0258. Daniel's Reward

Daniel’s Reward

"Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in * * the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah" (Dan_1:18-19).

The results of Daniel’s fidelity to God were far-reaching. Also Daniel received many blessings. We will note some of these.

1. Daniel was given special wisdom and understanding in dreams. "As for these four children, God gave them knowledge, and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams."

There can be no doubt as to what Daniel and his friends did, when Melzar, the prince of the eunuchs, had given unto them the privilege of testing out their holy purpose not to defile their bodies with the king’s meat and wine. These youths threw themselves upon God. They pleaded their case. They sought Divine favor and blessing. They asked God to make good their stand against the king’s demand, and to give them beyond what Melzar would demand. And this is just what God did.

Let us remind our young men friends, that the way to God is still open. "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith."

2. God brought Daniel and his friends into favor and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.

Instead of losing out, by his stand for the right, Daniel won out. Even the world admires a young man, who is every inch a man; but who is also true blue to his convictions.

During the war, the lad who carried through some daring and dangerous feat, laughing at death and all consequences, was applauded not only by his friends but also by his foes.

God give us many men–men who are not afraid to stand by the right; men who are not swayed by public opinion and borne along by the crowd! God give us men who know the pathway of rectitude, and who dare to stand in it unmoved by friend or foe!

When we have men like these, men of the Daniel type, then the estimation of the men of the world concerning the God we serve will go up one hundred per cent.

Daniel won out, for more than himself–he won out for God.

"Christian, walk faithfully, danger is near;

On in thy journey, no trembling, no fear:

Snares from without, temptations within,

Seek to enslave thee, once more into sin.

"Christian, walk fearlessly on through the storm,

Dark though the sky with its threats of alarm,

Safe thou shalt walk through each trial and care,

If thou art clad with the armor of prayer."

Be not afraid to stand true. God will crown thy faith and faithfulness with favor.

Young men, "quit you like men, be strong." "Put on the whole armor of God." "Stand in the evil day," and "withstand." You may assure your heart that God, the God of all grace, will give grace to all them "who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity and truth."

3. When Daniel and his three friends were brought in before the king, "in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in his realm."

What joy must have filled Daniel’s heart as he stood approved before the king!

4. Daniel saw his faith vindicated and his cleanness of life rewarded. "Seest thou a man diligent in his business (we think we can also say true to his God, and clean in his life) he shall stand before kings, he shall not stand before mean men" (Pro_22:29).

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR