Intentional Remembering: Holding Fast
Life Journal Entry 091105 Daniel 1-2 http://blog.light-cat.com/devo/35/
In the year 605 B.C. the armies of King Nebuchadnezzer besieged Jerusalem.
When the armies returned to Babylon they looted the temple as well
as the people of God. The Babylonians took sacred objects from the temple
to enhance the treasure house of their own favored god. They also
took captive nobility and people of royal birth to enhance their own
royal courts and counsel. They were ripped from their destroyed homes
and family and forcibly moved into a new world. Can you imagine?
Most of us in this country do not think much about such things. However,
these days, we do understand something of destruction because of
911. Notice 911 is a new designation in our vocabulary requiring
no explanation. We too, were witness to the siege of Tsunami.
Again in September we now have added a new word to our popular vocabulary, "aftermath." Aftermath
is the residue, the sticks that were homes, the separated families,
the "toxic soup" four to twenty feet deep covering the
streets of New Orleans after the pounding effects of a class 4 hurricane.
We are still reeling in the aftermath of placing too much faith in
faulty walls of protection that unleashed the onslaught of massive
flooding. We know the shame of silently coexisting with generationally
impoverished people unable physically, psychologically, or financially
to fend for themselves in the face of calamity. We know of tens of
thousands displaced and relocated people who must rise up and face
today with new realities.
Some things seemingly foreign, no longer require much imagination.
Daniel, Hananiah, Michael, and Azariah were among those, though treated
well, were none the less captives whose homes and lives as they knew
them were decimated. The lives of these young men were ripped from
them and given over to others. Even their identities were changed.
A conquering enemy now calls them by names that answer to new gods,
values and purpose; Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
Most of us know three of those noble men of Jerusalem better by their
Babylonian names than their given names. How did they retain who
they were and overcome devastation, captivation, relocation and a
Babylonian extreme make over? Intentional remembering.
1) Remember who you are in relation to God. vv7-8 (NLT) The chief
official renamed them with these Babylonian names: Daniel was called
Belteshazzar. Hananiah was called Shadrach. Mishael was called Meshach.
Azariah was called Abednego. But Daniel . . . . Daniel means, "God
is my Judge." "But Daniel" indicates who Daniel was
would be determined by God not Babylonian officials.
2) Remember what God has told you and tenaciously to it. v8 (ASV)
Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with
the king's dainties, nor with the wine which he drank.
3) Remember wisdom and discretion in crisis. 2:14 (NAS) Then Daniel
replied with discretion and discernment to Arioch, the captain of
the king's bodyguard, who had gone forth to slay the wise men of
Babylon.
4) Remember to use the gifts God has given you. 2:16 Daniel went
at once to see the king and requested more time so he could tell
the king what the dream meant.
5) Remember the mercy of God. 2:18 He urged them to ask the God of
heaven to show them his mercy by telling them the secret, so they
would not be executed along with the other wise men of Babylon.
6) Remember the goodness of God. 2:27-28b Daniel replied, "There
are no wise men, enchanters, magicians, or fortune-tellers who can
tell the king such things. But there is a God in heaven who reveals
secrets, and he has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in
the future
7) Remember that God yet holds your future in his hands, count on
what he has said. 2:45 "The great God has shown Your Majesty
what will happen in the future. The dream is true, and its meaning
is certain."
Though your dreams are dust, still hold them tightly your hands.
What we hold onto shapes our future. Focus only on pain and injustice
and toxify your future. Intentional remembering empowers new life
and dreams not yet dreamed. "Hold fast to that which is good." 1
Thessalonians 5:20b
Walter Martin, a persuasive man and faithful man God always said "hold
fast" was best understood when it was stated, "Hold tenaciously
to that which is good." "Remember Me," says Jesus.
Remember God and hold tenaciously to all that means.
Lord, lists are not what I live by. It is by remembering you and
embracing your presence that I live. Call to mind some of these reminders
when I am in crisis and let me bring them and pray them for others
in crisis today. In the Name Above Names. Amen.
Glad to be with You in the Word. Pastor Art
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