Yes, the Old Testament book of Daniel narrates the
courage and devotion of a true man of God, Daniel refused to eat the
king’s meat and ‘so stirred up the people of influence’ that he was cast
in to a fiery furnace. However, Daniel trusted in God and, consequently,
he was not left alone there. The presence of a Pre incarnate Christ was
there and not a scorch was found on the body of that fearless prophet.
Indeed, a similar protection was conferred upon his friends. It’s an Old
Testament book well worth reading and brings to my memory the following
hymn reminiscent of those services attended 60 decades ago in
Newcastle’s Salvation Army citadel:
Standing by a purpose true; heeding God’s command
Honour them: those faithful few: ‘all hail’ to Daniel’s band!
Dare to be as Daniel! Yes dare to stand alone!
Dare to have a purpose firm and dare to make it known
Aren’t those words wonderful? Well, we need Daniels
for God today, as never before. Are you and I prepared to be such? If we
are, then there is no need to ever be afraid of the scorn, sniggers and
snipes of man, because:
The hosts of God encamp around the dwellings of the
just.
Deliverance He affords to all who on His succour trust.
Oh make but trial of His love. Experience will decide
how blest are they, and only they, who in His truth confide
Oh I must admit – without fear of repeating myself! - that I find
more Daniels for our animal cause amongst the fairer sex than amongst my
own sex. I think of Judi Hewitt of Wales confronting, single-handed, the
sick and twisted tally Ho hunting mobs without fear because God and
righteousness are on her side. I see Norma Benney in Provence protesting
against KFC outside her village cinema! I have wonderful memories of
Lillian Buckner lying in protest at Dover, defying animal transporter
drivers from driving over her. I think of dear Vickie Moore dying later
of injuries due to jumping in to a bullring so as to get close up shots
of the horrendous suffering the demented creature was undergoing.. Yes,
she died as a martyr for our cause at a later date. And let us not
forget that earlier martyr Jill Phipps of Coventry who died under the
wheel of a lorry; her mum watching on helpless as her daughter breathed
her last few breaths.
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