The Heart of the Matter

Thousands of years after Daniel and his friends impacted history by their unshakable faith, the Apostle Paul encouraged Timothy, his son in the Lord, with these words, ‘Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity’ (1 Timothy 4:12).

Daniel could never have fathomed that his faith story as a captive in Babylon would become part of God’s own word and redemption story to His children thousands of years in the future.

I wonder if Timothy was encouraged by Daniel’s example as a child; also having no idea that his own journey with God would be studied by millions of believers every day for generations to come.

How about you? Have you ever stopped to wondered how your life and faith in Christ will impact the generations after you? Whether we like it or not, each step we take in Christ leaves a footprint, an inheritance for the next generation, just as we too are subject to an inheritance from our ancestors and the Church that has gone before us.

Right from the beginning of his captivity, Daniel made up his mind that he would take a stand for God by setting himself apart to God. He moved from resolve to resolved, from deciding, mulling, considering and pondering, to settled, determined, purposed, done! It was then that God gave wisdom, knowledge and understanding and interpretation of dreams to Daniel (1:17).

Age is never a disqualifier in God’s economy. David’s destiny was to be king, but he was just a boy when he was anointed and chosen by God (1 Samuel 16:12-13). Joseph was seventeen when his brothers sold him as a slave, but God’s turned tragedy into victory eventually, raising Joseph up into the second highest place of authority in the very land he was taken captive, saving God’s chosen people (Genesis 41:41). Samuel was set apart to God while still in the womb and ministered before the Lord while still a child (1 Samuel 1:11, 2:18).

On the other side of the coin, Moses and Aaron were in their eighties when God decided to use them to lead His chosen people out of slavery (Exodus 7:7). God didn’t choose Daniel because of his looks, abilities or age. God created Daniel with the right looks and abilities at just the right time, so that God could be glorified through His life. Jesus Himself was only thirty-three when He was tested in the desert and then released into ministry to ultimately save forever God’s children (John 3:16).

He paid the highest price for each one of us in order to release us from slavery and deliver us into God’s family forever. But there are many who are still in captivity, needing someone to lead the way. Could that someone be you?

Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, that on the cross Your heart was resolved to the task at hand; hallelujah! Father, forgive me if I’ve thought that I’m too young or too old or too poor, unworthy or just not equipped enough. I’ve been focused on myself instead of on the many who don’t know You yet and are still bound in slavery. I choose today to move from resolve to resolved; from decision to decided and set myself apart to You for Your glory, and Your Kingdom purposes. In Jesus’ name, Amen.