Exploring the Text:

The book of Daniel contains famous Old Testament stories and prophecies. Daniel was taken from the Israelite people and made an advisor for a conquering empire. He demonstrates faithfulness and wisdom during many years serving in this role. Though Daniel does not deliver a public message, Jesus refers to him as a "prophet."

Matthew 24:15, "So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place let the reader understand)

At the end of chapter 5, Belshazzar has died and control over Babylon has come to someone identified as "Darius the Mede." Darius organizes his territory under 120 satraps and three governor-level officials. Daniel is identified as one of the three high administrators.

Daniel 1:8, But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.

Three Important Lessons to Learn from Daniel’s Story:

I. Be Grateful despite the cost

Daniel 6:10-12, 10 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. 11 Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help. 12 So they went to the king and spoke to him about his royal decree: “Did you not publish a decree that during the next thirty days anyone who prays to any god or human being except to you, Your Majesty, would be thrown into the lions’ den?”

Daniel knew that he had a choice to make: he either obeyed King Darius or stayed faithful to the Lord. Daniel knew the consequences of his actions, but he chose to obey the Lord and continue to pray and give thanks to Him.

Matthew 10:28, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”

Three Important Lessons to Learn from Daniel’s Story:

II. A Grateful heart can impact others and bring glory to God

Daniel 6:19-23, “19 At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions’ den. 20 When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?” 21 Daniel answered, “May the king live forever! 22 My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.” 23 The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.”

Daniel 6:25-27, "25 Then King Darius wrote to all the nations and peoples of every language in all the earth: “May you prosper greatly! 26 “I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. “For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end. 27 He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.”

Three Important Lessons to Learn from Daniel’s Story:

III. A heart that is grateful and faithful to the Lord can foster a life of favor and blessings

Daniel 6:28, “So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.”

Deuteronomy 31:6-8, “6 lBe strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, mfor it is the LORD your God who goes with you. nHe will not leave you or forsake you.”

Hebrews 13:5–6, “5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6 So we can confidently say “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Conclusion:

May the story of Daniel remind us to be grateful despite the cost, that a grateful heart can impact others and bring glory to God, and that a heart that is grateful and faithful to the Lord can foster a life of favor and blessings.

BENEDICTION

Numbers 6:24-26

May:

The Lord bless you
and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
the Lord turns his face toward you
and give you peace.”’

As always . . . I Love You Church!!!