First Responses

First Responses

Daniel 2:19 (NASB)

19 “Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.”

    Sadly, “first responders” is a term we know all too well today. They are the trained technicians who are the first on the scene of a tragedy or disaster: police, medical personnel, fire fighters, wilderness and water rescuers, various military units, humanitarian teams, and others. What is the first response of the first responders? It is to save, to help, to give aid and comfort wherever needed.

    Christians might be considered “first responders” in the world as well, offering whatever practical help we can to those in need. But what about our “first response”? Paul gives three good ones in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: rejoice, pray, give thanks. Specifically, how often do we couple prayer and thanksgiving together? When we pray, and God answers, what is our first response? In Scripture, it is often praise before anything else. When Daniel and his three friends prayed for God’s intervention in Babylon, the answer came, and Daniel’s first response was to praise God (Daniel 2:17-23).

    God is to be praised and thanked in all things, as Paul wrote—but especially when He answers our prayers.

    Joseph Addison said, “When all Thy mercies, O my God, my rising soul surveys, transported with the view, I’m lost in wonder, love, and praise.”