Exaltation of Daniel

Exaltation of Daniel

Daniel 2:48 “Then the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon.”

            In the above passage we see that the King promoted Daniel. The Lord made Daniel great and gave him great gift. He made him a ruler and a chief administrator over all wise men of Babylon. If a Lord wishes to exalt a person, he can exalt him in any given situation. Here we see the Lord exalts Daniel when he was a captive. This is a testimony on how God exalts those who obey him even in new unknown circumstances. Before the Lord exalted Daniel, he prepared him. We see Daniel submits himself to the preparation that Lord wanted him to. Same way when we the children of God surrender ourselves like Daniel, the Lord will lift us up to where he wants us to be placed. Today lets us meditate on the three key reasons that made the Lord exalt Daniel.

Conviction         

Daniel 1:8 “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.”

                Here we see Daniel takes a firm decision not to defile himself. He refrained himself to eat the royal foods. Biblical scholars believe that royal food and wine in the Babylonian kingdoms would have been presented to their idols. This might be the reason why Daniel decided not to eat them. This refers to his firm conviction towards Godly things. Babylon refers to the world and that did not change the decisions of Daniel. The conviction of Daniel exalted him. Even in our lives, we the children of God should have strong boundaries. We must never compromise on our spiritual decisions and convictions.

Consecration

Daniel 1:8-9 “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.”

                We see the Lord grants Daniel’s request through the prince of the eunuchs. We read in Daniel 2:17-18 ‘Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions:That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.’  We see Daniel and his friends began praying to the God of heaven. Daniel sought the mercies of God in order to reveal certain things to the King. This is the reason why the Lord granted his request. Daniel receives favor and grace. Prayer is the driving force. In James 1:5 ‘If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.’ When we pray to the Lord God truthfully, he will give us in abundance. When we begin our day, we need to start with prayer seeking wisdom. In Proverbs 3:32 ‘but his secret is with the righteous.’ The Lord will reveal his children concerning the secrets of our future. When we pray we make in these days will exalt us in future. Therefore, we must never give up in prayer. The Lord will never forsake those who pray. He will answer all our prayers at the appointed time. Knowledge is something we receive from the world whereas wisdom is divine.

In Daniel 1:17,20 ‘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. 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.’ We see the Lord God blessed them with knowledge and wisdom. They were ten times wiser than all the wise men of Babylon. The consecration brought them favor, compassion wisdom and knowledge. When we make our supplications in the right way, the Lord will take us to the next level in our lives.

Confidence

Daniel 1:12-13 “Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king's meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants.”

                Here we see a measure that is recorded in the above passage. Earlier, we saw they were ten times wiser. Now they want them to be tested for ten days. He challenges to test them and their faces after ten days of vegetable consumption. Due to the confidence in God, Daniel boldly challenges the King. He said ‘Please test your servants’. Daniel did not have any fear or any second thoughts on the outcome. He did not have any alternate plans but he only invested his confidence on God. In Daniel 1:15 ‘And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat.’ When they were tested after ten days, they were healthier and well nourished. The Lord honored the faith of Daniel. During tough times, the Lord will strengthen our faith and confidence. God is the one who gives us the faith to trust him. In Daniel 1:19 ‘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.’ As recorded in the verse, we read that none were like them. This is the testimony they gained and they were exalted to the presence of the King. Therefore, let us all submit ourselves to be firm in our convictions, consecrations and confidence in the Lord. Amen.