Daniel: Prophet from 524-c. 450 BC
Now when Daniel learned that
the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the
windows opened toward Jerusalem.
Three times a day he got down on his knees and
prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Daniel 6:10 (NIV)
READ: Daniel 1, 2, 5, 6
Daniel
was born into an unidentified family in Judea and was selected among the first
of the Jewish captives taken to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar. For a three year period Daniel was instructed
in all the traditions of the Babylonians in preparation for service to the
king. Yet in spite of all this he
remained true to his Jewish heritage.
Therefore, when he and his friends were offered royal food and drink
they declined since these foods violated the Levitical laws. God honored them by giving them outstanding
learning abilities and Daniel was given the ability to experience visions and interpret
dreams. When Nebuchadnezzar received a
vivid dream that disturbed him, Daniel was called upon to interpret the dream
requiring both courage and tact. Daniel
served in the Babylonian court as a statesman his entire life including during
the reign of Belshazzar who became confused when a mysterious hand wrote a
message on a wall during one of his parties.
Daniel was summoned to the court and asked to explain the message, which
was one of destruction and continued in office during the reign of Darius. During his reign a royal edict was made that
prohibited all prayers or petitions except those addressed to the king. Daniel would not comply and was thrown into a
den of lions for breaking the law. God
intervened to save his servant. Daniel
continued to function as a government official through the Persian rise to
power over the Babylonians under Cyrus.
During his life Daniel received many visions of the end times which are
recorded in Daniel 7-12. It seems
probable that Daniel died well over the age of 80 leaving behind a life of inspiring
faith through the exercise of courage when confronted with mortal danger. He lived a life of wholehearted devotion to
God in a pagan society and set an example of persistence in prayer.
JOURNALING AND PRAYER
1. Where do you feel weak in your faith?
2. Ask God how He wants to grow your faith this summer. What does He want to do in your heart?
3. Thank God for what He has shown you, and pray that it would become a reality in your life.
