14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption to sonship, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”

16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.

17 And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him.

— Romans 8:14-17

You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

— Galatians 3:26

The one who overcomes will inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he will be My son.

— Revelation 21:7

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

— Matthew 5:16

Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples.

— Psalm 96:3

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and salvation from Christ to you.

The longer prophetic books, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel help fill out the storyline of the Old Testament. They add depth and perspective regarding God’s deeper work within and beyond the recorded events. The Book of Daniel tells us that Daniel and his three friends were torn from their home and forced to live under oppressive rule in Babylon. However, they faithfully remained focused on a greater glory than the gaudy kingdom of Babylon. The One who called them sons of His kingdom sovereignly placed them in an oppressive place so His glory would resound through them. They humbly submitted to the authority of their earthly captors but remained faithful to their God, refusing to dishonor Him.

Their faithful response to God reveals His greatness, and the Lord’s fame would begin to spread in the unbelieving world. For example, when brought into the king, Daniel demonstrated humble respect toward his captors, loving empathy toward the threatened, honest courage toward the king, and complete dependence on God. Though young, Daniel’s maturity and wisdom reflected his devotion to the Lord. Through the best and worst of circumstances, God offered Daniel and his friends, and offers us opportunities to bear witness to Him and magnify Him.