Introduction

Good morning, beloved congregation. It's a joy to be with you today, gathered together in the house of our Lord. Today, we find ourselves standing on the threshold of a new adventure in faith. We are about to step into the pages of the Old Testament, into the life and times of a young man named Daniel.

We are all familiar with the story of Daniel in the lion's den. It's a favorite in Sunday school classes and bedtime stories, with its vivid imagery and dramatic tension. But the story of Daniel is much more than just a thrilling tale. It's a testament to the power of faith and obedience, the courage to stand up for what you believe in, and the blessings that come from trusting in God's sovereignty.

We find these themes beautifully encapsulated in the first chapter of the book of Daniel. Let us read together from Daniel 1:1-17: "In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. And the Lord delivered Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, along with some of the articles from the temple of God. These he carried off to the shrine of his god in Babylonia and put in the treasure house of his god. Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring into the king’s service some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility—young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace. He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians. The king assigned them a daily amount of food and wine from the king’s table. They were to be trained for three years, and after that they were to enter the king’s service. Among those who were chosen were some from Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego. But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel, but the official told Daniel, 'I am afraid of my lord the king, who has assigned your food and drink. Why should he see you looking worse than the other young men your age? The king would then have my head because of you.' Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, 'Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.' So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days. At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead. To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds."

Belief in God's Sovereignty

The story of Daniel is a powerful testament to the sovereignty of God. Daniel, a young man taken into captivity, found himself in a foreign land, surrounded by foreign customs and beliefs. Yet, he held fast to his faith in God, trusting in His divine control over all things. This unwavering belief in God's sovereignty was the bedrock of Daniel's faith, shaping his decisions and actions throughout his life.

Daniel's decision to abstain from the king's food and wine is a clear demonstration of his belief in God's sovereignty. He knew that God had ultimate control over his life, including his health and well-being. Despite the potential consequences, Daniel chose to obey God's dietary laws, trusting that God would protect and sustain him. This act of faith was not a gamble or a calculated risk, but a confident step taken in the knowledge of God's supreme authority.

In the face of potential punishment, Daniel's faith did not waver. He did not compromise his beliefs to fit in with the Babylonian culture or to curry favor with the king. Instead, he stood firm, confident in God's control over his circumstances. This is a powerful reminder for us today. When we face challenges or pressures to conform to the world's standards, we can find strength in the knowledge of God's sovereignty. He is in control, and we can trust Him to guide and protect us.

Daniel's faith was an active reliance on God. He did not simply sit back and let events unfold. Instead, he took action, proposing a test to prove the benefits of obeying God's laws. This shows us that belief in God's sovereignty does not mean we sit idly by. Instead, we are called to act in faith, trusting that God will work through our actions to accomplish His purposes.

Finally, the outcome of Daniel's faith is a powerful testament to God's sovereignty. At the end of the ten days, Daniel and his friends looked healthier than those who ate the king's food. Moreover, God gave them knowledge and understanding, and Daniel could understand visions and dreams. This shows us that God is not only in control, but He is also good. He rewards those who trust in Him, often in ways that far exceed our expectations.

Bravery in Babylon

As we continue our examination of Daniel's life, we find ourselves in the heart of Babylon, a place of foreign customs, pagan gods, and a king who demanded absolute loyalty ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO