WEEK 3 – Daniel

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<p class=”p2″ style=”margin: 0px; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: ‘Helvetica Neue’; color: #000000;”><span class=”s1″ style=”font-kerning: none;”>Daniel was a prophet referred to as “Greatly beloved” he was chosen as one of the few wise, well versed and knowledgeable ones to to be prepped to serve in King Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom after being taken as a captive from the besiege in Jerusalem along with 3 others who’s names were changed to Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.<span class=”Apple-converted-space”> </span></span></p>
<p class=”p1″ style=”margin: 0px; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: ‘Helvetica Neue’; color: #000000; min-height: 12px;”></p>
<p class=”p2″ style=”margin: 0px; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: ‘Helvetica Neue’; color: #000000;”><span class=”s1″ style=”font-kerning: none;”>These young men were very wise and faithful to God.<span class=”Apple-converted-space”>  </span>Even when facing death they stood their ground and testified that their God would rescue them. Because of their bold faith, God rescued them from death in the fiery furnace and lions den. Nebuchadnezzar and king Darius glorified God because they were able to see that the God of Daniel was alive and surely listening to his prayers. As a result of the struggles Daniel faced and his unwavering faith, God honored him giving him favor before the kings and elevated him in higher position ranking within the kingdom.</span></p>
<p class=”p1″ style=”margin: 0px; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: ‘Helvetica Neue’; color: #000000; min-height: 12px;”></p>
<p class=”p2″ style=”margin: 0px; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: ‘Helvetica Neue’; color: #000000;”><span class=”s1″ style=”font-kerning: none;”>The book of Daniel contains some visions explained by Daniel, however there is a vision that is explained to Daniel by Jesus in chapter 10 which is the same vision that John explains during his his Exile in the island at Patmos 95 A.D in the book of revelation and is also the same dream that was revealed to King Nebuchadnezzar 535 BC in Daniel Chapter 2 and the same vision that was given to Daniel 60 years after it was given to king “Nebby” in Daniel Chapter 7. They are all the prophesy of the end of times for our generation.<span class=”Apple-converted-space”> </span></span></p>

The book of Daniel holds one of the most popular Bible stories ever, Daniel and the lions den. Daniel was taken prisoner to Babylon and was noticed and being exceptional in stature. He was strong and healthy and he along with his friends Shadrach, Meshack and Abednego were chosen to be study for 3 years at the palace to be advisors to the king. It happened that when Daniel’s 3 friends refused to bow down the the golden image Nebuchadnezzar created he had them thrown into the furnace that was heated 7 times hotter than normal. And in the end they came out without even the smell of smoke on them. Daniel was given the gift of deciphering dreams and was used by Nebuchadnezzar to figure of what the dreams he was having meant. When Daniel refused to bow down and pray to King Darius Daniel was thrown into the infamous Lions Den when he obviously came out unscathed. The book of Daniel end with a series of visions that are so strange that the angel Gabriel has to come explain them.

The Book of Daniel Shows Gods faithfulness to Daniel an Israelite, Abraham, and His holy people, when they remain faithful to God and His commands/ laws. Daniel was captured by King Nebuchadnezzar’s government and taken to Babylon.  God used Nebuchadnezzar to punish His people of Israel.  No matter the situation Daniel walked according to Gods will. He walked with integrity, honored the people and always glorified God in every circumstance. God gave Daniel prophecies for the future for what was to come for the kingdom.  Even facing death Daniel endured fasting and, prayed faithfully not just for himself but for the people! All it takes is one to truly believe in the God of Abraham so others including kings and kingdom will come and worship the true King of Kings and Lord of Lords God the all mighty.

The book of Daniel opens up with Nebuchadnezzar choosing the finest men to go through a training course that would last 3 years. At the end of this course these men would serve in the palace. Among the men that were chose were Shadrach, Meshac, Abednego and Daniel. These men were favored by God and he protected them from the deadly furnace and protected Daniel from the infamous Lions Den. Daniel was used to interpret dreams and he was used in the royal court. This books shows us that when we stand for what we know God has told us to do and allow ourselves to be used by him that he will protect us and guard us for the rest of our days.

The book of Daniel teaches the entire period of Gentile rule, from Daniel’s day to the second coming of the Messiah. This book includes prophecy, prayer, apocalyptic visions, and insight to spiritual warfare. Daniel shows that the God of the heavens also rules here on earth even when it seems out of control.

The book of Daniel brings us to the completeness of the prophecies that Jeremiah had been telling the people of Israel about and now they came to pass. The Israelite’s had been conquered by the Babylon’s. Nebuchadnezzar was in rule and he forbid the Israelite’s to worship God. He wanted them to worship him and the gods of the Babylonians. But there was Daniel and group of others who despite what might happen they would not and did not obey. Daniel knew that no matter what God was still on the throne. God used Daniel and these other men to show that He still had dominion over everything no matter who is in power on this earth. I thought it was so amazing how even in all of this Daniel and the other men did not act proud when they refused but refused with pose and a humble nature. Just as God had always commanded that we treat our enemies. They were able to keep there standards of what they ate without making a issue. Because of that God was able to be glorified in it every time. When they ate only greens they became fat. When Shadrach , Meshach and Abednego were thrown into the fire God showed up on there behalf and the same when Daniel is thrown in with loins.  God also made it very clear to me that no man on this earth can do anything that he can do. It really is like that saying it’s a lot of smoke and mirrors tricks. God is the only one who knows everything about us. Our dreams our desires and our fears. He knows are beginning and our ends because He has seen and been there in it all.  Even our enemies will have to confess with there very own mouth that Christ is Lord. The book of Daniel also showed me that when we make the choice to always obey God in every part of our lives it goes well for us. Gods hand of protection is over us. We should be willing to keep our standards in who we are as followers of Christ even if we die because of it. God is with us no matter what and either way it is a win.