God's Able Minister

The Babylonians carried many Israelites into captivity—including a youth named Daniel. Daniel entered fully into life in Babylon because he obeyed the words of the prophet Jeremiah. When he did, God blessed him with a career that was long and varied.

Daniel actually served as an able minister of two empires. First Babylon. But when the Medes and Persians overran Babylon, Daniel survived to become a key figure within the Persian Empire. Scripture tell us Darius planned to set him over the whole kingdom. (Dan. 6:3b NIV)

This was too much for Daniel’s Persian contemporaries. They were jealous and wanted to get rid of him. But they could find nothing wrong with his work or his person when they tried to discredit him. They finally devised a scheme so Daniel would be found guilty—of prayer! In accordance with a silly law of the land, Darius was forced to sentence Daniel to death via the mouths of hungry lions.

Darius was loathe to lose his faithful servant. He did not sleep well the night after Daniel was thrown into the lion's den. In the morning he rose early to see what had happened.

In this story, we usually focus on the brave Daniel who would face death rather than deny his God. But what about Darius? He wanted Daniel to live—and he was foolish enough to think it might be possible. He called out, Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God . . . been able to rescue you? . . . (v. 20b)

The Lord did protect Daniel by sending an angel. When it was over, Darius wrote a decree saying everyone must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. (6:26b) God saved the minister who served a pagan king—and He touched the heart of the king as well.

Originally published November 12, 1882.

A Future and a Hope

Jeremiah is usually called the weeping prophet. He wept and mourned because his countrymen—the Israelites—only pretended to worship God. In private, they worshipped idols and did evil deeds. Jeremiah preached against their sin and warned them to repent—and then he told them to accept the invading Babylonian army as a judgment from God.

Not a popular message. The people were enraged. There were even false prophets who accused Jeremiah of treason and who spearheaded his persecution. But eventually, just as Jeremiah had stated, the Babylonians came, entered the city, and carried the King and others into captivity.

Jeremiah could have gloated. Instead, he continued to mourn for his people—the wayward Israelites. God’s concern were his concerns, and he sent another message from God to the transplanted captives: Build houses and dwell in them; plant gardens and eat their fruit. Take wives . . . that you may be increased there, and not diminished. (Jer. 29:5,6a & c NKJV)

Jeremiah let the people know that God’s hand was still upon them. He told them they would return to Jerusalem in 70 years. Then, I [God] know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. (v. 11)

Originally published February 20, 1987.

A Stick of Wood

Some of God’s illustrations are simple, but they so wonderfully illustrate His point.

The people of Israel were divided into two nations, had been divided for many years. When Ezekiel prophesied, the northern kingdom had been overrun by Assyrians and the southern kingdom was being ravaged by Babylon. During that difficult time, God told Ezekiel to take two sticks. On one he should write, belonging to Judah and the Israelites associated with him. On the other, belonging to Joseph (Israel) and all the house associated with him. Then, Join them together into one stick so they will become one in your hand. (Ez. 37:16,17 NIV)

The people of the two countries were all God’s people—and they shared a common faith. But they were separated by sin. They had even been at war with one another.

Even so, during this time of sorrow and great destruction, God reminded the people of Judah of the destiny they shared with Israel. He also continued to draw them to Himself and to speak to them through His prophets. I will cleanse them. They will be my people, and I will be their God. (v. 23b)

Originally published May 25, 1984,

Picture: Along the Red River of the North. Photo by Cindy.