Daniel 1
Today's Passage: Daniel 1
In our passage, I want to point out two things: (1) God’s Sovereignty and (2) Daniel’s Resolve.
God’s Sovereignty
As we begin our passage, Judah (God’s people) are overthrown by Babylon. God told them this was going to happen because of their rebellion. God also knew the young men He was going to use in Babylon – being Daniel and his friends (v. 6). God was with Daniel and his friends and gave them wisdom and understanding unlike any other around them (v. 17-20). And then as we end chapter 1, it tells us how long Daniel was in Babylon. He was there for 70 years. We know this because verse 21 tells us about King Cyrus who made a decree to send Judah back to their land – exactly where we picked up in Ezra that we have been focusing on Sunday mornings. God was in control of the Kings, He was in control of the situation of His people, He was in control of all things.
Daniel’s Resolve
As the young men were taken to Babylon, the Babylonians tried to indoctrinate the young men into their culture. But Daniel had resolve to him. To resolve is “decide firmly on a course of action.” Daniel couldn’t control his circumstances, but he could decide to honor God wherever he was. That’s exactly what he did. He resolved to not defile himself and be obedient to God no matter what the outcome might be. God blessed Daniel because of his resolve and would use him in mighty ways.
Questions for us:
In our passage, I want to point out two things: (1) God’s Sovereignty and (2) Daniel’s Resolve.
God’s Sovereignty
As we begin our passage, Judah (God’s people) are overthrown by Babylon. God told them this was going to happen because of their rebellion. God also knew the young men He was going to use in Babylon – being Daniel and his friends (v. 6). God was with Daniel and his friends and gave them wisdom and understanding unlike any other around them (v. 17-20). And then as we end chapter 1, it tells us how long Daniel was in Babylon. He was there for 70 years. We know this because verse 21 tells us about King Cyrus who made a decree to send Judah back to their land – exactly where we picked up in Ezra that we have been focusing on Sunday mornings. God was in control of the Kings, He was in control of the situation of His people, He was in control of all things.
Daniel’s Resolve
As the young men were taken to Babylon, the Babylonians tried to indoctrinate the young men into their culture. But Daniel had resolve to him. To resolve is “decide firmly on a course of action.” Daniel couldn’t control his circumstances, but he could decide to honor God wherever he was. That’s exactly what he did. He resolved to not defile himself and be obedient to God no matter what the outcome might be. God blessed Daniel because of his resolve and would use him in mighty ways.
Questions for us:
- How have I seen God’s sovereignty in my life? How can I praise Him for that?
- Where do you need to have resolve in your faith like Daniel? Where do you need to make the firm decision to be faithful to God no matter what it cost you?
Written By: Brice Stockton
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