The Excellence of Daniel is worthy of investigation. Daniel was a school boy when he went into exile in Babylon. On arrival, he and his buddies were instantly selected for special treatment to become leaders. Smart and knowledgeable in the ways of our Creator, Daniel stands out by arranging to have a vegetarian diet for the four of them rather than the King’s food. The later was heavy and probably defiled by sacrifice to idols. As a result of this choice, these four growing young men thrived and became excellent in their duties.
Daniel was the best dream interpreter of his day. He also did his work well whether or not others were looking. We can tell that by the pattern he demonstrates of being almost hidden from any lime light. Regardless of his attempts at anonymity, his gifts, talents, and abilities were known. When a crisis arose, he was drawn out to serve. He and his three classmates survive through the reigns several kings even after government take overs because of their excellence and focus.
After another one of his successful, high level dream interpretations he finds favor with the new king. “Then this Daniel became distinguished above all the other high officials and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him. And the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.” (Daniel 6:3)
How did he achieve this spirit of excellence? Centuries later the Apostle Peter sums it up for us really well. He almost outlines how the excellence of Daniel can be ours. (1 Peter 1:3-7)
“By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.”
Peter echo’s Daniel’s explanations that the excellence originates from personally knowing and following our Creator’s “marvelous glory and excellence.” He continues to explain how to deepen and strengthen this relationship.
“In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.”
Yes, we make efforts to know our Creator, but ultimately it is less about head knowledge and more about personal relationship. Daniel spent time in prayer faithfully every day. He observed, in community, the feasts God has established, and he knew the Word of God. Peter did as well. These men are examples, demonstrating how the excellence of Daniel can be ours.
What I really love is how Daniel used his excellence, to bring about good for others. He saved the lives of those he did not always agree with by Godly, accurate dream interpretation. Because his work for the kings was better than all the others, his favor and authority before people and God grew continually. Daniel was consistent, a man of integrity. He did not behave differently in different circumstances to fit in or to gain human approval. He lived to please our Creator alone. This trait landed him in the Lion’s den, but God saved and honored him for it.
I have a lot to learn from Daniel, and from Peter. What can you learn from this man of excellence?
