Daniel is the only significant Bible character for whom we have no mention of his personal failures. Then I remember that it was Daniel who wrote the book of Daniel. Perhaps his failure to mention any personal fault was his personal fault. However, I should be careful and not sit in judgment. It is easy and wrong to judge persons in different times and different cultures by our cultural standards and values. We do have the tremendous value of hindsight. We are inundated with and privy to information, scientific research and knowledge of God Himself that was not available to those who preceded us.
The revelation of God’s nature and character wasn’t clear until Jesus came. Paul wrote, “The Son is the image of the invisible God.” Colossians 1. The advent of Jesus was the most dramatic presentation of deity ever given to man. Jesus said, “If you have seen me you have seen the Father.” John 14. We have been so blessed but with that blessing comes great responsibility. “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; andfrom the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” Luke 12
A small child today, hearing the stories of Jesus, has more information regarding God than did the Bible greats. I sometimes forget that Old Testament characters were not Christians. I do them and myself a disservice to read their stories looking through today’s glasses. Jesus was so right when He admonished us not to judge others. We only know what we know and we do not have the right to judge others by the abundance of our light and also by the limitations of our light. Surely we are not as smart as we think we are.
Written by Roger Bothwell on March 11, 2013
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org