Prophecy – Daniel 1-6

Today, we start reading a book we are very familiar with (for the first six chapters usually . This is the Book of Daniel from which we have learnt some of our most well-known Bible stories.

While we are familiar with Daniel and the events surrounding him, let us turn the spotlight in this reading to his three friends. This is so that besides learning from Daniel, we do not neglect the other valuable teachings his three friends have to teach us.

Let us keep this in mind as we read today’s passage.

Bible Passage: Daniel 1-6

As I read the passage with the spotlight on Daniel’s three friends instead of Daniel, I can’t help but admire them for their unassuming nature and willingness to play the supporting roles. This is something not easy especially since they, like Daniel, were without ‘blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand’ (Dan 1:4).

The attitude of these three friends in not trying to outshine is worthy of our emulation particularly in today’s society which encourages people to stand out and be lauded for their achievements. This sort of mentality can even unconsciously creep into church and is a hazard to our faith for it promotes pride and seeking of vain glory.

Therefore, when we start chafing at why we are always playing the invisible supporting roles and why other people always seem to receive the recognition and glory instead, let us remember Daniel’s three friends who sincerely supported him and prayed with him even though they were not as ‘prominent’ as he was.

Having said that, let us move on to what I believe we all agree to be one of the most important lessons we can learn from Daniel’s three friends – religious fidelity.

Have we ever wondered why, despite the compelling assimilation of Nebuchadnezzar, they managed to hold fast to their faith?

I believe that one of the very important reasons was that they remembered their names.

Hananiah – Yahweh is gracious

It might have been quite a bit of irony that as a captive in a foreign land, Hananiah was a reminder that Yahweh was gracious. One might ask, ‘If Yahweh is so gracious, why did He allow him and his fellow Jews to be captured?’

However, the crux of the matter is remembering God’s graciousness even amidst difficult circumstances. Anyone can thank and praise God when things are going well but one only knows how genuine one’s faith is in difficult times.

Jesus has already told us that ‘In the world [we] will have tribulation’ (Jn 16:33) but we must rest assured that our tribulation is not in vain for it produces perseverance and through them we enter the kingdom of God.

Hence, let us hold fast to our faith like Hananiah through all the storms in our lives and remember that in everything, God wills good for those love Him and that Yahweh is gracious.

Mishael – Who is like God

Mishael, on the other hand, reminds us that there is no one like God.

Just like there were many gods in Babylon, there are many things in the world today that people use to replace God. Money, Science, pop-stars and even the people in our lives can take the place of God in our lives if we are not careful. After all, it is easier to love the things we can see compared to a God we cannot see and seems so far away right?

Our challenge today is to constantly remind ourselves that while the things of the world may bedazzle us or the people around us may seem to love us more than God, there is no one like Him.

Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth – For your love is better than wine. (Songs 1:2)

Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord; Nor are there any works like Your works. (Ps 86:8)

Azariah – Yahweh has helped

Then, there is Azariah who stress on the help of God.

Like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah have always depended on the help of God. From the time they were taken to be trained for Nebuchadnezzar’s service to when their lives were threatened because of the decree to kill the wise men in the country. This reliance helped them grow in their faith for they could experience God in their lives.

Nevertheless, in relying on God, the three friends did not forget the sovereignty of God.

‘[...] Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.’ (Dan 3:17-18)

This is how we continue in our path of faith, by relying on God who helps us and by trusting in His sovereignty as well as His love.

As we go about our lives today, do we pay more attention to the titles that the world has for us or do we remember the names that God has for us?