Daniel 10:11 And he said to me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright… We usually regard the book of Daniel as the book for the student of prophecy only. If we are seeking counsel and consolation we turn to the Psalms or the Gospels or the Epistles, not often to Daniel's prophecy. But while the book is prophetic, it is also practical. Interspersed with the mention of images and kingdoms are words for the guidance and uplift of men in all ages, such as those of the description in our text. Let us regard the words as a parable. "Understand — stand upright," that is, "Look away from thyself to Me, the Almighty One. Prostration before me is unreadiness to serve Me." The attitude commanded indicates a condition of I. REVERENCE. — Daniel thought he was showing a deeper reverence in bowing himself to the earth, but while prostration may signify reverence and humility it may also indicate craven fear, and such prostration is not a fitting attitude for the servant of God. What father wishes his child to crawl at his feet ? It would be poor tribute to one's fatherhood. In the awful presence of the Most High, man cannot be too reverent, but he can be too fearful. Dread of God hinders approach to God. He who is sincerely obedient is truly reverent. Reverence is a question of temper it is a condition of heart, rather than a posture of the body. II. RECEPTIVITY. — This signifies that the heart and mind are alert, that the face is toward the light. In earthly courts, servants stand to receive their orders; the posture indicates watchfulness, "hearingness," and should the privileged servants of the Almighty be less ready. less responsive? But this receptivity suggests an absence of fear and dread. Should not men dread God? Yes, and no. They who know the right and do the wrong, they do well to fear. When we remember our darkness and our guilt, we do well to be filled with fear. But can the fear be removed? As we learn of the Son Who is the Way, and rely upon His mediation and sacrifice: so are we brought to know the Father, and the soul finds its home in Him. III. RESPONSIVENESS. — Daniel knew that in all the mystery about him there was a purpose, and, as the terror caused by his strange surroundings passes, his confidence returns. Faith must precede following. As Daniel's faith increased, so was the purpose revealed. Our faith prepares the way for the unfolding of the Divine will. Daniel was caused to stand before Jehovah's messenger, for the one exalted purpose of service. "O Daniel," the man of heaves seemed to say, "fear not, thy prayer has been heard; stand and hearken, and I will cause thee to become My interpreter, My prophet." And service holy and exalted is the purpose of the Divine calling to-day. Nationally, the call comes to us. To the nation the God of nations says, "Give heed to my voice. Let my word be in the front of your national life. Remember Me in all your laws and statutes. Honour Me, and I will honour thee." Personally, the call comes to us, "Understand — stand upright, for unto thee am I now sent." Are we obedient? The three foundation words of our text are the foundation words of character: Reverence — for the deep things of the Kingdom of God; Receptivity — that is, the open ear, the open heart and the alert spirit; and Responsiveness — that is, joyful obedience to His will, and to that we are called. (F. Burnett.). Parallel Verses KJV: And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling. |
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