Christ Apostolic Church Sunday School Lesson June 15, 2025, Lesson 22: Title - GOD PREPARES OLD TESTAMENT PROPHETS FOR LEADERSHIP (II)

Christ Apostolic Church Sunday School Lesson June 15, 2025, Lesson 22: Title - GOD PREPARES OLD TESTAMENT PROPHETS FOR LEADERSHIP (II)

Theme : PREPARING GOD'S PEOPLE for LEADERSHIP 

 January TO DECEMBER, 2025

 JUN 15, 2025.

 

 LESSON 22

Unit 3: Leadership Preparation In The Old Testament (II)

Topic: GOD PREPARES OLD TESTAMENT PROPHETS FOR LEADERSHIP (II)

Memory Scripture:  The Word of the LORD came expressly unto Ezekiel the Priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the LORD was there upon Him (Ezekiel 1:3). 

Leadership, like that of Ezekiel and Daniel, is guided by God's wisdom, combining faith, vision and courage to illuminate the path for others.

BRIEF COMMENT 

Only God determines how, where, when and for how long He prepares His servants for His purpose. The mystery of adequate preparation lies in equipping the vessel sufficiently for the task ahead, much like a father teaches, guides and equips his beloved sons for the future. From the Old Testament till this day, as we celebrate Fathers today, we recognise God as the caring Father Who uniquely prepares His prophets and servants for leadership duties. However, His methods are varied and unpredictable. Therefore, how He chooses to prepare each individual may differ, just as a father deals with each child uniquely according to their levels of understanding and assimilation. A true father understands that no two children are exactly alike; even twins differ in character, thoughts, hobbies, passions, gifts and talents. May we, therefore, be sensitive and receptive enough to diligently and patiently follow the Father's method of preparing us for His purpose. Amen!

Our DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS Stated that:

 1. God, the Father of all, never uses a vessel that He has not prepared ahead of time.

 2. God uses various methods such as hardships, trials and temptations to prepare His people for leadership. As His children, we must be sensitive and obedient to accept His chosen process to become the leaders He desires.

BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Jeremiah 1:5

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COMMENT 

1:5 God knew you, as he knew Jeremiah, long before you were born or even conceived. He thought about you and planned for you. When you feel discouraged or inadequate, remember that God has always thought of you as valuable and that he has a purpose in mind for you.

*AIM of this lesson is:* To show from the OT that as a visionary Father, God prepares His own for leadership tasks far ahead of the time of manifestation.

INTRODUCTION 

TEXTUAL SOURCE: Ezekiel 1:1-3; Daniel 1:1-21;6:10 

A doration and honour be to God Almighty for unveiling His mind to us every time. In the last lesson, the journey began of how GOD PREPARES OLD TESTAMENT PROPHETS FOR LEADERSHIP (1), and being the second part in the series, Isaiah and Jeremiah were our case studies. 

In continuity, Ezekiel and Daniel will be our focus for this week. It is therefore our prayer that God, the ultimate Father, will reveal exactly His mind to us as regards what He wants us to learn from the lives and leadership styles of these O.T. prophets. May He also grant us the grace and willingness to put into practice what we learn at His feet, in Jesus' name.

LESSON OUTLINE

I. GOD PREPARES EZEKIEL

II. GOD PREPARES DANIEL AND HIS FRIENDS

Ezekiel & Daniel are our case study for today. How much do you known them. Let's make a quick summary of each of them.

BRIEF STORY OF EZEKIEL

Although Ezekiel's visions and prophecies were clear and vivid, very little is known about the prophet's personal life. He was among the thousands of young men deported from Judah to Babylon when King Jehoiachin surrendered. Until those tragic days, Ezekiel was being trained for the priesthood, But during the exile in Babylon, God called Ezekiel to be his prophet during one of Israel's darkest times. 

Ezekiel experienced the same kind of shocking encounter with God that Isaiah had reported 150 years earlier. Like Isaiah, Ezekiel was never the same after his personal encounter with God. Although God's messages through both these prophets had many points in common, the conditions under which they lived were very different. Isaiah warned of the coming storm; Ezekiel spoke in the midst of the storm of national defeat that devastated his people. He announced that even Jerusalem would not escape destruction. In addition, during this time Ezekiel had to ernidure the pain of his wife's death. 

