DANIEL REFUSED TO BOW, I REFUSE TO BOW

Post date: May 3, 2021 11:38:53 PM

The story of Daniel in the bible is unique, the testimonies of Daniel are unique, his various life experiences and encounters with the Babylonian administrators, government officials, and people are unique and the personal results that accompanied his life were very exceptional and envied by all. Daniel came to light at a time of great challenge to his personal life, his spiritual life, his future existence after his freedom was taken away by his being captured and taken into prison. He lived at a time of need and great challenge in Babylon for able, truthful, sincere, and dedicated leadership in the government and in the nation. A time that demands good leadership was high and expectations from the people were low and those in power already had compromised their ways and conscience and had already been corrupted by their actions. At a time Nebuchadnezzar himself was seeking to bring in skilled, trusted, understanding, reliable, and educated individuals to be in his cabinet irrespective of nationality.

“Children in whom was no blemish, but well-favored, and skillful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans. And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king's meat, and of the wine which he drank, nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king. Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names, for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar, and to Hananiah, of Shadrach, and to Mishael, of Meshach, and to Azariah, of Abednego.” Daniel 1:4-7. God’s timing for Daniel was right when He allowed him to be taken as a prisoner to Babylon and Daniel did not disappoint God in his actions and determination. God will not miss His timing for your life and He expects like Daniel, you will not disappoint Him by your actions thereafter.

Daniel was captured by Nebuchadnezzar and taken to Babylon from Jerusalem, he was given a Persian name Belteshazzar but that new name did not change his character and determination to continue with his God. The new name was unable to replace his Hebrew name all through the years of his work with the Babylonian government. He was kept in prison with others while being prepared according to the Persian tradition and religion to serve King Nebuchadnezzar, but while in prison, Daniel refused to bow to the god’s of the Persians; refused to participate in any of their ceremonial food offered to him, and refused to be counted as one of them. In prayer, in fasting, in belief, and in trusting the Almighty God, Daniel distinguished himself and God in return for his decision, determination, and actions promoted him before the King gave him favor even in prison and brought him out with greater honor and respect among the people.

Daniel knew his actions will affect his chances of getting a well-paid and respected job in the country of his captivity, yet he refused to bow to their gods’ and refused to follow their tradition. Though Daniel knew his actions may be counter-productive in the eyes of those watching him, he knew the Almighty God was also watching him. The end of Daniel was beautiful, excellent, and filled with all honor and respect. Despite what is offered, will you refuse to bow and keep your trust in the Almighty God and remain faithful even when such will end your changes? “As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. And the king communed with them, and among them, all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, therefore stood they before the king. And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.” Daniel 1:17-20. For Prayers Click here