THE DISTINGUISHED REVIVALIST AMONG GOD’S PEOPLE IN DIASPORA (DANIEL)

Daniel 6:2-4,21-22

We’re looking at Daniel, a remarkable figure in the Old Testament. Among all the personalities in the Bible, he stands out as a prophet and a man of purpose and might, whose life was moulded and perfected by God. His life is recorded in Babylon, Judah, and Israel, across generations, showing the hand of God working through him. God’s power moved in him, through him, and for him, accomplishing something fresh and new that impacted not only his time but also future generations. Daniel was a distinguished revivalist among God’s people in the diaspora. Though taken to Babylon among the captives, he maintained his integrity and did not conform to worldly maxims. He did not say, “When in Babylon, do as the Babylonians do.” Instead, wherever he was, he acted as a covenant child of God ought to act. He distinguished himself as a man of God for his generation, standing firmly for God and all that God represented. “And over these three presidents of whom Daniel was first, that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage.” (Daniel 6:2).

Here, it is clear that to truly matter in God’s presence, you must understand that your presence in any sphere; nation, church, or kingdom, should cause no harm to God’s work.  “Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and the princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.” (Daniel 6:3) This highlights that it is not what one wears, the external surroundings, or mere knowledge that defines excellence, but the spirit within. Daniel’s excellent spirit distinguished him and led to God’s favour. “Then the presidents and the princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.” (Daniel 6:4). Faithfulness and integrity in every aspect of life protect a person from condemnation and allow God’s grace to flow through them.

        1. THE SANCTIFIED MAN LIVING ONLY FOR GOD’S GLORY

Daniel 6:4,22

The sanctified man lives solely for God’s glory, not for human recognition or personal gain. All commandments, when analysed, ultimately teach one to live only for God’s glory. Responsibility to God, obedience to His commands, and ministry all flow from this principle. Every action, whether large or small, public or private, must aim to manifest God’s glory. Even words must be measured, for they can either reveal or diminish God’s glory.

• The Inflexible Purpose of Heart Against Defilement – Daniel 1:8; Job 17:9. “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.” (Daniel 1:8). Before facing the pressures and influences of Babylon, he set his heart and standards. Regardless of how others lived, ate, or related to people, Daniel remained distinct, refusing to defile himself with the king’s food or wine. This intentionality and unwavering stand made him an extraordinary man of God. Daniel’s life teaches that purpose, holiness, and devotion to God in every decision, no matter how small, shape a life that glorifies God and withstands the pressures of a foreign world. He resolved not to compromise his convictions. He did not decide to do everything moderately, to eat or drink or follow the king’s policies only partially. His heart was fully set, and no one could sway him from it. Having a purposeful heart is not only about what we hear but about what we receive, meditate on, and act upon. When he made his stand, he did not seek advice or counsel from the prince of the eunuchs. He knew what to do and simply declared, “I am determined not to defile myself”. This is the mark of a righteous person made righteous by the grace of God.

A saved, sanctified believer, especially one called into ministry, carries a purpose of heart that refuses to allow the standards or pressures of the surrounding culture to dictate their life, character, or conduct. “The righteous also shall hold on his way” (Job 17:9). Convictions, goals, and standards are essential; without them, there is nothing to hold on to. Those who maintain clean hands and steadfast hearts grow stronger and stronger, even as challenges continue over the years of service. In ministry, as pastors, shepherds, and teachers, the initial years are often full of energy, passion, and perseverance. Over time, trials come that test our resolve in ministry; some ministers eventually grow weaker, yet the righteous maintain their course. “The righteous also shall hold on his way: and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger”.

• The Incorruptible Purity and Holiness in Devotion – Daniel 3:15-17; 6:4-10. Purity, holiness, and devotion must remain incorruptible. The companions of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were incorruptible in devotion. In Babylon, the king commanded, “Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?” (Daniel 3:15). The music and culture of Babylon were designed to influence idol worship, contrasting the worship of God in Judah, where music inspired devotion and glorification of the Lord, as seen in Psalms 1, 2, 3, 22, and 24, which are the book of songs for Israel. The highest authority in Babylon cared less for the Hebrew children’s conviction in God. Yet Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego held firm. “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter” (Daniel 3:16). Even when confronted with direct blasphemy, threats, and a foreign culture, they remained unwavering in devotion and holiness. There should be no compromise with the world.

