THURSDAY, MAY 24
Daniel 8:1-2
Psalm 42:1-11

“My soul thirsteth for God …”

DANIEL IN HIS EVENING YEARS

The year was 551 BC. Fifty-five years had slipped by since Daniel was taken captive to Babylon. By now all hopes of ever seeing his beloved homeland had probably evaporated. Nebuchadnezzar had been dead ten years. With his passing, the kingdom had declined in power and glory. Belshazzar was a feeble ruler and the collapse of Babylon was visibly imminent. To the east the warlike Persians under Cyrus were raring for action. What lay in the future? In our troubled world today we ask the same question. Let us know this: the future is in God’s hands.

God had used Daniel mightily in the past. Now in his evening years perhaps his best days were over and it was time to retire. Has the thought of retiring from the Lord’s service ever crossed your mind? Are you discouraged, depressed, ready to give up? Daniel did not give up. Why should we in our far happier circumstance?

Thank God that Daniel persevered. God gave Daniel the stamina. Pray for stamina and perseverance in following the Lord.

Now we see Daniel on the move. On to Shushan, 350 miles to the east of Babylon. His “visionary” days were not over. God had another important prophetic vision for him at Shushan, the headquarters of Cyrus, and the birthplace of the Medo-Persian empire. Shushan was also the scene of the story of Esther and the early ministry of Nehemiah, the repairer of Jerusalem’s broken-down walls.

Why did God choose Daniel to reveal His plans for the future? The answer: It was God’s sovereign will and pleasure. God knew Daniel’s heart. Daniel had followed the Lord and served Him with single-minded devotion from his youth. Even as a captive in a foreign land, Daniel did not falter or waver in his faith. God honoured Daniel because Daniel honoured Him. In Daniel we have a worthy example. Will you follow him?

THOUGHT: I must serve God faithfully wherever I am.
PRAYER: Father, may I persevere in my walk with Thee.