S2 Ep2161: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 478 | New Thing Series — Part 33 | “Daniel’s Security” | Malcolm Cox

Quiet Time Coaching Episode 478 | New Thing Series — Part 33 | “Daniel’s Security” | Malcolm Cox


Introduction

A new thing! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.'


We are currently looking at God doing a new thing in the life of Daniel. Today we explore Daniel’s security.


“Then the king commanded his palace master Ashpenaz to bring some of the Israelites of the royal family and of the nobility, young men without physical defect and handsome, versed in every branch of wisdom, endowed with knowledge and insight, and competent to serve in the king’s palace; they were to be taught the literature and language of the Chaldeans…They were to be educated for three years, so that at the end of that time they could be stationed in the king’s court. Among them were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, from the tribe of Judah. The palace master gave them other names: Daniel he called Belteshazzar, Hananiah he called Shadrach, Mishael he called Meshach, and Azariah he called Abednego.” (Daniel 1:3-7 NRSV)


Daniel’s Security

• Daniel is a thousand miles from home. His family separated from him  and his name is changed. His country has been invaded and devastated, and his national leadership humiliated.
• He is in a foreign land, learning a foreign language being trained for a job he did not apply for. 
• He is removed from priests, prophets, scribes and temple. He has no access to his usual channels for worship and cannot participate in the Jewish festivals.
• He is presumably almost constantly in a state of ritual impurity and has no hope of restoration. 
• And yet, he is not a victim, nor self-absorbed. He is not hopeless nor controlled by fear.
• Why?
• Because he has his own relationship with God. It is not dependent on circumstances, or other people. 

“Although Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he continued to go to his house, which had windows in its upper room open toward Jerusalem, and to get down on his knees three times a day to pray to his God and praise him, just as he had done previously.” (Daniel 6:10 NRSV)


For Reflection

We go through times when everything seems to be against us. At least - that’s how it feels. It is at such times we discover how secure we are in Christ. Why not pray through Psalm 42?


“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Saviour and my God.” (Psalm 42:5 NIV11)


Conclusion

I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless. 


Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.


Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.


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"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

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