God's description of Ezekiel as a watchman on the walls of the city captures the personal nature of his ministry. A watchman's job was dangerous. If he failed at his post, he and the entire city might be destroyed. His own safety depended on the quality of his work. The impor- tance of each person's accountability before God was a central part of Ezekiel's message. He taught the exiles that God expected personal obedience and worship from each of them. 

As in Ezekiel's day, it is easy for us today to forget that God has a personal interest in each one of us. We may feel insignificant or out of control when we look at world events. But know- ing that God is ultimately in control, that he cares, and that he is willing to be known by us can bring a new sense of purpose to our lives. How do you measure your worth? Are you valuable because of your achievements and potential or because God, your Creator and Designer, declares you valuable? 

 *Strengths and accomplishments*  

* Was a priest by training, a prophet by God's call 

* Received vivid visions and delivered powerful messages 

* Served as God's messenger during Israel's captivity in Babylon 

* Became a tough and courageous man so he could reach a hard and stubborn people (Ezekiel 3:8) 

 *Lessons from his life* 

* Even the repeated failures of his people will not prevent God's plan for the world from being fulfilled 

* Each person's response to God determines his or her eternalno destiny 

* God has people through whom he can work even in seemingly hopeless situations 

 *Vital statistics* 

 *Where:* Babylon  

 *Occupation:* Prophet to the captives in Babylon 

 *Relatives:* Father: Buzi. Wife: Unknown. 

 *Contemporaries:* Jehoiachin, Jeremiah, Jehoiakim, Nebuchadnezzar 

 *Key verses* 

"Then he added, 'Son of man, let all my words sink deep into your own heart first. Listen to them carefully for yourself. Then go to your people in exile and say to them, "This is what the Sovereign LORD says!" Do this whether they listen to you or not" (Ezekiel 3:10, 11). 

 *Ezekiel's story* is told in the book of Ezekiel and 2 Kings 24:10-17.

*BRIEF STORY OF DANIEL*

Daniel's early life demonstrates that there is more to being young than making mistakes. No characteristic wins the hearts of adults more quickly than wisdom in the words and actions of a young person. Daniel and his friends had been taken from their homes in Judah and exiled. Their futures were in doubt, but they all had personal traits that qualified them for jobs as servants in the king's palace. They took advantage of the opportunity without letting the opportunity take advantage of them. 

Our first hint of Daniel's greatness comes in his quiet refusal to give up his convictions. He had applied God's will to his own life, and he resisted changing the good habits he had formed. Both his physical and spiritual diets were an important part of his relationship with God. He ate carefully and lived prayerfully. One of the benefits of being in training for royal service was eating food from the king's table. Daniel tactfully chose a simpler menu and proved it was a healthy choice. As with Daniel, mealtimes are obvious and regular tests of our efforts to control our appetites. 

While Daniel limited his food intake, he indulged in prayer. He was able to communicate with God because he made it a habit. He put into practice his convictions, even when that meant being thrown into a den of hungry lions. His life proved he made the right choice. 

Do you hold so strongly to your faith in God that whatever happens you will do what God says? Such conviction keeps you a step ahead of temptation; such conviction gives you wisdom and stability in changing circumstances. Prayerfully live out your convictions in everyday life and trust God for the results.  

 *Strengths and accomplishments* 

* Although young when deported, remained true to his faith

* Served as an adviser to two Babylonian kings and two Medo- Persian kings 

* Was a man of prayer and a statesman with the gift of prophecy 

* Survived the lions' den 

 *Lessons from his life* 

* Quiet convictions often earn long-term respect 

* Don't wait until you are in a tough situation to learn about prayer 

* God can use people wherever they are 

 *Vital statistics* 

 *Where:* Judah and the courts of both Babylon and Persia 

 *Occupation:* A captive from Israel who became an adviser of kings 

 *Contemporaries:* Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius, Cyrus 

 *Key verse* 

"This man Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, has exceptional ability and is filled with divine kriowledge and understanding. He can interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems. Call for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing means" (Daniel 5:12). 

