ENDURING AS A TEACHER OF GOD'S WORD

Daniel had to "go toward he end" in another sense.  He had to endure as a teacher of the truth.  He never forgot that the was one of the chosen people of whom the Scriptures had said:  " 'You are my witnesses,' is the utterance of Jehovah, 'even my servant that I have chosen.' " (Isaiah 43:10)   Daniel did all he could to live up to that commission. Likely his work included teaching his own people who were exiled in Babylon.  We know little of his dealings with his fellow Jews except for his connection to the three referred to as "his companions"-Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.  (Daniel 1:7; 2:14, 17, 18) Their close friendship surely did much to help each one of them to endure. (Provebs 17:17) Daniel, blessed by Jehovah with  special insight, had much to teach his friends. (Daniel 1:17) But he had other teaching to do as well.

More than any other prophet, Daniel had the work of witnessing to Gentile dignitaries. Although he often had to deliver unpopular messages, he did not treat these rulers as if they were abhorrent or in some way beneath him.  He spoke to them respectively and skillfully. There were some-such as those jealous, scheming satraps-who wanted to destroy Daniel.  Yet, other dignitaries came to respect him.  Because Jehovah enabled Daniel to explain secrets that mystified kings and wise men, the prophet gained great prominence.  (Daniel 2:47, 48; 5:29) True, as he aged, he could not be as active as in his youth.  But he surely went to his end still faithfully seeking any way in which he could serve as witness of his beloved God.

In the Christian congregation today, we may find faithful companions who will  help us to endure, just as Daniel and his three associates helped one another.  We also teach one another, providing "an interchange of encouragement." (Romans 1:11, 12)  Like Daniel, we have a commission to witness to unbelievers.  (Matthew 24:14;28:19, 20) We therefore need to hone our skills so that we 'handle the word of the truth aright' in talking to people about Jehovah. (2 Timothy 2:15) And it will help if we obey the apostle's counsel:  "Go on walking in wisdom toward those on the outside." (Colossians 4:5)  Such wisdom includes a balanced view of those who do not share our faith.  We do not look down on such people, viewing ourselves as superior.  (1 Peter 3:15) Rather, we seek to attract them to the truth, using God's Word tactfully and skillfully so as to reach their hearts.  When we succeed in reaching someone, what joy this gives us!  Such joy certainly helps us to endure to the end, as Daniel did. 

Next time: "YOU WILL REST"

From the book: PAY ATTENTION TO DANIEL'S PROPHECY! 1999