Text: Daniel 5:17-30

Dear Brethren,

TREMENDOUS COURAGE INDEED
How does a person develop courage? Daniel does not seem to lack courage in any given situation.

1. He did not lack courage when he asked to be given only vegetables for food. To even make that request was dangerous, for it meant that he had rejected the king's provision. Rejection was an affront that could have seen Daniel killed. Nevertheless, his courage shone through, and he was at that age young and untried (Review Daniel 1).

2. He showed great courage when the decree went out that all "wise men" were to be killed, by the King's order. Once again, Daniel stood in opposition to the will and authority of the king. That took a lot of courage (Review Daniel 2).

3. A third incident that highlighted the courage of Daniel may be adduced from the way Daniel spoke to King Nebuchadnezzar when he dreamed about the great tree that was ordered to be cut down by the "holy watchers" of heaven (Review Daniel 4). In this episode, Daniel once again spoke up courageously and actually appealed to the king to humble himself before God! Once again, Daniel risked his life for the sake of being true to God and his faith in Him!

Courage is not something "born" inside a person. It is something that is carefully and diligently cultivated by the individual. If the person chooses to cultivate courage then he will reap a rich harvest. Daniel obviously sowed a rich crop of courage, and reaped the benefits… even though that meant risking his life!

COURAGE IN THE FOREFRONT ONCE AGAIN
Once again, Daniel was asked to speak his mind, this time before Belshazzar. The same risks were there. The King could have been offended should Daniel interpret the handwriting on the wall unfavourably.

Daniel's courage was now a part of his whole being. Courage was not something difficult to summon. It was a very real and natural part of his life at this stage.

Standing before Belshazzar, Daniel rebuked the king for his arrogance. He had failed to learn from his father's mistakes. He had committed sacrilege when he drank from the consecrated holy vessels of the Temple of God!

Daniel could have forfeited his life. He was rebuking the mighty King Belshazzar. How could he do what he did? Courage breeds courage. Daniel had practised courage all his life!

BE CHALLENGED TO CULTIVATE GODLY COURAGE!
Let's "start small". Let's learn how not to be ashamed of our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ! Let's learn how to tell our friends courageously, that we are Christians!

Prayerfully,                                                                             

Pastor Charlie

First released 15th July 2001, © Bethany Independent-Presbyterian Church, Singapore