 *Daniel's story* is told in the book of Daniel. He is also mentioned in Matthew 24:15.

*LESSON EXPOSITION* 

I. GOD PREPARES EZEKIEL (Ezk. 1:1-3) 

And the Word of the LORD came expressly to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the River Chebah; and the hand of the LORD was upon him there (v.3).

*LET'S SUMMARISE EZEKIEL 1:1-3*

1:1 Ezekiel, born and raised in the land of Judah, was preparing to become a priest in God's Temple when the Babylonians attacked in 597 B.C. and carried him away along with 10,000 other captives (2 Kings 24:10-14). The nation was on the brink of complete destruction. Five years later, when Ezekiel was 30 *(the normal age for becoming a priest),* God called him to be a prophet. During the first six years when Ezekiel ministered in the land of the Babylonians (1:3), Jeremiah was preaching to the Jews still in Judah, and Daniel was serving in Nebuchadnezzar's court. The Kebar River connected to the Euphrates in Babylonia and was the location of a Jewish settlement of exiles. 

1:1 Why did the Jewish exiles in Babylonia need a prophet? God wanted Ezekiel to 

(1) help the exiles understand why they had been taken captive, 

(2) dispel the false hope that the captivity was going to be short, 

(3) bring a new message of hope, and 

(4) call the people to a new awareness of their dependence upon God.

1:1 God communicated to Ezekiel in visions. A vision is a mirac- ulous revelation of God's truth. These visions seem strange to us because they are apocalyptic. This means that Ezekiel saw symbolic pictures that vividly conveyed an idea. Daniel and John were other Bible writers who used apocalyptic imagery. The people in exile had lost their perspective of God's purpose and presence, and Ezekiel came to them with a vision from God to show God's awesome glory and holiness and to warn the exiles of sin's consequences before it was too late. 

1:1ff Ezekiel's latest dated message from God (29:17) was given in 571 B.C. He was taken captive during the second Babylonian invasion of Judah in 597 B.C. The Babylonians invaded Judah a third and final time in 586 B.C., completely destroying Jerusalem, burning the Temple, and deporting the rest of the people (see 2 Kings 25). Ezekiel dates all his messages from the year he was taken captive (597). His first prophecy to the exiles occurred four years after he arrived in Babylonia (593 В.С.). 

1:3 The name Ezekiel means "God is strong" or "God strengthens." In a very real sense, this sums up the basic message of the book: that in spite of the captivity, God's sovereign strength prevails, and he will judge his enemies and restore his true people.

a) vv. 1-2: Ezekiel's prophetic ministry started in the 30th year, likely of the Babylonian Empire. Despite being in Babylonia by the river of Chebar, God was with him, marking the beginning of his prophetic calling. 

b) v. 3: The opening of the heavens signifies the start of Ezekiel's prophetic journey; his divine encounter and calling to prophetic ministry. 

c) v. 2: After about 5 about 5 years in captivity, Ezekiel received his prophetic call. The exile experience served as preparation for Ezekiel's future leadership role as a prophet (cf. 2 Kgs. 24:10-16).

d) v. 3: His upbringing and religious teachings, along with the guidance of mentors (his parents, elders and priests), prepared him for his role as a prophet, instilling in him a strong devotion to YAHWEH that he maintained even in Babylon. 

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I want us to deeply look into some points from this explanation above: 

1. His upbringing

2. Religious teachings

3. Guidance of his mentors (his parents, elders and priests).

All the 3points mentioned above prepared him for his role as a prophet, and make him very effective for God's work.

*MY QUESTIONS*

At 30 years God saw his readiness for the great task ahead of him. He was fully loaded with God's grace for the work. Looking at our youths today: 

1. How many of our youth are ready to lead like Ezekiel?

2. How many of them are loaded with God's power and gifts?

3. How many parents are doing their best to help their children grow in God's wisdom, power and strength. How many parents are doing their best to prepare their children for God's glory?

4. How many youth are striving to know God more?

5. How many youths are attending Sunday school classes, Bible studies classes, spiritual growth seminars? etc.

6. What impact has the advance in technology make in the spiritual growth of our youths today?

30 years without the vision of where you're going is a waste to humanity.

e) v. 3; cf. 18:14-16: Ezekiel's steadfastness and dedication to YAHWEH, despite challenges in captivity, showcased his commitment to God and prepared him for prophetic leadership responsibilities. 

