Purposed In His Heart

Dear class,

The readings today are taken from Daniel 3,4 and Revelation 6.

The book of Daniel thus far recounts the events in the Babylonian captivity of Israel. We were introduced to Daniel and his 3 friends - Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. From the insistence on an authorised diet to the refusal to bow down to pagan gods, Daniel and his friends truly exemplified the Christ-like attitude in obedience. It wasn't that the young men were "chosen" or "possessed" by the Holy Spirit, but the fact as written of Daniel in 1:8  - "Daniel PURPOSED in his heart". This is a conscious, deliberate act on the part of the young men to shun what is evil and do what is right before God.

The young men purposed that they will not eat of the pagan food. Possibly of the unclean meats as listed under the Mosaical law.
But it is evident that they also purposed to conduct themselves in a righteous manner, for in spite of their "idiosyncrasies" the prince of eunuchs over them were in their favour. (Dan 1:9)

The young men purposed that they would not bow down to pagan gods. As a result, they incurred the wrath of the king who would have them thrown into the furnace. Yet they emerged unhurt and as a result convinced the king of the supremacy of God.
As Nebuchadnezzar pointed out, the young men had purposed in their hearts to "yield[ed] their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God" (Dan 3:28)

Brethren, today we similarly have the need to "purpose in our hearts" to do His good will. Just as Joshua wrote in Jos 24:15 "but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord". Jesus Himself gave us the perfect example by making "Himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." (Phi 2:7,8)

We need to bear in mind, that we always have a choice! The only question is whether we chose to do that which is right.
Let us continue to let Christ be our example and guide, to always strive to purpose in our hearts to do the will of God.

in Him
Paul


--
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. ~ 2Thessalonians 3:14,15