Daniel

AUTHOR:

Daniel

AUDIENCE:

The other captives in Babylon

PURPOSE:

To show that God is in control of heaven and earth, directing the forces of nature, the destiny of nations, and the care of his people.

The book of Daniel portrays God as both the ruler of cosmic history and the one who is with his beloved people. God is sovereign over nations as well as in the lives of individuals. God was with Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego as they faced the lions’ den and the fiery furnace. They declared God’s faithfulness in the midst of pain, suffering, and great uncertainty. As kingdoms rose and fell, the prophet Daniel remained true to God. He sought the Lord for wisdom and fervently prayed for Israel. God heard and answered.

We are all impacted by things outside of our control. These circumstances, whether changes in society and government or unexpected medical diagnoses and injuries, can leave us afraid and hopeless. The book of Daniel reassures us that God is in control. We can always trust his love, mercy, and faithfulness.

SUFFERING AND DISABILITY THEMES

  floral bullet  The God of Israel reigns. God’s sovereign control is evident in the lives of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego as he rescues them from danger. Yahweh, the God of Israel, will reign forever. “His rule is everlasting, and his kingdom is eternal” (4:34). When we know that God is in control, we do not need to fear our present circumstances, and we have hope for tomorrow.

  floral bullet  Our lives can bring glory to God. God sent Daniel and his friends into exile, but he also caused them to find favor in a foreign king’s court. God was glorified as their uncompromising actions were observed by others. They bore witness to answered prayer and God’s intervention on their behalf. We can glorify God in and through the circumstances of our lives too.

  floral bullet  God reveals his mysteries to us. In the book of Daniel, God disclosed his unfolding plans through dreams and visions. God gave Daniel wisdom to interpret the prophetic dreams of kings and boldly proclaim their meaning. God still reveals himself today. Throughout the world, people report Jesus being revealed to them in their dreams; and through the work of the Holy Spirit and the study of God’s Word, we are given spiritual wisdom and insight to grow in our knowledge of God (Eph 1:17).