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What is *STEADFASTNESS?* 

1. *Firmness and stability*: Steadfastness implies a strong and unwavering commitment or resolve.

2. *Loyalty and dedication*: It involves being faithful and devoted to a person/God, cause, or principle.

3. *Endurance and perseverance*: Steadfastness requires the ability to withstand challenges, difficulties, or opposition without giving up.

How many of our youth are very steadfast in God's business today? Most of them are always after where they can be paid every Sunday. Attending praise night because of ladies, drinking alcoholic, dressing like Jezebel, pumping their breast and bombom, fixing of nails and revealing most private part of their body to the public in the name of beauty. 

Are you steadfast in God's business or who are you devoted to?

Learn from Joseph, David, Ruth, Esther, Daniel, Josiah etc.

f) v. 3b: His seeking heart and prior relationship with Yahweh positioned him for divine encounters and prepared him for his prophetic calling and leadership role. 

g) v. 3: By willingly accepting important tasks, such as the vision of the dry bones (37:1-14), he proved his readiness for divine missions and his commitment to fulfilling his prophetic calling. 

h) Ezekiel's birth is unclear, but it is believed he was born in Jerusalem before the Babylonian captivity in 597 BC. He was likely taken into captivity in Babylon as a young man, along with King Jehoiachin and other Jews. Yet, he stood for God and His purpose.

Stop counting age! Your age is not useful for God when you failed to positioned yourself in His master plan for humanity.

*II. GOD PREPARES DANIEL AND HIS FRIENDS (Dan. 1:1-21;6:10)* 

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank (1:8a).

*LET'S SUMMARISE DANIEL 1:1-21* for better understanding 

1:1, 2 Born during the middle of Josiah's reign (2 Kings 22-23), Daniel grew up during the king's reforms. During this time, Daniel probably heard Jeremiah, a prophet he quoted in 9:2. In 609 В.С. Josiah was killed in a battle against Egypt, and within four years, the southern kingdom of Judah had returned to its evil ways. 

In 605 B.C. Nebuchadnezzar became king of Babylon. In September of that year, he swept into Palestine and surrounded Jerusalem, making Judah his vassal state. To demonstrate his dominance, Nebuchadnezzar took many of Jerusalem's wisest men and most beautiful women to Babylon as captives. Daniel was among this group. 

1:1, 2 Nebuchadnezzar, the supreme leader of Babylon, was 181 feared throughout the world. When he invaded a country, defeat was certain. After a victory, the Babylonians usually took the most talented and useful people back to Babylon and left only the poor behind to take whatever land they wanted and to live peacefully there (2 Kings 24:14). This system fostered great loyalty from conquered lands and ensured a steady supply of wise and talented people for civil service. 

1:2 At certain times God allows his work to suffer. In this instance, the Babylonians raided the Temple of God and took the worship articles to the temple of a god in Babylon. This god may have been Bel, also called Marduk, the chief god of the Babylonians. Those who loved the Lord must have felt disheartened and discouraged. We feel greatly disappointed when our churches suffer physical damage, split, close down for financial reasons, or are rocked by scandals. We do not know why God allows his church to experience these calamities. But like the people who witnessed the plundering of the Temple by the Babylonians, we must trust that God is in control and that he is watching over all who trust in him. 

1:4 The common language of Babylon was Aramaic, while the language of scholarship included the ancient and complicated Babylonian language. The academic program would have included mathematics, astronomy, history, science, and magic. These young men demonstrated not only aptitude but also discipline. This character trait, combined with integrity, served them well in their new culture.

1:7 Nebuchadnezzar changed the names of Daniel and his friends because he wanted to make them Babylonian-in their own eyes and in the eyes of the Babylonian people. New names would help them to be assimilated into the culture. Daniel means "God is my judge" in Hebrew; his name was changed to Belteshazzar, meaning "Bel, protect his life!" (Bel, also called Marduk, was the chief Babylonian god.) Hananiah means "the LORD shows grace"; his new name, Shadrach, probably means "under the command of Aku" (the moon god). Mishael means "who is like God?"; his new name. Meshach, probably means "who is like Aku?" Azariah means "the LORD helps"; his new name, Abednego, means "servant of Nego/ Nebo" (or Nabu, the god of learning and writing). This was how the king attempted to change the religious loyalty of these young men from Judah's God to Babylon's gods. 

