11/10/2022
Then was Daniel brought in before the king. And the king spake and said unto Daniel, Art thou that Daniel, which art of the children of the captivity of Judah, whom the king my father brought out of Jewry? I have even heard of thee, that the spirit of the gods is in thee, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom is found in thee. Daniel 5:13-14
Nobody likes to be singled out or left off the team. It’s only natural to want to be accepted by others. Because of this, some will go to extreme measures just to fit in. They might change their appearance, forsake what they enjoy, and even live a life that’s a lie.
Why? To be accepted. Since some don’t want to be different, they do whatever is necessary to fit in.
But sometimes it’s good to be different. Daniel was different and that was okay.
Different Place
When Belshazzar and the others defied the LORD by using the vessels of the Temple to drink unto their false gods, Daniel was nowhere to be found. He was missing. He was not part of the crowd.
Daniel did not partake in the worldly sensual feast that was thrown by the reckless and defiant king. He did not join hands with them in sin, and refused to encourage their ungodly behavior with his presence. Daniel was different, because he was in the right place at the right time.
Different Purpose
The Babylonians and their king seemed to be only interested in gratifying their flesh. While the Medes and Persians prepared to take over the city, the foolish people inside feasted, drank themselves full, and praised their false gods.
Daniel, on the other hand, lived to please God and not himself. When he entered the kingdom as a captured, young man Daniel immediately relied upon the LORD. Through the years he continued to live for God, looking unto his beloved LORD when troubled and trusting in Him when tempted. Daniel was different, because he glorified the LORD instead of pleasing his flesh.
Different Plan
The inhabitants of Babylon believed that their city was unconquerable. To them, the thought of being overcome was impossible. Large walls and a deep moat surrounded the city, and the people saw no cause for concern. They were protected and prepared to outlast a siege. So certain were they of their safety, the Babylonians celebrated with a grand feast. They planned to enjoy life to the fullest believing all to be fine, but it was not.
It seems that Daniel had been forgotten. At one time he was head of the wise men in Babylon and held the office of Prime Minister. Although the world had set Daniel aside, the LORD still had a plan for his life. Daniel remained faithful to God and waited for His direction. Daniel was different, because the LORD directed his steps.
Different Power
The king’s frantic search for answers was a failure. Nobody was able to fulfill his request. The writing on the wall and it’s meaning eluded even Babylon’s brightest minds. In the banquet hall of the magnificent city was a message from God that taunted the cowardly king. The writing remained a mystery and Belshazzar was beside himself.
When Daniel arrived everything changed. In walked a man with God’s power. A man with answers. Daniel read the writing, provided the meaning, and delivered a message that stunned the crowded room. Babylon was finished. By morning the kingdom would have a new ruler. The LORD enabled Daniel to succeed while everyone else failed. Daniel was different, because of God’s power in his life.
As Daniel proved, it’s not so bad to be different after all. Don’t worry about fitting in or being accepted by the world. Glorify God with your life. If that makes you different, that’s okay.