Moises Percu

It is to aknowledge the sovereignty of God. Sometimes it is hard not only for the kings but for us too because it limits our power of commanding and giving orders. It limits our independence. We deny God's sovereignty being disobedient, independent and doing the things according to our own understandings.

Daniel is not afraid. But he wished this dream would never become true in Nebuchadnezzar's life. We don't like to say hard things because we don't like to be misunderstood. But if we are able to use the correct words according to the Holy Spirit guidance, we will not be afraid to say the hard things which can help the others.

Daniel showed, once more, that his God was the only One who could do anything. If he had focused on the injustice he would have lost the chance to glorify God. I have some experiences which show God's mercy, but the main one is my conversion experience.

Daniel had a life of prayer. Like him, I reserve part of my day just to pray. When we are able to have the pratice of prayer, we get more intimacy with God.

It is possible to see that Daniel was totally obedient and dependent from God. It is impossible for a natural man behave like this. For sure it reflects the presence of God in Daniel. And like him, I try to live in obedience in order to show my supervisor and my workmates the presence of the Holy Spirit in me.

How does Nebuchadnezzar sum up their faith and commitment? Are you willing to disobey a command or law to be faithful to God? Are you willing to lay down your life to be faithful to God? What might hold you back? The king was constrained to recognize the young Jews were correct and to accept he had no power above people if God would not had permitted. Nowadays, I and all Christians have to disobey laws and not follow the politically correct behavior imposed on us.

All of them were totally shocked. They saw the impossible happening before their eyes. They could see that there is a God above all men, a God who is not subject to men's orders.

Why do the Jews’ fellow government officials report them to Nebuchadnezzar? Why is the king so angry? What is his motivation to have people bow to the statue? They were jealous because young foreigners had so important responsabilities in Babilonian Empire. The king was angry because he considered this attitude a personal challenge from the young Jews. His motivation to have people bow was to show who was in charge.

Their answer is direct and bold. They had an attitude of courage. They say they are in God's hands. If God wants to deliver them, HE will do it. They rely on God's sovereignty. With no contradiction it is possible to say that their faith is very solid.

The Lord's kingdom shall never be destroyed. The message of HIS kingdom began to be preached by John Baptist. Nowadays, this kingdom is spiritual and present in the heart of the servants of Jesus. But, at the end of times, this kingdom will come in a phisical presence as Enoch prophesied (Jude 1:14-15). At this time that nobody knows except the Father, Jesus will return and will stablish HIS kingdom destroying all human kingdoms on Earth.

Daniel recognises that everything he knew came from God. He admitted he could interpret nothing if God hadn't revealed him. So, he uses the situation to show Nabuchednezar that, above all the kings and kingdoms there is a Eternal Lord who knows everything. According to Peter, we should never exalt ourselves because God resists the proud but give grace to the humble.

Why does Daniel ask his friends to "plead for mercy"? According to Scripture, is intercessory prayer important? Is it effective? How can we implement intercessory prayer in our churches? Because the mistery could be revealed only by the Lord. If HE would be mercifeul, HE would reveal them the king's dream and their lives would be spared. Intercessory prayer is very important in Bible. Esdras prayed for the Jews returning from exile. Daniel interceeded for his people while reading the Book of Jeremiah. Jesus prayed for HIS apostles. For sure these prayers are effective. Our churches need to return to Bible teachings. This way, our churches will implement intercessory prayer.

What is Daniel’s first approach to eat a different diet? What does he do when his first attempt failed? What is his demeanor towards those over him? In what ways do you think God affects the outcome of Daniel’s request? Daniel dared to challenge the king rules asking the prince of the eunuchs to give him and his friends a different kind of food. Then, his attempt failed and he asked the prince of the eunuchs to make a test of ten days. As the eunuch consented, after the ten days the difference in the countenances of Daniel and his friend were clear. God honored them giving them knowledge and skill in learning and wisdom. Besides, they were granted understanding in all visions and dreams.

Daniel used to eat kosher food, with no blood, with no impure animals. So, in Babylon he and his friend had a struggle. They had to choose serve the Lord and remain pure or accept the king conditions and "become" a Babylonian citizen. If they had eaten the king's table food they would have disobeyed the Lord's commandments.

No, I've never been in a country with very different habits at all. All the countries that I know in South America and Europe have similar habits, language and culture in comparison to Brazil.

They experienced a cultural shock. They used to be princes in Jerusalem. Now, they are servants, maybe eunuchs. They have to learn a different language, different habits and their names were changed too. Their Hebrew names praised the Almighty Lord. Their Chaldean names praise the Babylonian deities.