0263. Daniel, a Man of Undaunted Courage

Daniel, a Man of Undaunted Courage

"Then Daniel answered and said before the king, Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewards to another; yet will I read the writing unto the king and make known to him the interpretation" (Dan_5:17).

Daniel in his youth had purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king’s meat or wine. He braved the wrath of the king, and stood fearlessly before Melzar the prince of the eunuchs.

Daniel in his maturity stood with the same fearless courage.

Time and again, with his own life in question, he took his stand: nor did he sway a hair’s breadth, or manifest the shadow of a turning.

1. Before Belshazzar and his thousand lords Daniel stood and fearlessly sounded the death knell of the king. He read the writing that had changed the king’s countenance, and made the king’s knees to strike one against another in fear.

He read the superscription, "Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin," and gave the interpretation thereof: "God hath numbered thy kingdom and finished it; thou art weighed in the balances and found wanting; thy kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians."

2. After the king, Darius, had signed the decree, forbidding any "to ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of the king." After the penalty of being cast into the lions’ den had been made sure; Daniel bravely threw open his window and prayed three times a day toward Jerusalem.

How we need men of convictions and men with the courage to carry out their convictions.

It is the fear of man that bringeth a snare. How often we know the path of duty, and the will of God, but we follow not; because we love the praise of men more than the praise of God.

The question that is too often upon our lips, is this: "And what will this man do?" Our Lord’s response to such a foolish query invariably is, "What is that to thee? follow thou Me."

"Standing by a purpose true,

Heeding God’s command,

Honor them, the faithful few!

All hail to Daniel’s Band!

Dare to be a Daniel! dare to stand alone!

Dare to have a purpose firm! dare to make it known!

Many mighty men are lost,

Daring not to stand,

Who for God has been a host,

By joining Daniel’s Band.

Many giants, great and tall,

Stalking through the land,

Headlong to the earth would fall,

If met by Daniel’s Band!

Hold the Gospel banner high!

On to victory grand!

Satan and his host defy,

And shout for Daniel’s Band!"

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR