Read Daniel 1
Highlights In Today's Reading:
Daniel's faith. Daniel is a prime example of teaching godly principles to every level of life. Beginning as a teenage captive (1:1-3), he will not defile himself (1:8-16). Declares wisdom is from God (2:19-28).
Daniel was chosen by Nebuchadnezzar for captivity as one of the children of Israel . . . in whom was no blemish . . . skilful in all wisdom . . . whom they might teach the learning and the tongue (language) of the Chaldeans. And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king's meat . . . so nourishing them three years (1:3-5). To create loyalty to Babylon, the prince of the eunuches . . . gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar (meaning Prince of Bel). . . . But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself (1:7-8) by eating food that was not scripturally clean. The prince agreed even though it could have been considered an act of rebellion against the king. When examined, Daniel and his friends appeared healthier than anyone else (1:15,20).
In the second year of his reign, Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams, wherewith his spirit was troubled. . . . Then the king commanded . . . the Chaldeans . . . to shew the king his dreams. . . . They answered . . . the king . . . There is not a man upon the earth that can shew the king's matter (2:1-10). Daniel answered. . . . There is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the King Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days (2:20,28).
Daniel explained that the great image (2:31) in Nebuchadnezzar's dream represented the kingdoms that would rule the world during what would be known as the times of the Gentiles (Luke 21:24). A Stone . . . cut out without (human) hands . . . smote the image upon his feet . . . and brake them to pieces. . . . and The Stone . . . became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth (Dan. 2:34-35).
The fact that the massive and awesome Stone was cut out without hands reveals its supernatural identity as The Stone (Jesus) which the builders rejected (Matt. 21:42). In the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a Kingdom, which shall never be destroyed (Dan. 2:44).
Jesus Christ is the Messiah King (7:13-14) who shall regin for ever and ever (Rev. 11:15) and each of us is called upon to be loyal to His Word.
Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer . . . be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life (Rev. 2:10).
Thought for Today:
From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord's Name is to be praised (Ps. 113:3).
Christ Revealed:
As The Stone that smote the image (Dan. 2:35). The Stone is Jesus Christ (Acts 4:11; Eph. 2:20; I Pet. 2:4-8).
Word Studies:
1:4 Children in whom was no blemish = young men who were strong and healthy; 2:1 sleep brake from him = he was unable to sleep; 2:31 great image was terrible = dreadful, awesome, frightening; 3:19 the form of his visage = his facial expression ; 3:21 hosen = other garments.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts in memory of Henry Rogers • Assistant to the Executive Director of the IBRA in our Washington DC Branch: Terry Hall • Government Officials: Rep. Joe Barton (TX) and Rep. Mark Kirk (IL) • Country: Colombia (38.6 million) in northwestern South America • Major language: Spanish • New government has declared religious freedom • 93% Catholic; 4% Protestant; .5% Tibal; .2% Muslim; .1% Baha'i; .1% Jewish; 2.1% non-Religious/Other • Prayer Suggestion: Thank the Lord for hearing your prayers (Ps. 28:6-7).
Optional Reading: Revelation 20
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 11:30