Dr. Barclay with Something to Think About - TO BE ENCOURAGED

 TO BE ENCOURAGED

We have just finished the study of the book of Daniel. It’s easy to get caught up in the story of the man who was taken captive at a young age from his home in Jerusalem, and forced to spend the rest of his life in captivity in a foreign land - Babylon. It’s also not hard to get wrapped up in the prophecies God gave him and to miss some of the basic themes of the book, including the constant presence of God’s sovereignty and the constant need of man’s obedience.

By understanding these two principles, Daniel rose to the highest level of government in both the Babylonian and the Mede-Persian empires, without ever losing his faith and duty to his God. In so doing, he left us with four means by which we should be encouraged.

We must always be encouraged to be realistic. Following God will likely not be easy or simple. There may be difficult times and dangerous periods when staying true may be a formidable task. In spite of his position as a slave and the possible difficulties involved, Daniel 

…purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself…
(Daniel 1:8)

And so, remained faithful to God in spite of the circumstances in which he found himself.

We are also encouraged to remain cheerful and optimistic, regardless of the circumstances which envelope us. In spite of his surroundings, Daniel never seemed to let his situation get the best of him. It was said of Daniel and his friends that:

 

…in all matters of wisdom and understanding about which the king examined them, 

he found them ten times better than all…who were in his realm. 

(Daniel 1:20)

And King Belshazzar, when he summoned Daniel said:

“I have heard of you, that the Spirit of God is in you, 

and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom are found in you.” 

(Daniel 5:14)

Thus, despite the realism of his captivity, Daniel remained in good spirits and cooperative with his superiors throughout his stay in the foreign lands.

In addition to this, we are also encouraged to remain full of faith. Daniel never stopped his life of prayer even though his circumstances never appeared to change.

Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. 

And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, 

he knelt down on his knees three times that day, 

and prayed and gave thanks before his God, 

as was his custom since early days. 

(Daniel 6:10)

Even when the angel told him that much of the vision he had received would take place far in the future, he, in spite of his own lack of understanding, did not appear to waver in his faith.

…for you shall rest, and will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days. 

(Daniel 12:13)

We, therefore, are encouraged to always be willing to teach and proclaim God’s word to others.

…those who turn many to righteousness 

[shall shine] like the stars forever and ever.

(Daniel 12:3)

As Jesus Himself said:

“…Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” 

(Mark 16:15)

Daniel survived his situation and lived his life in captivity while continuing to follow these principles. In the days we’re in, and as dark as they sometimes seem, these are principles we should all continue to think about.