Topic: Honour God above men always
Bible Reading: Daniel 5-6; 1 John 4.
Memory Verse: “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.” Daniel 6:10 (KJV).
Daniel was called by King Belshazzar, who disrespected God by using golden vessels previously dedicated to God to drink wine and praised gods of gold and silver and brass! ( Daniel 5:1-4). When Daniel saw what was done and knowing the antecedents of the king, he rejected the gifts of the king though he went to perform the service required by interpreting a writing on the wall of the Kings palace. In his interpretation, the king would lose his kingdom and consequently his life and Daniel stated this clearly not mincing words. He feared God and obeyed Him even at the expense of his life!
Similarly, when a new king, Darius came to power and set up an image to be worshipped and never to worship any other God. Daniel knew that the plan was to get rid of himself and did not shy away from praying to God three times a day in the open knowledge of the people as he used to do! Daniel 6:10 (KJV) says, “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.”
Though he knew this could cost him his life, he chose to honour God above men and again at the expense of his life. In all these cases, God honoured Daniel back in return. Gifts were given to him and his life was saved and the name of God was glorified! This is why God says in 1 Samuel 2:30 that those who honour Him, He will honour and those who despise Him shall be lightly esteemed. If you love God, you will honour Him above everything and everyone and He will bless you in return that’s why Romans 8:28 (KJV) says, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Do you honour God even at the expense of your promotions, ego, relationship or even life? God does not owe any man. He will reward you according to your faith and works. However, you should know that He demands to be glorified and does not share his glory with anyone. Therefore, those who take on the glory of God because of the position or status they have attained, He will debase them as He did to King Belshazzar. You are either for God in totality or against Him, you cannot be neutral! Choose to be on the side of God and live!
Action point: Ensure you honour God above all things in every area of your life.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero