TUESDAY, MAY 8
Daniel 6:1-3
Hebrews 11:32-34

“By faith …”

DANIEL HONOURED AGAIN

The wheel of history turns ever onwards. None can stop it or reverse its course. Last night it was King Belshazzar banqueting with his lords. Today he has slipped into oblivion. In his place we see a new king, Darius. How uncertain is man’s life! “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away” (James 4:14).

Who is Darius? This is one of the unsolved puzzles of history. Daniel’s record finds no parallel in secular literature. But we do not doubt the accuracy of Daniel’s pen. One day fresh light will be shed, as it was in the case of Belshazzar. God’s Word standeth sure. Men may question it but none can overthrow it.

In the new regime Daniel was reinstated to a position of honour. “In fact, the new administration of Medo-Persia highly honored him, having heard no doubt of his interpretation of the handwriting on the wall, which pronounced doom upon Belshazzar. Thus, even though the last kings of Babylon and most of the Babylonians … had ignored Daniel for many years, God in His marvelous providence, saw to it that His faithful prophet received the honor that was due him” (Whitcomb).

Daniel must have been quite advanced in age. Did his honour come by age? For some men, perhaps, but not for Daniel. Honours attended his way from youth. As a boy and a young man Daniel had set his heart to serve the Lord and keep His holy commandments. So the Lord God of Israel says, “… them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed” (1 Sam 2:30).

Honour comes not from years, but from God. The way of honour is to put God first in our lives now. Young reader, take Daniel as your example and see God’s honours come your way!

THOUGHT: Belshazzar deserved another chance. Do I agree?
PRAYER: Lord, Thou art the Judge, and I submit to Thee.