1:8 Daniel resolved not to eat this food, either because it was forbidden by Jewish law, such as pork (see Leviticus 11), or because accepting the king's food and drink was the first step toward depending on his gifts and favors. Although Daniel was in a culture that did not honor God, he still obeyed God's laws. 

1:8 Daniel "was determined" to be devoted to principle and to be committed to a course of action. When Daniel made up his mind not to defile himself, he was being true to a lifelong determination to do what was right and not to give in to the pressures around him. We, too, are often assaulted by pressures to compromise our standards and live more like the world around us. Merely wanting or preferring God's will and way is not enough to stand against the onslaught of temptation. Like Daniel, we must resolve to obey God. 

1:8 It is easier to resist temptation if you have thought through your convictions before the temptation arises. Daniel and his friends made their decision to be faithful to the laws of God before they were faced with the king's delicacies, so they did not hesitate to stick with their convictions. We will get into trouble if we have not previously decided where to draw the line. Before such situa- tions arise, decide on your commitments and what you will do. Then when temptation comes, you will be ready to say no. 

1:9 God moved with an unseen hand to change the heart of this Babylonian official. The strong moral conviction of these four young men made an impact. God promises to be with his people in times of trial and temptation (Psalm 106:46; Isaiah 43:2-5; 1 Corinthians 10:13). His active intervention often comes justo when we take a stand for him. Stand for God and trust him to - protect you in ways you may not be able to see. 

1:10 Anything short of complete obedience meant execution the officials who served Nebuchadnezzar. Even in such a small matter as this, the official feared for his life. 

1:12 The Babylonians were trying to change their thinking by giving them a Babylonian education, their loyalty by changing m their names, and their lifestyle by changing their diet. Without n compromising, Daniel found a way to live by God's standards in a culture that did not honor God. Wisely choosing to negotiate rather than to rebel, Daniel suggested an experimental 10-day diet of vegetables and water instead of the royal foods and wine the king offered. Without compromising, Daniel quickly thought of a practical, creative solution that saved his life and the lives of his companions. As God's people, we may adjust to our culture as long as we do not compromise God's laws.

 1:17 Daniel and his friends learned all they could about their new culture so they could do their work with excellence. But while they learned, they maintained steadfast allegiance to God, and God gave them skill and wisdom. Culture need not be God's enemy. If it does not violate his commands, it can aid in accomplishing his purpose. We who follow God are free to be competent leaders in our culture, but we are required to pledge our allegiance to God first. 

1:20 Nebuchadnezzar put Daniel and his friends on his staff of advisers. This staff included many "magicians and enchanters." These were astrologers who claimed to be able to tell the future through occult practices. They were masters at communicating their message so that it sounded authoritative as though it came directly from their gods. In addition to knowledge, Daniel and his three friends had wisdom and understanding, given to them by God. Thus, the king was far more pleased with them than with his magicians and enchanters. As we serve others, we must not merely pretend to have God's wisdom. Our wisdom will be genuine when we are rightly related to God. 

1:20 How did the captives survive in a foreign culture? They learned about the culture, achieved excellence in their work, served the people, prayed for God's help, and maintained their integrity. We may feel like foreigners whenever we experience change. Alien cultures come in many forms: a new job, a new school, a new neighborhood. We can use the same principles to help us adapt to our new surroundings without abandoning God. 

1:21 Daniel was one of the first captives taken to Babylon, and he lived to see the first exiles return to Jerusalem in 538 B.C. Throughout this time Daniel honored God, and God honored him. While serving as an adviser to the kings of Babylon, Daniel was God's spokesman to the Babylonian Empire. Babylon was a wicked nation, but it would have been much worse without Daniel's influence.

a) v. 7: Changing their God-glorifying names to reflect the honour of Babylonian idols didn't affect their stand for God. This an indication of having been rooted in YAHWEH by their parents, elders and priests (cf. Deut. 6:1ff; Prov. 22:6) before they were exiled. 

