wouldn’t be as healthy as the other servants, but they refused to budge. After sticking to their diet for ten days, they appeared much healthier than the other servants. From that point on they were no longer required to eat the king’s delicacies nor drink his wine.
Later, we are told that Nebuchadnezzar began having dreams and wanted his advisers to either interpret them or be put to death. When they informed the king that the task was too difficult, he ordered their immediate execution. When a soldier came to arrest Daniel, he inquired further, and the king granted him more time to reveal the dream’s interpretation. Daniel shared the dilemma with his three companions, and they prayed to God for the answer. When God gave Daniel the correct interpretation of the dream he thanked the Lord, praying:
“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,
For wisdom and might are His.
And He changes the times and the seasons;
He removes kings and raises up kings;
He gives wisdom to the wise
And knowledge to those who have understanding.
He reveals deep and secret things;
He knows what is in the darkness,
And light dwells with Him.
“I thank You and praise You,
O God of my fathers;
You have given me wisdom and might,
And have now made known to me what we asked of You,
For You have made known to us the king’s demand.”
– Daniel 2:20-23
Daniel stepped into his role as a prophet and told Nebuchadnezzar that his dream was a prophecy of the rise and fall of four successive kingdoms. The decline of the fourth empire would result in a final kingdom that would “break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever.” This prophecy is a clear reference to the rule of Jesus Christ which began after his crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension to the right hand of God.
Nebuchadnezzar was so impressed by the revelation that he fell on his face in worship, acknowledging that Daniel’s God “is the God of Gods, the Lord of Kings…” Daniel was then made ruler over Babylon and chief over all it’s wise men. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego also joined the king’s court as administrators over Babylon.
Turning Up the Heat
Though Nebuchadnezzar verbally acknowledged the God of Heaven as supreme, his heart was left unconverted. He then commissioned and commanded all kingdom inhabitants to worship a giant golden statue of himself. The punishment for disobedience was being burned alive in a fiery furnace. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego refused the command (we can also assume Daniel refused also) and were brought before the king for questioning, who asked:
“Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the gold image which I have set up?
Nebuchadnezzar then reminded them that “if you do not worship, you shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you from my hands? (Daniel 3:14-15)”
The three Judeans then boldly replied:
“O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up (Daniel 3:16-18).”
LONDON, GREAT BRITAIN – SEPTEMBER 17, 2017: Mosaic of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in a fiery furnace in Westminster cathedral designed by Boris Anrep (middle 20. cent.). Credit: Adobe Stock
An enraged Nebuchadnezzar ordered the three to be thrown into the furnace with the heat turned up seven times its normal temperature. But as the king’s servants attempted to cast them into the fire, they themselves were killed by the intense heat. Then, a miracle occurred as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were left untouched by the blaze while a fourth person (like the Son of God) was seen in the fire with them.
After witnessing all that happened, the king quickly repented of his demand for worship and once again acknowledged the one true God, saying:
“Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who sent His Angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him, and they have frustrated the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they should not serve nor worship any god except their own God! Therefore, I make a decree that any people, nation, or language which speaks anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made an ash heap; because there is no other God who can deliver like this (Daniel 3:28).”
Afterward, the three Hebrews were promoted once again demonstrating that God rewards faith, obedience, and courage.
A Prideful King Gets His Just Due
The Statue of Marduk depicted on a cylinder seal of the 9th century BC Babylonian king Marduk-zakir-shumi I
After encountering God’s power and sovereignty one would think that Nebuchadnezzar had learned his lesson. But the trappings of sin, especially for one so rich, powerful, and prideful are hard to relinquish. Nebuchadnezzar continued his worship of Bel (aka Marduk), the Babylonian god associated with the planet Jupiter, and often depicted standing next to or riding a dragon.
He then had a very disturbing dream which he asked Daniel to interpret. What’s interesting is that Nebuchadnezzar admitted to changing Daniel’s name to Belteshazzar after his god and considered him “chief of the magicians.” Daniel was no magician or occultist, but a simple man who loved and trusted God. Despite seeing the miracles and hearing the unrivaled wisdom, Nebuchadnezzar still wasn’t fully convinced that Daniel’s God was the only sovereign, but merely one who shared power with Bel and other deities. However, this myth about the Hebrew God was about to be permanently dispelled.
