Heavenly Living in Hostage Times (2)

Daniel 1:3-8

Daniel 1:3–8 NKJV

3 Then the king instructed Ashpenaz, the master of his eunuchs, to bring some of the children of Israel and some of the king’s descendants and some of the nobles, 4 young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans. 5 And the king appointed for them a daily provision of the king’s delicacies and of the wine which he drank, and three years of training for them, so that at the end of that time they might serve before the king. 6 Now from among those of the sons of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. 7 To them the chief of the eunuchs gave names: he gave Daniel the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abed-Nego. 8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

Prayer

Message

Why Me?

Have you ever asked the question, why me? I believe most of us at one point or another have asked that question before. Why with everyone around me all speeding, why me of all of this caravan did they decide to pull me over?

Why am I not married while everyone around me is? Why can we not have children with all of those that do not appreciate or neglect children today, why can’t we have children? Why am I at such a young age dealing with a health issue? Why is it that the career I started out and the company I loved so much is closing? Why is it that as sweet as our church is and the people are so loving, why do we not have more guests? Why me you would agree is something we have all asked many times over.

Tonight, we will get on into our texts and been to make application to the book of Daniel. Last week was namely introduction.

Firstly tonight, you must remember you have God’s Favor.

You have God’s Favor vv. 3-5

Daniel 1:3-4 “3 Then the king instructed Ashpenaz, the master of his eunuchs, to bring some of the children of Israel and some of the king’s descendants and some of the nobles, 4 young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans.”

Of course, that some included Daniel, Haniniah, Mishael, Azariah.

Verse 2 “And the Lord gave”

When we know we have not done anything directly that has caused our cirumstances to change, we must accept the providential hand of God in our lives.

There will be circumstances in life when you ask “why me” and the reality is that we all pay judgment for the sin of a fallen world. Adam and Eve cursed us with their failure and we all contribute. But, there are certain realities that happen every day outside of our wheel house and we must accept and look for God’s favor through those difficult times.

Daniel had to ask God, Lord, what have I done to deserve this? Lord, I know we as a people have acted unjustly toward you, but I have tried to walk circumspectly with you. Why am I being picked out of this crowd to fulfill this duty?

You must look for what God has given you, what favor has He bestowed upon you that He can use to your good in what you are facing?

Romans 8:28 “28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

Daniel and his friends had many things going for them to face the hostage times ahead.

“no blemish”-Their bodies were without any deformities. They were healthy looking, youthful. Up to this point these boys had no blemishes, but the events they were to face would probably place soul blemishes on them if they were not careful. It is a reminder as well that if we live life long enough, we will get some blemishes from this world.

These young men had much going for them.

“young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans.”

God showed His grace for these boys to be found valuable to the opposing forces. They had much going for them that the King’s palace could use their abilities. When the Lord may not bring the bad and terrible on us, by the fact He knows what is going to take place, He guides us through life’s storms to the other side. And, He assures us that He will be with us, but He also provides what we need to serve Him through the obstacles.

Daniel 1:17 “17 As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.”

-Holy Spirit

John 14:26 “26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.”

-Joseph, Potiphar

-David, Jonathan, Saul

Daniel 1:5 “5 And the king appointed for them a daily provision of the king’s delicacies and of the wine which he drank, and three years of training for them, so that at the end of that time they might serve before the king.”

“Daily Provision”-All through the word of God-we see the word daily.

58 x daily in Bible

Matthew 6:11 “11 Give us this day our daily bread.”

Matthew 26:55 “55 In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me? I sat daily with you, teaching in the temple, and you did not seize Me.”

Luke 9:23 “23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”

Acts 2:46-47 “46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.”

Manna -in the Bible

Exodus 16:35 “35 And the children of Israel ate manna forty years, until they came to an inhabited land; they ate manna until they came to the border of the land of Canaan.”

There are seasons. God will provide His favor on you as you walk through seasons.

You Have God Friends

Placement

Daniel 1:6-7 “6 Now from among those of the sons of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. 7 To them the chief of the eunuchs gave names: he gave Daniel the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abed-Nego.”

God places people around you even in very trying times in your life.

Do you believe God places people in your lives at opportune times?

Testimony

Daniel 1:19 “19 Then the king interviewed them, and among them all none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore they served before the king.”

Pick your Friends

Proverbs 22:29 “29 Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men.”

Praying Friends

Daniel 2:17 “17 Then Daniel went to his house, and made the decision known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions,”

Daniel (4) Names (1:6–7)

Now the Hebrew names of the young men are presented. Daniel’s name signifies “God is my judge”; Hananiah,48 “Yahweh is gracious”; Mishael, “who is what God is?” (the idea being that there is no god like the God of Israel); and Azariah, “Yahweh has helped” or “will help.” These probably were common Hebrew names, and all four appear elsewhere in the Old Testament.

Stay Faith Focused

Daniel 1:8-9 “8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. 9 Now God had brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs.”

“purposed in his heart”

Guidelines

James 4:17 “17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.”

1 Thessalonians 5:22 “22 Abstain from every form of evil.”

Leviticus 11:47 “47 to distinguish between the unclean and the clean, and between the animal that may be eaten and the animal that may not be eaten.’ ””

Acts 10:11-15 “11 and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth. 12 In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. 13 And a voice came to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” 14 But Peter said, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.” 15 And a voice spoke to him again the second time, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.””

Grace

“Now God brought Daniel into favor and goodwill”(kindness) of the chief of the Eunuchs.”

Genesis 39:21 “21 But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.”

Proverbs 16:7 “7 When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”

Acts 7:10 “10 and delivered him out of all his troubles, and gave him favor and wisdom in the presence of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.”