Thy Kingdom Come # 19

3. The Kingdom and the Name (continued)

The God of Daniel

"I make a decree, that in all the dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and steadfast forever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed ..." (6:26). In chapter 3 a similar things is said about the God of Shadrach, Mechach and Abednego (3:28, 29). "The God of Daniel". It is as though Daniel's experiences had added something to the honor of that Name, and had also interpreted that Name to those who could not otherwise understand it. Surely this is the essential function of the kingdom, to make men know what God is like. Those who reign with Christ do not lord it over the rest, but proclaim and communicate His blessedness to the world around.

Daniel achieved this ministry by something more than a word study of the titles of God. He learned them in experience; he proved them by faith in times of deep trial and need; they became a part of his own inner history. It was only thus that he could give such a testimony to the "God of Daniel". The Lord is seeking to do the same thing in us. He lets us be captives, as Daniel was. He faces us with difficult choices, as He did him. He tests us in our homes, at our business, in our fellowship and in the secret place, in the same way in which Daniel was tested. He leads us into the battle; He may even allow us to be cast into the lions' den; but it is all for this one purpose - to produce in us a powerful testimony to the greatness and glory of His Name. We shall never be anything in ourselves, but if men can see what God does for and in us - yes, and even through us - they may learn by means of us something of what He is like. All this is involved in 'possessing' the kingdom. All this must happen in our case if we are to pray: "Hallowed be thy Name".

~T. Austin-Sparks~

(continued with # 20 - (4. The Gospel of the Kingdom)