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Daniel in the Lions’ Den
243
flaw. He was an example of what every businessperson may become
with a converted heart.
By his noble dignity and unswerving integrity, even while he was
young Daniel won the “favor and goodwill” of the heathen officer
in whose charge he had been placed.
Daniel 1:9
. He rose quickly
to the position of prime minister of Babylon. He was so wise, so
courteous, so true to principle, that even his enemies had to confess
that “they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful.”
God honored Daniel as His ambassador and gave him many
revelations of the mysteries of ages to come. Even the prophet
himself did not fully understand his prophecies in chapters 7 to
12, but God gave him assurance that in the closing period of this
world’s history he would again be permitted to stand in his lot and
place. “Shut up the words, and seal the book,” the angel directed
him concerning his prophetic writings, “until the time of the end.”
Daniel 12:4
.
The prophecies of Daniel demand our special attention, because
they relate to the time in which we are living. We should read them
along with the last book of the New Testament. The promise is plain
that special blessing will accompany the study of these prophecies.
“The wise shall understand.”
Verse 10
. And the promise concerning
the revelation that Christ gave to John is, “Blessed is he who reads
and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things
which are written in it.”
Revelation 1:3
.
From the books of Daniel and Revelation we need to learn how
worthless is worldly glory. For all its power and magnificence, how
completely Babylon has passed away! So perished Medo-Persia,
Grecia, and Rome. And so perishes all that does not have God for
its foundation.
A careful study of God’s purpose in the history of nations and in
the revelation of things to come will help us to learn what the true
aim of life is. Viewing time in the light of eternity, we may, like
Daniel, live for those things that are true and enduring. Learning the
principles of the kingdom of our Lord and Savior, at His coming we
may enter in and possess it.
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