THE MAN OF PURPOSE

THE MAN OF PURPOSE

DANIEL 1

The book of Daniel has been cast into the critics’ den, but, like Daniel, it shall yet escape from the mouths of the lions. Rationalists are rejecting it because of its miracles and prophetic utterances. The Lord Jesus Christ approved of it, for it formed part of the canonical Scriptures in His time. Sir Isaac Newton said that “Christianity itself may be said to be founded on the prophecies of Daniel.”After the siege of Jerusalem (v. 1), Daniel had been taken captive to Babylon, a distance of about eight hundred miles. He was probably about fourteen years of age at that time.

I. His Character. We know nothing of his parents, but judging from his character as a lad, he must have been nurtured in a God-fearing home, for the soundest principles of life had been early formed. One has said: “There is nothing rarer than personality, for there are so many causes that hinder both interior and exterior, so many hostile forces to crush, so many illusions to lead astray.” Blessed is that young man who can truly say, “I know in whom I have believed,” etc. A personal knowledge of God is the mightiest of all safeguards for city life.

II. His Temptations (vv. 5, 6). Testing times will come. These are needed for our moral and spiritual development. The king’s command was to select blameless youths, skilful and wise, to take the honoured place of students at the Royal College, and to “stand in the king’s palace.” It was to be a three years’ course, to learn the tongue of the Chaldeans. The Chaldeans were the politicians, philosophers, theologians, and teachers of the nation. What an opportunity for a young, bright, hopeful man! But how could he eat that meat and drink that wine which had been consecrated to idols, and defile his conscience? The worldly man sees no difficulty, but rather a grand chance to attain honour and earthly glory; but it is very different with the man who is abiding in the fellowship of God.

III. His Purpose. “He purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself” (v. 8). This in our days would be called “narrow-mindedness and puritanical bigotry.” In this connection see Paul’s advice (Rom. 14:21). That man is of little value for God who is not able to stand against popular opinion. The Talmud says: “A myrtle tree remains a myrtle even in the desert.” A man of God should act as such in any circumstance. God is not influenced by man-made conditions. A lad of fifteen years was following the plough near the Carse of Gowrie, the horses stopped in the middle of the furrow. At that moment this question came to his mind: “Might I not make more of my life than I am doing?” and straightening himself up, he said, “God helping me, I will be a missionary.” That lad was Dr. James Stewart, of Lovedale. Keep a conscience void of offence.

IV. His Reward. “God made Daniel to find favour” (v. 9, R.V.). This was a great crisis in the life of Daniel. He was found faithful, and God promoted him. Henceforth he is marked as a leader of the people. Faith in God, and plain fare (v. 15), got the victory for both body and soul. “Their countenances were fairer and fatter than all who did eat the king’s meat.” Godliness is profitable. Why? Because it is the highest type of character and the best possible relationship to God and men. The wisdom that profited Daniel was not found in the schools of the learned, but in the closet of communion with the God of Heaven. Determine to know nothing among men save Jesus Christ and Him crucified, and the wisdom of God will be in you.