Daniel 6:10

New International Version (NIV)

Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem.

For Meditation

We stand at the threshold of a new year, 2017. As we prepare to cross over, one thing deserves our careful attention. Our outlook would determine our character and influence the outcome and fortunes of our lives. In lieu of this fact, I present two contrasting worldviews from the Bible for our consideration.

The first view is presented by Lot. In Genesis 13:10-13, we learn how the nephew of Abraham viewed the world when he was presented with the choice of his life. “Lot looked up and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan was well watered … [so he] pitched his tents near Sodom. Now the men of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the Lord.”

 Daniel was also presented with a tough situation,  but in contrast to Lot’s selfish outlook, Daniel’s God-centered view led him to honour God. . The decree had gone out from King Darius: “Anyone who prays to any god or man during the next thirty days, except to … [the] king, shall be thrown into the lions’ den” (Dan. 6:7). Daniel’s reaction when he learned about the decree was shaped by his view of life – to glorify God, not any human and things. Consequently, he opened “his windows toward Jerusalem,” the holy city, and thanked the Lord on his knees (10).

Lot was captivated by the view of the lushness of the land towards Sodom and pitched his tents near the wicked city. Daniel, on the other hand, turned his eyes toward the city the Lord had chosen for Himself and prayed to God three times a day, as was his custom. The outcomes of the two lives were influenced by their choices, driven by their worldviews.

1. As you prepare to enter the year 2017, toward where have you lifted your eyes?
2. Is it toward the glitter and shine of this dying world or to heaven, towardthe throne of grace (Col. 3:1-2)?
3. Are you looking to Jesus or you have your eyes fixed on the circumstances of our times?
4. Wouldn’t it be helpful, at this time, to be reminded of Peter’s sea-walking experience with Jesus (Matt. :27-31)?
5. Is the choice not clear enough? Can you afford Sodom and to sink under its destructive tendencies?

I pray that we set our priorities right with Jesus, as we prepare to cross over into the New Year 2017; so that our view of life and the current world events would be directed by the Holy Spirit.

So: May you receive the grace to make the crossing into the New Year at midnight; and may your Christ-centered outlook determine your character and choices – the main factors that will shape the outcome of your life in 2017.

See you in 2017, by the grace of God.

Shalom