Text: Daniel 9

Dear Young People,

OUR ROLE IN THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE SCRIPTURES
We read in Daniel 8 about the role of the angel Gabriel. He was a mighty angel sent specially to teach Daniel the meaning of the visions that God had given to him.

But what was Daniel's role? What was his part in understanding the Word of God? Daniel's example must challenge us to emulate his approach.

SEARCHING FOR UNDERSTANDING
The visions that God gave to Daniel were by no means easy to comprehend. However, Daniel was not deterred by any means. Yes, he was astonished by the explanation of the Angel Gabriel and we read about this in the following text.

"And, I Daniel, fainted and was sick for days;
afterward I arose and went about the king's business.
I was astonished by the vision, but no one understood it."
Daniel 8:27

Daniel did not give up trying. Even though the Angel Gabriel had explained the visions to him, he still had trouble fully comprehending this knowledge given to him. There was one more thing that Daniel felt he must do. He did further research on his own.

He was familiar with the Book of Jeremiah and he set aside time to study the relevant passages carefully.

"I, Daniel, understood by the books
the number of years specified by the word of the Lord
through Jeremiah the prophet, that
He would accomplish seventy years
In the desolations of Jerusalem."
Daniel 9:2

REMEMBER - DANIEL WAS NOT A FULL-TIME PROPHET!
It is important to remember an important point. Daniel was employed by the Babylonians in the first place. After the Medes and Persians conquered the Babylonians, Daniel was employed by Darius (Cyrus) to help administer the Medo-Persian empire (Daniel 9:1).

Thus the efforts made by Daniel to comprehend God's Word were even more impressive! If only we can put in a little more effort in our study of the Scriptures, we would be able to understand our faith more deeply. What is there to stop us from studying the Lord's Word at a deeper level?

Daniel was motivated by his love for knowledge and truth. He was also motivated to search for a deeper knowledge of truth because he knew that what God had spoken would affect Israel, his country directly. What motivates you to read God's Word?

Prayerfully,                                                                             

Pastor Charlie

First released 24 February 2002, © Bethany Independent-Presbyterian Church, Singapore