In recent years there has been a sad change in the attitude of our culture towards those who stand for Biblical principles. Much of our society has become outspoken and critical of those who accept the literal Word of God and its teachings. Christians are called intolerant and persecution has increased. At times standing for Biblical principles will now cost a Christian their job, or maybe a fine, or their reputation, or maybe even their freedom to stand for what they know is Biblical truth. Many years ago Daniel and his friends faced a ruler and a society where there were harsh penalties for worshipping the true God. The convictions of three of Daniel's young friends brought them into conflict with King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 3. The king set up a monstrous idol, and commanded all to bow before it in worship (3:1, 4-5). Daniel does not enter the picture at this time, he may have been off somewhere in the empire doing business for the king. But the three Hebrews are definitely part of "Daniel's band" spiritually. They refuse to do as the king commands (vs. 16-18), and are throw into a roaring furnace (vs. 21). There they would be preserved by a mighty miracle of God (vs. 25, 28). In the sixth chapter of Daniel we see the prophet, now an adult, put in jeopardy by his personal convictions. He had risen to a place of authority. And jealous leaders in the empire attempted to discredit him. Significantly, they had great trouble finding any fault in godly Daniel (vs. 5). But they pressed the king (Darius, in this case) to pass a law forbidding anyone from making a request of any god, for thirty days, addressing their petitions only to the king during that time (vs. 7). In spite of the edict, Daniel boldly continued his practice of praying three times a day, and made no attempt to hide it. He was cast into a den of ravenous lions as a result but was protected by the Lord (vs. 16, 21-22). A song which exhorts us to be faithful unto Jesus all of our lives in the same way that Daniel purposed not to defile himself is "Dare to Be a Daniel." The text was written and the tune (Daniel) was composed by Philip Paul Bliss (1838-1876). The song was produced for Bliss's Sunday school class at the First Congregational Church of Chicago, IL. and was copyrighted in 1873. And while many consider it a song for children, it is a powerful reminder to all believers in the age in which we live. "Dare to be a Daniel, dare to stand alone! Dare to have a purpose firm! Dare to make it known." The first verse tells us what to do. The second tells us why we need to be brave. The third tells us what we can accomplish. And the fourth tells us how to go about our task. Do we have a purpose firm? Are we willing to stand for it no matter what it may cost us? We need to be prepared to do so in today's culture. May the Lord grant us the wisdom and courage to stand for Him as the opposition increases. Dare to be a Daniel, dare to stand alone. How we need men and women of such conviction today! Let it start with us.
1. Standing by a purpose true,
Honor them, the faithful few!
All hail to Daniel's band!
Dare to have a purpose firm!
2. Many mighty men are lost
Who for God had been a host
By joining Daniel's band.
Dare to have a purpose firm!
3, Many giants, great and tall,
Stalking through the land,
Headlong to the earth would fall,
Dare to have a purpose firm!
4. Hold the Gospel banner high!
Satan and his hosts defy,
And shout for Daniel's band.
Dare to have a purpose firm!
3 comments:
agree with you on that, we should care more about them
I was looking for the words to "Dare to Be a Daniel," when I came across your blog page for that hymn; I enjoyed reading it very much. Would you mind if I used in our not-for-profit church newsletter (and perhaps your blog for other hymns as well)? I compile and edit the paper, and each month I post a hymn on the front page. Your articles would be good supplements to the hymns I choose.
Thank you for your consideration of my request,
GH
I was blessed when I found the blog entry for Dare To Be A Daniel. It's been a long time since I've heard this hymn.
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