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I am simply in awe when I read these passages about Daniel. It is inspiring to think about what this mentality would look like in our current culture. I am so intrigued by it.
On one hand, you have the version of Daniel who will never compromise on truth. He will stand firm on the Word of God. He will continue to pray. He will not worship other gods. And in doing these things, he will make it very clear and known that anyone who attempts to sway him will never succeed. Under no means of torture or circumstance will he ever compromise on God’s truth. It’s an unrelenting faith.
On the other hand, you have the version of Daniel that’s just an all-around great guy. He works hard and earns his living. He’s a moral and holy man. All the kings who rule over him respect and honor him. He’s a skilled negotiator and a continual overachiever. In this chapter, we see that even the king’s advisers could not dig up one negative aspect of Daniel. This speaks to the consistency of his character.
Now put those two together, and what you get are some of the most powerful characteristics of Jesus our Savior. Now, of course, Daniel was just a man. He was a sinner who struggled just like any of us. But consider how faithfully Daniel served and pursued God, and how much God blessed him.
We’ve all met people who charge full steam ahead with their truth train. These people puff around with their knowledge looking for the next victim they can lay on the tracks and demolish. They may proudly proclaim they don’t compromise on truth, but when it comes to relationships, others just want to tune them out. They are harsh, demeaning, and ultimately end up acting like Pharisees.
We’ve also met those people who see grace and love through tunnel vision. They are fine with compromising a little bit, as long as it’s for the sake of love. Truth is moderately relative in their worldview because they just don’t want to offend anyone. With these, people pleasing is more important than honoring God’s Word.
Over the first 6 chapters thus far, Daniel has found an effective balance of grace and truth. The reason he was thrown into the lion’s den wasn’t because he told someone off, compromised on his faith, or disrespected people. Daniel knew his place and his role, and he served God within that place. He was in exile, and he accepted and made the most of the opportunity. The really convicting part for us is that it didn’t matter the nation, the king, or the people he was around. Daniel was the same person throughout every kingdom and administration!
Daniel’s life flourished before others in the middle of exile and turned out to be a shining example of the coming Messiah. Daniel didn’t even know that much about Jesus yet, but his character was established in both truth and grace.