Reflection: Daniel and godly recklessness Further reading Daniel 1:1-21
“In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.” Daniel 1:20
Throughout history, children and young people have been instrumental in launching social movements against injustice. With youth, comes a clarity about right and wrong that can become muddied as we age.
Daniel, growing up under a foreign and oppressive regime but having found favour with those in power, had every opportunity to choose a ‘safe’ path for his own life. He could have ‘towed the party line’, kept a low profile and lived his life in comfort. But even as a young man, Daniel chose faithfulness to God’s commands.
The king was looking for recruits from the Israelites to become disciples of Babylon. Daniel could have sidled up to power and gained personal wealth and fame. But he chose the God of Israel. And God was faithful. To Daniel and his friends God gave supernatural wisdom and knowledge so that they stood out to the king above their peers.
We know, if we read on in Daniel’s story, that this is not the last time he required courage to stand up for what he believed. And it’s not the last time God showed himself faithful. Daniel aligned himself with God’s kingdom even when it stood in opposition to the kingdom of this world.
Daniel’s story assures all of us that when we speak out on behalf of the oppressed and marginalised, we are aligning ourselves with God’s values of peace, and justice for all.
Question: How did Daniel stay faithful to God’s commands, and not yield to the unjust laws of the lands?
Prayer: God of history, we look to you in the face of global injustice and oppression. We thank you for courageous young people who choose to stay faithful to your kingdom values. Help us stand alongside them and pursue your justice for all. Amen.