Daniel (meaning God is Judge) compiled this book around the year 536BC . Daniel (1.3) was taken captive to Babylon at the time of the first invasion of Jerusalem. He then covers the whole exile time and the going back.
In Babylon he, together with three other Hebrews, was
chosen to be trained to serve King Nebuchadnezzar (the Babylonian King) Further
on he was offered to be the 3. highest ruler in Babylonia because of his wisdom and ability
to interpret dreams and visions (5:16). He was well respected, but envois
people tried to have him killed because of His integrity and strong trust and
belief in God. (9.23,10.11,19)
The book has these strong stories we have heard fall
the time form Sunday school:
-
The 3 men in the fire – the King saw 4 and was amazed and scared and
released the men .who where untouched by the fire. And the king gave Lord the
honor. It would be important to the OR to read the Kings words of giving the
Lord honor.- David in the Lions den because he didn’t want to worship the Kings statue. The King was troubled and did not sleep. The king was overjoyed and gave God the honor when Daniel was alive. 6.10 and He promoted Daniel.
- The writing on the wall at Kings party, when the used the stolen cups from the Temple.
He has several other Prophecies
that speak about the time to come - both
the closer return to Jerusalem, and the more future coming of Christ. There are
several was of looking into this prophecies as Andrew thought in school.
But what is most important is that in the midst of
very tough situations Gods people can stand out, be firm and trust in the Lord,
as He is sovereign and will save his people. He is in control even in the
affairs of world history. He wants to tell us the coming things.
What does this book show about the character and
nature of God?
In this book I think David’s prayer is full of Gods
nature and Character, so in chapter 9 following verses show this (qualities
underlined):4: I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed:“O Lord, you are a great and awesome God! You always fulfill your covenant and keep your promises of unfailing love to those who love you and obey your commands.
7: “Lord, you are in the right; but as you see, our faces are covered with shame. This is true of all of us, including the people of Judah and Jerusalem and all Israel, scattered near and far, wherever you have driven us because of our disloyalty to you. 9: But the Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him.
12: You have kept your word and done to us, and our rulers exactly as you warned. Never has there been such a disaster as happened in Jerusalem.
13: Every curse written against us in the Law of Moses has come true. Yet we have refused to seek mercy from the Lord our God by turning from our sins and recognizing his truth.
15: “O Lord our God, you brought lasting honor to your name by rescuing your people from Egypt in a great display of power. But we have sinned and are full of wickedness.
16: ln view of all your faithful mercies, Lord, please turn your furious anger away from your city Jerusalem, your holy mountain. All the neighboring nations mock Jerusalem and your people because of our sins and the sins of our ancestors.
17: “O our God, hear your servant’s prayer!( He listens) Listen as I plead. For your own sake, Lord, smile again on your desolate sanctuary.
18: “O my God, lean down and listen to me. Open your eyes and see our despair. See how your city—the city that bears your name—lies in ruins. We make this plea, not because we deserve help, but because of your mercy.
What does this book show about God’s redemptive
plan for mankind?
The people of God can make a different in the world we
live. –If we claim that identity and God can step in and use us.
He is through Daniels prophecies showing things that
will happen, and also points forward to Jesus as in:
9:26: “The anointed one will die, appearing to have
accomplished nothing, but a ruler will arise…”
12:7: ”…the
One who lives forever”7:27: “His Kingdom will last forever ….” .
Personal
Application:
I have
always been fascinated of the exciting stories about Daniel and his friends. Their
brave attitude and faith in God have been very encouraging to read about.
I
like the way Daniel’s 3 friends answer Nebuchadnezzar when he threatened them to
be thrown into the blazing furnace if they refuse to worship the gold statue he
has set up:
“If we are thrown into
the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue
us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if
he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will
never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”
(3:18)
This
shows that their trust in the Lord was not depending on that they will be rescued
or not. I think it is very important to me that I build my Christian life on more
solid ground than expecting God to fulfill all my prayer-desires.
I can
just see a little bit of the road I shall walk, but I have to relay in that God
is in full control! Therefore I also like the last verse in chapter 12 where God
speaks to Daniel – because it can be very confusing to try to understand the
meaning and which time it’s speaking about concerning many of the dreams and
messages Daniel received from God:
“As for you, go your way until the end. You will rest, and then at the
end of the days, you will rise again to receive the inheritance set aside for
you.” (12:3).
This
gives me rest and peace, and I will say as Asaf does: “But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter” (Psalm 73:28).
My point of passion during my DBS is the
Shan-people in Thailand:
I pray that our sisters and brothers among the
Shan-people will get the same boldness as Daniel and his 3 friends. I really
believe that God’s people can make a difference - even if the circumstances are
hopeless.
God is in control also when it comes to the
Shan-people, and I pray that God will reveal to them that as long as they are
holding themselves close to Him, nothing is hopeless!
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