Because of his vanity, Nebuchadnezzar probably believed his newest dream was about the “chopping down” and “cutting off” of one of his rivals. It was a great shock to find out that it was he who would be chopped down and left to live as a wild beast in the field for seven years. Daniel further explained that he would soon be stripped of all wealth, glory, and power. To no avail, Daniel pleaded with him to repent (Daniel 4:27), but Nebuchadnezzar’s heart remained hardened. One year later while strolling around the royal palace, he pridefully boasted,
“Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty? (Daniel 4:30)”
The great city of Babylon | Image: Adobe Stock
Nebuchadnezzar quickly found out that God is faithful to fulfill his word as the “kingdom quickly departed” from him. He was instantly driven mad and made to live in the wild, grazing on grass like an ox for seven years. What a humbling experience this must have been for a man who had reached the pinnacle of earthly power and success. At the end of seven years, signifying rest and completion, he finally acknowledged his sinful condition while recognizing God’s authority and immortality, stating:
For His dominion is an everlasting dominion,
And His kingdom is from generation to generation.
All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing;
He does according to His will in the army of heaven
And among the inhabitants of the earth.
No one can restrain His hand
Or say to Him, “What have You done?”
– Daniel 4:34-35
While being fully restored as king, he at last comes to the end of himself, admitting that the King of Heaven’s “works are right,” His “ways are just,” and humbles “those who walk in pride” (Daniel 4:37).
Lessons Learned Are Short Lived
After Nebuchadnezzar’s reign ended with his passing, his descendant Belshazzar (son of King Nabonidus) became prince. Evidently, he did not share Nebuchadnezzar’s humility and reverence for God. Chapter 5 begins with Belshazzar hosting a great feast where the royal court drank wine out of the gold and silver vessels taken from Jerusalem when Babylon conquered Judah. This blasphemous act was very quickly dealt with by the Lord of Heaven. After the soothsayers and astrologers failed again, Daniel was called upon to interpret the meaning of words that appeared on a wall while everyone was eating and drinking during the feast.
Writing on the wall at Belshazzar’s feast, Daniel prophecy | Adobe Stock
Apparently, Daniel was cast aside once Nebuchadnezzar died, but his reputation for having excellent wisdom remained intact. When brought before Belshazzar, he was able to interpret the phrase “Mene, Mene, Tekel, and Parsin” written on the wall which translated to:
God has numbered the days of your kingdom and brought it to an end. You have been weighed in the balances and found wanting. Peres, your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians.”
As a reward for the accurate translation, Daniel was restored to a place of honor as the third most powerful ruler in the kingdom. Belshazzar did not fare as well. That same night he was murdered as the words Daniel interpreted foretold his downfall and the rise of the Medes and Persians who would capture Babylon.
Daniel Ascends Once More
Foreign rule of Babylon was quickly cemented as King Darius the Mede assumed the throne. Darius not only retained Daniel as a royal servant but elevated him to prime minister with 120 princes under his command. Daniel, one of three governors, reigned over the other two who were probably of Persian descent. The governors and princes did not take kindly to Daniel’s authority over them and in their jealousy sought to sabotage his rule. They had a difficult time devising a scheme to entrap Daniel due to his impeccable character, but finally found a way to trip him up. They convinced Darius to enact a law where men could pray to no one but the king for thirty days. Anyone found violating the law would be thrown into a den of lions to be torn apart and eaten alive.
With full confidence in God, Daniel openly defied the order. Upon returning home from the palace, he went to his upstairs room and “with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.” The trap was successful, and the conspirators reported Daniel’s activity to Darius who immediately regretted his decree. He tried to find a way out but couldn’t retract his edict. He eventually signed off on Daniel’s fate while telling him, “Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you.”
Darius fasted and refused to sleep that night out of concern his friend. Early in the morning when he went to the lion’s den, he shockingly found Daniel alive and well! Daniel proclaimed, “my God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you” (Daniel 6:22).
