Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-

 Youths: Inheriters of Faith

Daniel 6:1-10

V. 3: “Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.”

There are many things that will occur in life that will test our faith. As various situations arise in our life our belief and trust in God will be challenged. Faith is not a “blind leap” but having conviction of truth. Hebrews 11:1 helps define “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” In this passage we witness examples of solid faith exhibited in the life of Daniel. 
 
In the passage, Darius has authority over the province of Babylon and under him he appointed 120 satraps over various regions to deal with different affairs of the provinces. Over them Darius appointed three commissioners to oversee them and one of them was Daniel. Daniel distinguishes himself as a capable leader. Darius took notice of Daniel’s abilities and had intention of appointing him over the whole realm, but this resulted in jealous reaction from other officials. We see the beginning of challenges Daniel will face as a consequence of jealousy. There are many things that will occur in life that will test faith, and it should neither surprise nor frighten us.  
 
We see in the passage that the leaders were looking for a way to get rid of Daniel. They began examining all details of his work, but they could not find any fault. Daniel was completely faithful and they could not find any negligence or any corruption in him. Since there was no wrongdoing in his work, the leaders tried looking for another plan in regards to his faithfulness in keeping the law of God, so they could turn it against him. They set out to manipulate the king into instituting a law that would get Daniel in trouble. They played to the vanity of the king and they devised a plan to get Darius to make a law that no one could pray to any God or even make a request of any person for 30 days. Daniel’s problem was that he was faithful to the Lord, and the unbelievers around him were jealous for that. They despised him because he was different, he was honest and he was real. Daniel remained faithful despite changes going on around him. He knew what was in the law that had been signed, and the possible consequences of his action, but he did not stagger but stood firm in his faith. He could have tried to comply by not praying at all during the 30 days, he could’ve tried to hide what he was doing. Instead Daniel chose to remain faithful to the practices that he had always followed. 
 
As Christians it is our duty to stand steadfast in our faith. No matter the challenges we face in our society we should always remember our true identity. We are children of God and so must act according to His ways. When we face different trials and tribulations we should walk in obedience in God’s directions believing that He knows what is best and trusting that He is able to keep His promises and do what is best. Daniel was found to be faithful to God and steadfast in his faith from his young age till his old age. He faced a lot of oppositions, persecutions, hatred and challenges, yet he remained faithful. Just like Daniel we are called to remain faithful to God in every area of our lives no matter what challenges we face.

 

Prayer
Dear Lord, help us to live a life pleasing to you. No matter what trials await us tomorrow, may we never forget the blessings you have shown us. Help us remember your steadfast love and faithfulness in all things. May we exemplify the same faith Daniel showed despite when all odds were against him. In his precious name we pray. Amen

Thought of the day 

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” –Martin Luther King Jr.

Roshan Varughese Sr.
Epiphany Mar Thoma Church

Popular posts from this blog

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
  Constant, patient and welcoming love of God   St. Luke 15: 11-32  V.21: And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ The parable of the ‘Prodigal son’ is one of the most frequently quoted parables that Jesus told His disciples. The parable contains the rich mine of human virtues and emotions. This parable is lived and re-lived in progressing civilizations from time immemorial and continuing. It brings out in vivid detail the pathetic depth of human sinfulness and the glorious heights of God’s forgiveness.      As a story of human nature, fathers are generally merciful to their children in any circumstance. They are very protective and are eager to provide for and secure the lives of their offspring. Jesus is telling this parable to underscore the superlative love of God to His children. The nature of such love is reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 7:11. Humankind who are evil by nature, give good gifts t
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
PRIESTHOOD: THE ANOINTED MINISTRY Exodus 40:12-16 Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting... wash them with water. Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest (Exodus 40: 12-13). Priesthood among the people of God was a divine command and initiation. God wanted some people to be separated for the special ministry among his people. God appointed Aaron and his descendants to take up this kind of ministry among the people of God. Priests are always separated and appointed as channels that connect God with his people. All throughout the history of Israel, priests played an important role in connecting people with God and to lead and guide them in the statutes of God. But there are incidents in the Bible where the priests failed in their duties and that led the people to go away from God. So the priests have a special and significant ministry to perform in this world among his people. Two important things
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
Revelation for Liberation Acts 27:18-26 Sherine Thomas Long Island MTC, NY 20  When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest raged, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. “After winter comes the summer.  After night comes the dawn.  And after every storm, there comes clear open skies” so said a Scottish clergyman from the 1600s. It’s been said, that hope can sometimes be the most dangerous weapon.  However, it’s sometimes the hardest weapon to carry when you’re living with the loss of a loved one, something that almost feels like a terrible nightmare that’ll never go away.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry when day in and day out no one seems to hear or see those tears that are shed or silent cries that are made during a heartfelt prayer. It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you see your loved one lying on that hospital bed.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you search and seek out answers to tell a child as to why they’ve been a
Read more