Let the world remain as it is, but let the church remain steadfast, maintaining incomparable holiness of heart and devotion. “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.” (Daniel 3:16). Nebuchadnezzar was addressed, “O Nebuchadnezzar”. They ought to show respect, after all, God has been mentioned, but he did that in dishonour. If there is no honour for the God of heaven, what value is there in seeking favour from such a person? Any gain that cannot come from God is not worth flattery, bowing, or cringing before men. “If it be so, our God whom we serve, is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king” (Daniel 3:17). Only God is worthy of service, and He alone can save. Consider yourself like a newborn in the kingdom of God, just learning to speak. Babies learn by listening and imitating those who came before them: their parents, siblings, and others around them. Similarly, to experience victory like the faithful in the Bible, speak, think, and act as they did. When confronting the challenges and pressures of this world, adopt the words and faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. “He will deliver us out of thine hand, O king”. God will deliver His own.

• The Incomparable Protection from Heaven Without Disappointment – Daniel 3:23-30; 6:16-23. “And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and

Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace” (Daniel 3:23). They refused to worship the idol of Nebuchadnezzar, which provoked anger because human nature resents being disobeyed. Ego is threatened when devotion is given to God alone, not to man. Nebuchadnezzar’s anger was natural; he had exalted himself and rejected God, asking, “Who is that God?” His ego (Edging God Out) was challenged by the obedience of these men. He commanded the strongest men to bind them and made the furnace seven times hotter, throwing them in while bound. “Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king. He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God” (Daniel 3:24-25).

The promises of God can seem so high that they feel unreachable, but they will surely be fulfilled. God, through Isaiah, had declared, “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee” (Isaiah 43:2). Even Isaiah could not understand how this prophecy would be fulfilled, yet it came to fulfilment.  God’s deliverance may come in ways never before seen, and often, it begins with the faithful few. “Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee. (Daniel 6:16). When Daniel was cast into the lion’s den because of envy and jealousy, God’s protection remained with him. Blessings and favour from God can provoke envy in others, but He alone provides security, sustains the faithful, and fulfils His promises without fail. They envied Daniel and went to the king, saying, “King, we have all agreed to put you on a throne, and for the next thirty days, no man may ask anything of any god or man except of you. We want to promote you so that anyone who has a request will come to you as to God.” They wrote it down, told him to seal it, and make it a law. The king did not understand that this new law was designed specifically to trap Daniel, yet he sealed it. Daniel, however, did not waver in his devotion to God. He remained determined that God alone would be served. Daniel continued his practice of prayer openly, just as he had always done.

He opened his window toward Jerusalem. Those who plotted against him saw him, and they came to catch him, but he was not afraid. What matters is what not happening, but what is held in the heart. If faith, trust, and confidence in God remain steadfast, external threats cannot destroy you. Even when cast into the lion’s den, the psalmist’s words apply: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures”. Daniel could lie down among the lions, and with God present, it was still like green pastures. “He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me”. The shadow of death could not overcome him; the lions could not stop him. God’s protection guaranteed his safety. “Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee. And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel. (Daniel 6:16-17). Even when the king placed a stone over the mouth of the den and sealed it, the king’s action did not contradict the manifestation of God’s power. Human inconsistency cannot touch divine protection. Though the king seemed to care for Daniel, asking if God was able to deliver him, a stone was rolled to cover him in the den.

The safety, security, and deliverance of the faithful rest in God, not in human hands. In the morning, Daniel testified, “My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.” (Daniel 6:22). There are innumerable angels, each assigned to carry out God’s command. One angel shut the mouths of the lions while others attended to challenges elsewhere. God provides sufficient angels to guard all His children every day. Just as Peter was rescued from prison by an angel who opened the iron gate, believers are never abandoned; God’s protection is constant and unseen. “Forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me, also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt. Then was the king exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God. (Daniel 6:22-23). God’s protection and faithfulness are unwavering for those who remain steadfast in Him. In the book of Daniel, there are deep prophecies. Chapters 7, 8, and 9 contain great prayers and revelations that no other could give. In chapter 10, the revelation unfolds of what the people of the world, even those in Judah, did not understand, as the prince of heaven came to contend with the prince of Grecia. By chapter 11 and onward, it becomes clear that God had revelations for Israel and the world that no human could deliver. It had been recorded that Daniel would receive these revelations. Before these revelations were fully revealed, no lion could harm him, because God had a specific assignment for him. God gives each person a revelation to deliver to their people and beyond, and until that assignment is fulfilled, no opposition can destroy you.

