Part 2: Daniel first to take a stand (Dn 1: 8-16) published 7/9/1999

Daniel was keen not to settle into the relative comfort in which he found himself. These special prisoners were not treated as the ordinary criminal would be, and Daniel in particular seemed to have a charismatic personality and had built at once a special relationship with the chief official.

Daniel sets an example
He does not react to situations but rather he is proactive (Dn 1:8) and enters into delicate negotiation so as to be able to take a stand for God, and shows leadership ability as he proceeds to speak for his friends as well (Dn 1:12).

Q We are usually quick enough to complain when we are not getting ' a fair crack of the whip', but do we resist taking advantage from situations that unfairly work in our favour?

Q Do we wait until situations overtake us, or are we ready to take the first step?

Q Leadership is a gift and we sometimes need more to show leadership than give it. Are members of the group ready to do this with others in every walk of life? Is it a gift to have and develop?

Daniel sets aside discouragement
Having been denied his request, although given a sympathetic hearing by Ashpenaz the chief official, Daniel will not take 'No' for an answer and turns to the guard to obtain what the chief official would not do (Dn 1:11).

Q How many of us would have said to ourselves 'obviously it's not what God intends for us' and not pursued the matter any further? Would we have been wrong to do so?

Daniel shows courtesy
Daniel's language is not that of the rebel or the subversive but shows courtesy throughout (Dn 1:8,12).

Q how important is it for Christians to be an example in courtesy and politeness? In what areas could we make an impact that would bring God credit by that sort of behaviour?