Daniel in the lions’ den. Annecy – France | Adobe Stock
In a swift reversal of fortune, Daniel’s accusers along with their wives and children were then thrown in with the lion’s and consumed. Darius, amazed by Daniel’s deliverance, makes a proclamation exceeding that of Nebuchadnezzar’s which previously only prohibited speaking amiss of God. Darius declares that:
“… in every dominion of my kingdom men must tremble and fear before the God of Daniel.
For He is the living God,
And steadfast forever;
His kingdom is the one which shall not be destroyed,
And His dominion shall endure to the end.
He delivers and rescues,
And He works signs and wonders
In heaven and on earth,
Who has delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.”
– Daniel 6:26-27
Daniel was said to have continued to prosper during Darius’ and Cyrus the Persian’s reign as joint rulers over Babylon.
Men and Women Like Daniel Needed More than Ever
Daniel lived under dictatorial rule with false gods and human idols demanding his worship which he refused every time. He instead showed that faith, humility, steadfastness, patience, prayer, and obedience toward God was the pathway to victory over the most impressive and powerful enemies. Perhaps his most impressive quality was his courage. He continually refused to give in to the pressure to worship other gods and conform to societal norms despite the threats against his life. How many of God’s people today are brave enough to do the same?
Compromise always leads to defeat while obedience always leads to victory! Referring back to Psalm 112, those faithful to God are promised the “5P’s” including:
- Providence
- Protection
- Provision
- Preservation
- Power
One of, if not the main reason the world is embracing evil, and governments are becoming more tyrannical is because there aren’t enough Daniels in place standing against it. Protesting is not enough. Complaining on social media is inadequate. Relying on politicians is a fool’s errand.
God has given his people the power to effect change. By His spirit we can unashamedly proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ and make disciples of all nations. Too many Christians have given up the fight believing that we must comply with government policies and cultural trends that violate God’s laws and moral expectations. Until more Daniels arise and cast off the fear of reprisal, the slide into complete decay and oppression will continue.
If you are a disciple of Christ, you can be that Daniel like figure in your family, at your job, in your community, in local government, in business, at church, and wherever else you may have influence. Daniel and his friends defied kings and princes with great militaries, vast riches, instruments of torture, and power over some of the greatest empires in recorded history. They slowed and, in some instances, stopped the evil influences of false gods, occult powers, and political despotism. Their courage led to the weakening of the strong, destruction of the jealous and vengeful, the conversion of the irreverent and incorrigible, and the exaltation of the humble.
God promises that every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. This takes place progressively, as described by David Chilton in Paradise Restored.
Definitively, all things were placed under Christ’s feet at His ascension to His heavenly throne; in principle, He rules the world now as the Second Adam. Progressively, He is now engaged in conquering the nations by the gospel, extending His rule to the farthest corners of the earth. Finally, the Day will come when Christ’s actual conquest of the world is complete, when all enemies have been abolished.” (pp. 146-147).
With God’s promise of complete and total victory it is time to get busy doing our part as his disciples. His rule will not come through governmental reform alone, but through hearts that have been permanently changed by His gospel.
It is important to reiterate that the forces of evil can and will be overcome. God has stated this as fact throughout the Bible. So, no matter what’s happening in your life and in the world, take heart because:
Soon the wicked will disappear.
Though you look for them, they will be gone.
The lowly will possess the land
and will live in peace and prosperity.
The wicked plot against the godly;
they snarl at them in defiance.
But the Lord just laughs,
for he sees their day of judgment coming.
The wicked draw their swords
and string their bows
to kill the poor and the oppressed,
to slaughter those who do right.
But their swords will stab their own hearts,
and their bows will be broken.
It is better to be godly and have little
than to be evil and rich.
For the strength of the wicked will be shattered,
but the Lord takes care of the godly.
– Psalm 37:10-17
WATCHING & LISTENING TO THE FOLLOWING WILL PROVE VERY HELPFUL:
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Days like this
History of Faith — Part 3
“The Future is Written”
Nietzsche’s America: The Decline Of The Pulpit: Only One-Third Of Pastors Have A Biblical Worldview
Every Effort Matters
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