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Despite their name wá changed to honour their idols still it doesn't affect their stand for their true God.

I want to cite some cases of some ladies getting married to unbelievers especially Muslim brothers, once their husband insist they must forget about Christianity and their Jesus and start praying as Muslims they will see no choice than to obey and forget their godly life and background. Though, some ladies still maintain their stand despite marring them. So also most of our youth change their characters entirely once they got admitted into higher institutions. How can we help those in this categories to return and maintain their stand for God in any situation they find themselves?

b) Thank God for their godly mentors whose impacts helped them maintain their godly identity. Are you preparing those children around you to firmly stand for God even when and where you won't be there with them? 

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Who is your mentor? Do you even have a godly mentor? Are you guiding the youth and preparing them for God's business or for self business? What situation are your children, do you help them grow spiritually or for worldly people?

Last year I was at Idumota Lagos state *MADLAS PLAZA* with some people, I saw one woman that came to buy clothes for her daughter. The seller gave her a particular one but she rejected it immediately with just a statement "No no no it look like Deeper Life." immediately senses the type of parent she is. She was looking for a sexes dresses! She has been destroying the life of her children in the name of beauty and fashion. Most of us do same including some minister's wives. Even the way some minister's wife dresses does not glorify the name of the Lord. Stop destroying lives if you can't help them to meet up with God's standard.

c) v. 8: Their refusal to eat the king's delicacies shows a deep understanding and adherence to the Law (cf. Lev. 11). A typical Jewish boy should be able to recite the Torah by age 6. What is your child's relationship with the Bible? 

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One of the major strengths that really help Daniel and his friends is ability to have self control. Self-control is to reject every opportunities that would have given you more pleasure at the time you really need the offer. Just imagine when president of your country gave you great opportunity to eat all the best food that will transform your body for good but you are able to say know, I prefer ordinary beans and vegetables!

What a pity the Church is no longer producing youth like Daniel, Ezekiel, Joseph, Esther, Ruth etc. Our youth are ready to release their body because of money, big phones and properties. Most of the choristers are modern prostitutes (professional). Sound doctrine is no longer available and the leaders are not doing enough to restore it because of the money. We are promoting comedy and entertainment on our altar because you want to keep the youth, instead of spiritual growth and sound doctrine through a powerful message of repentance! We love to read stories but not ready to discipline ourselves to be one of them. *WHERE IS THE FEAR OF GOD IN THE CHURCH OF TODAY* No wonder girls are no longer seeing virginity as pride of marriage.

d) Obviously, God had a hand in their exile (cf. Am. 3:6; Rom. 8:28). He knew ahead and had given them enviable qualities (vv. 4,17-20) that were later discovered. He knows and has the best (Jer. 29:11); follow His lead. 

e) vv. 18-21: After three years of training, Daniel and his friends emerged healthier, wiser and more intelligent, relying on Yahweh rather than Babylonian education for their qualifications, showing God's role in preparing them for His task. 

f) 6:10: Daniel's unperturbed attitude to enemies' threat proved his unwavering stand for God. A true child of God, deeply nurtured and prepared by the Father, cannot be intimidated by any enemy. 

g) Daniel's rugged devotion to God persisted despite challenges. He prioritised God's holiness against resisted idolatry. God proved that He had really called and prepared him for prophetic leadership.

We cant's treat this message more than this but decision to do the right thing is left to individuals.

*LESSONS DERIVED* 

 1. God, as the sovereign Father, holds exclusive authority to determine how, when and where He prepares His children for leadership responsibilities.

 2. God knows your destination. Cooperate with Him to be prepared correctly for what lies ahead.

*QUESTIONS* 

 1. Discuss how God prepared Ezekiel for prophetic leadership.

 2. What lessons have you learnt from how God prepared Daniel and his friends?

God bless you and thank you for joining us today. May God grant us a retentive memories and make us a vessel of blessings to our family, friends, churches, people around us and the society in Jesus name. Amen

Do you have any questions or more contributions please don't hesitate to ask.

God bless you.