There are a few things that we need to look at as we move forward in the book of Daniel. Daniel’s foundation was built on God. We need to build our foundation on God.
- Don’t ever think God is finished with you. Daniel, now in his eighties, was no longer serving Babylon in an official capacity, and as far as we can tell, the younger generation had forgotten him. But God kept him alive for this moment, and when the time came, only Daniel could deliver the message. Whatever your stage in life, stay spiritually healthy and ready to serve at a moment’s notice.
- Don’t worry too much about fame and fortune in a perishing world. Daniel had undoubtedly been a wise steward of his possessions and made provisions for his later years, but he had no interest in the king’s offer of robes and a high position. He knew those were merely temporary trinkets. Daniel was awaiting an eternal reward.
- Don’t neglect passages about God’s wrath and judgment. We consume lots of information on positive topics, which is needed. But we hear little of the kind of prophetic and apostolic warnings issued in the Bible. When the apostle Paul met privately with Governor Felix, he spoke to him “As he reasoned with them about righteousness and self-control and the coming day of judgment, Felix became frightened. “Go away for now,” he replied. “When it is more convenient, I’ll call for you again.” (Acts 24:25). The writer to the Hebrews warned, “There is only the terrible expectation of God’s judgment and the raging fire that will consume his enemies. (Hebrews 10:27). It’s hard to find a revival movement in history that didn’t contain prophetic preaching about the reality of the judgment of God. This message is mission-critical for our times. These days aren’t for the faint at heart! Like Daniel, we need strength to stay useful, wisdom to focus on the unseen, and courage to warn our world of the judgment to come.”