  2.THE SPIRIT-FILLED MINISTER LEADING ONLY BY GOD’S GUIDANCE

Daniel 2:15-18,26-28

• The Full Recovery and Interpretation of the Forgotten Dream – Daniel 2:2836; 2:37-45. King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream not only for himself but for the kingdoms of the world: Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and the end-time kingdom, Rome, all in Daniel chapter 2. He forgot the dream upon waking, but remembered the fear it brought. He summoned all the magicians, astrologers, and sorcerers of the land, yet they could not recover or interpret it. Frustrated, he demanded their destruction. Daniel, hearing this, said, “Give me time; we will recover the dream and give the interpretation.” That night, God revealed the dream and its interpretation to Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.” (Daniel 2:44). The kingdom of Christ will stand forever.

• The Faithful Reproof and Instruction for The Frightened Dreamer – Daniel 4:5,10-18; 4:28-37. After interpreting the dream of chapter 2 of Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar created an image and commanded everyone to worship it (Daniel 3). Ministers must understand that serving those in power, like Nebuchadnezzar, Pharaoh, Herod, or Nero, has its place, but the greater work is guiding people into God’s kingdom and helping them leave worldly practices behind. In chapter 4, Nebuchadnezzar had another dream. This time, he remembered it but did not know the interpretation. He saw a tree that reached the heavens, and a watcher from heaven commanded it to be cut down until seven seasons passed over it. Fearful, Nebuchadnezzar called the astrologers and magicians, but they failed again. Daniel was called, always prepared and ready, and gave the faithful revelation, reproof, and instruction. “All this came upon the king Nebuchadnezzar. At the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon. The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty? (Daniel 4:28–30).

The dream was fulfilled: the king was humbled, driven from his throne, and his understanding transformed, demonstrating God’s sovereignty and the power of faithful guidance. And he began to live like an animal, eating what animals eat and dwelling like a beast until the seven seasons passed. “And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation: And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou? At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me. Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.” (Daniel 4:34–37). Experience is not the best teacher; waiting for life to humiliate and humble you is not the wisest path. The Word of God and the Spirit are the true teachers. Do not wait for personal experience to confirm the truth of God’s word. Nicodemus came to Jesus by night, acknowledging Him as the teacher sent from heaven; Christ is the ultimate teacher, mediator, and guide. Accept His words and instruction. Receive His revelation, reproof, interpretation, and instruction directly from God.

• The Forthright Reading and Indication of Final Destiny – Daniel 5:25-30; Revelation 20:11-15. The story of Belshazzar illustrates the final consequences of pride and rebellion. Belshazzar lived a blasphemous life, indulging in sin and taking vessels from the house of the Lord to drink wine with his concubines. Then the hand of God wrote on the wall. No interpreter could explain it until Daniel was called. Daniel rebuked Belshazzar, reminding him of how God had humbled his predecessor and warned him to take heed. “And this is the writing that was written, Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin. This is the interpretation of the thing: Mene; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it. Tekel; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting. Peres; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians. Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with scarlet, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.” (Daniel 5:25-29). Despite honouring Daniel with gifts and a position, the kingdom was destroyed that night because Belshazzar failed to repent. Evaluate the gifts and opportunities given to you. Do not allow pride, neglect, or delay to render them worthless. Belshazzar passed into eternity unrepentant and unredeemed. Let the Spirit of God weigh your heart, and wherever you are found wanting, repent and call upon the Lord today.

3.  THE SPIRIT-SATURATED MESSENGER LOOKING FORWARD THROUGH GOD’S GIFTS

Matthew 21:15,21-25 

• The Saving Propitiation of the Messiah, our Saviour – Daniel 9:24-26a; 1 John 3:1-9.
• The Sure Prophecy about “Man of Sin” – Daniel 9:26b-27; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12.

• The Supernatural Power of our Mediator and His Sovereignty – Daniel 8:25; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10.