Changes

Let's talk about “Changes”, changes could be overwhelming and frightening and also can lead to Anxiety, especially when it is sudden. This World that we're living in is ever-changing from the time of Daniel during the Babylonian era until today. 

Changes can also be difficult to adopt because it requires a new mindset. Before adopting any changes, it is necessary to seek the mind of God first to determine if it is in line with God's plan for your life. Throughout all the changes and customs that were imposed upon Daniel in Babylon, he refused to submit. But humble Daniel still continued to petition the Lord God in prayer even when there was a Decree against him concerning the Law of his God. 

As Believers in Christ, we are living in this world but we are not of the world.  It is very easy to be caught up or enticed by all the worldly changes and pleasures, but we have a better Home awaiting us and also a Crown and Eternal life with our Saviour Jesus Christ. We are urged by Apostle Paul not to be conformed to the changes of this world.  

Romans 12:1-2; "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

To be transformed by the renewing of your mind: Do not allow the world system, nor your own understanding, nor any pessimistic opinions of others to govern your mind, but allow the Word of God through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to transform and guide you into the Will of God for your life. 

A Brief Background About Daniel: 

Daniel means "God is my Judge" or "Judge of God." his place of origin was Jerusalem and he was from the tribe of Judah.  A very noble young man who was taken into captivity at around 15 years old along with others. 

Daniel portrays an excellent spirit, he was righteous, obedient, and loyal to his God. He was also favoured by God and He gave him the ability to interpret dreams and visions even when he was in captivity in Babylon.

Daniel was a Major Prophet and a mouthpiece for God during the 70 years of captivity in Babylon. He is also a mouthpiece to the Gentiles Nation because Daniel's prophecy declared both the current and future plans of God for His people.  

Daniel had served under the Kingship Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Cyrus, and Darius, Daniel was a Statesman but due to his excellent spirit and working ability, his coworkers became jealous of him. He is also the Author of the Book of Daniel through the inspiration of the Spirit of God and some chapters were written in Hebrews and Aramaic. 

Jesus Christ made reference to Daniel in Matthew 24:15 and Mark 13:14. Also other references to Daniel the Prophet can be found in the Book of Ezekiel 14:12 to verse 20; Ezekiel 28:1-3. In Daniel 9:1-2 we can see Daniel searching the book of Jeremiah to inquire about the Desolations of Jerusalem and found out that the captivity will endure for seventy years.

Let's See How Daniel Survived During These"Changes:"

Prayer, Fasting, and a Personal Relationship with God was Daniel's source of survival in Babylon.

Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber towards Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime (Daniel 6:10)

This is an act of boldness, humbleness, and obedience to God. We would think that Daniel would have obeyed King Darius' Decree, but no, Daniel was purposed in his heart that he would not be conformed to the Babylonian world or systematic changes. Though he was living in a strange land according to Psalm 137, he had decided to still do the requirements of the God of Israel and refused to bow or worship any other gods or idols.

Jesus Christ is still the same yesterday, today and forever more. We can see all sorts of changes around us in this dark world but we should still hold on to the Principles of God's unchanging hands. Many Christians had let go and adopted the ungodly things or sold their Souls to satan and the kingdom of this world. Today they are bombarded with great difficulties and consequences and are tormented and can not find peace within themselves.

But dare to be like Daniel, he knew of the Decree against him and His God, but Daniel knew that he was not guilty.  These men were bold enough to find fault with God who is Faultless and Wise. Jude the brother of Jesus Christ says it better. Jude 1:24-25 "Now unto Him, that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. 

Daniel 6:4 "The presidents and 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 6:5 "Then said these men, we shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.

Therefore, these men continued with their conspiracy and requested a Decree from King Darius. "The Decree was that every man that shall ask a petition of any other God or man within thirty days shall be cast into the den of lions." 

But Daniel a servant of God who was full of wisdom knew that bowing or worshipping an image is unaccepted before God (Exodus 20:4, Acts 17:29) Therefore, Daniel continued in obedience and humility to make petitions to his God three times a day.

When Daniel did not yield to their request he was thrown into the lion's den by his Conspirators, but our Omnipresent God kept the lions from hurting Daniel (Daniel 6:22). The Peace that God had promised us in the New Earth under the New Covenant God fulfilled the very same in the lion's den for Daniel (Isaiah 11:6).

Daniels’s adversaries eventually fell into the plot that they had set up for him, it was God who spoke to the heart of King Darius to toss these men and their families into the lion's den. Did you know that the King's heart is in God's hand?  (Proverbs 21:1)

Conclusion:

King Nebuchadnezzar had changed Daniel's Hebrew name to a Babylonian name "Belteshazzar" but could not change Daniel's character and his belief in the true God of Israel. 

Therefore, when you are faced with "Changes" in this world, whether it's at work, school, among your peers or at home. God has given you the Strength and the Authority of the Holy Ghost to overcome these changes like the Prophet Daniel. 

So, let us not change our beliefs to accept the principles of this ungodly world which is temporal, instead let the Beauty of God be manifested in us so that the unsaved can inquire about our God.