As you have probably gathered by now, I like Daniel. His life is not simply a “feel good” story. Daniel is an inspiration on how to continually live for God during difficult times. While other Jews apparently had given up and given in to living a compromised life in a wicked land… Daniel chose a difficult course. Where are the rest of Daniel’s kinsmen? Before I move on here, we need to understand Daniel and his friends were living under God’s judgment. For the next seventy years the whole nation would have to live in exile. How would you like to live under this type of bondage, knowing it was God’s hand which brought you to this place?

What is interesting is even though everyone else was experiencing bondage, Daniel and those who stood for righteousness did not. Daniel discovered the flow of God while living in an evil, demonic, and wicked empire. This is good news, if you can believe for it. Even under the judgment of God, even under a wicked regime, even under curses and even when the devil is trying to take you out… you can experience the flow of God and the Lord can move mightily in your life.

Jesus understood this principle. He lived under the bondage of the Roman empire. The spiritual conditions were deplorable when He preached in the country and cities of Israel. This was why He could say with absolute authority…

If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” They answered Him, “we are Abraham’s offspring, and have never yet been enslaved to anyone; how is it that You say, ‘You shall become free’?” (John 8:31-33).

Isn’t it amazing how everyone thinks they are free, when they are really in bondage? Only a free man can free a man. Only the free can see and discern that people are really in bondage. Only in Christ are we truly free. Outside of Jesus Christ all men are in bondage and cannot experience the deeper blessings of God.

Back several decades ago, when I was a mere teenager, Bob Dylan became a Christian. He would later renounce that decision. Whatever? While he was a believer he cut two albums. One of the songs he sang was “Your Gonna Have to Serve Somebody.” (You can check it out on YouTube)  I mention part of the lyrics below as an example of what I am sharing today.

“You may be an ambassador to England or France,
You may like to gamble, you might like to dance.
You may be the heavyweight champion of the world,
You might be a socialite with a long string of pearls.
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody, yes indeed,
You’re gonna have to serve somebody.
Well it may be the devil, or it may be the Lord;
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody.

You may be a state trooper, you might be a young Turk.
You may be the head of some TV network.
You may be rich or poor, you may be blind or lame.
You may be living in another country under another name.
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody, yes indeed,
You’re gonna have to serve somebody.
Well it may be the devil, or it may be the Lord,
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody.

You may be a construction worker working on a home.
You may be living in a mansion or you might live in a dome.
You might own guns and you might even own tanks.
You might be somebody’s landlord, you might even own banks.
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody, yes indeed,
You’re gonna have to serve somebody.
Well it may be the devil, or it may be the Lord.
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody.

Might like to wear cotton, you might like to wear silk.
Might like to drink whiskey, might like to drink milk.
You might like to eat caviar, you might like to eat bread.
You may be sleeping on the floor, sleeping in a king-sized bed.
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody, yes indeed,
You’re gonna have to serve somebody.
Well it may be the devil, or it may be the Lord,
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody.”

It is true. You going to have to serve somebody. Better to serve the Lord, He loves you and the benefits are outstanding.

Blessings,

Pastor