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A HEART OF PURPOSE (V)
LORD’S DAY, JUNE 6
Daniel 1:8

Psalm 119:41-48

 

“I will speak of thy testimonies also

before kings…”

 

A HEART OF PURPOSE (V)
 
Finally, we ought to consider the consequences of Daniel’s purposed heart  as an encouragement for us to follow his example. Scripture tells us that after Daniel made his stand, he was rewarded: God gave him “knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and... understanding in all visions and dreams” (Dan 1:17). That this verse immediately follows the narrative of Daniel’s stand implies a close relationship between the two events.
 
In other words, one consequence of Daniel’s heart-purpose, and his faithful outworking of it, was an increased usefulness in the service of God: having tried and tested His servant, God was pleased to endow Daniel with the gifts necessary for the ministry prepared for him – Daniel was to be a prophet (for he was so called by Christ, Matt 24:15), a receiver and interpreter of visions and dreams. Having therefore proved himself “faithful in that which is least,” God would now give him the opportunity to be “faithful also in much” (Luke 16:10). Likewise, if we would be true servants of the living God, we must make our beginning with a heart-purpose like Daniel’s: to honour God above all, and never compromise.
 
A further aspect of Daniel’s ministry was his witness for God. From the very beginning, when Daniel purposed in his heart, his witness encouraged his three friends to join him in his stand. Soon after we read of Daniel’s heart of purpose, the eunuch speaks of “your faces” (Dan 1:10). Clearly, Daniel’s friends had already joined him in making the same request, that they not defile themselves.
 
And as his service for God grew, Daniel would exemplify the words of the psalmist: “I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed” (Ps 119:46); and of the proverb, “When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him” (Prov 16:7). The strength of his witness would influence even powerful rulers like Nebuchadnezzar and Darius (cf. Dan 2:47; 6:20). If we want to be witnesses for God, we must, like Daniel, purpose and strive to live an undefiled life.
 
THOUGHT: “Dare to have a purpose firm! Dare to make it known!” (Bliss)

PRAYER: O Father, be pleased to use me as Thy witness!

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