Read Daniel 1.
The original purpose of this book was to give the exiled Jews, who had lost everything, hope for their future. God had not forgotten His promises to them. While many of the prophecies in Daniel have been literally fulfilled (over 100 in chapter 11), many remain to be seen.
In a series of three military campaigns, the Babylonians destroyed the southern kingdom of Judah and took many Jews into captivity back to Babylon. Ezekiel was one of those captives. He lived not far from Babylon. But Daniel and his three friends were taken right into the courts of King Nebuchadnezzar. The reason appears to be that these four were of royal or noble birth, educated, and were accustom to palace life (vv.3-4).
The Babylonian strategy was simple. Take the cream of the crop of the Jews out of their environment. Give them Babylonian names, feed them Babylonian food, give them the best in Babylonian education, and when they become adults they will no longer think of themselves as Hebrews but one of the Babylonians.
Three insights from living in a culture that pressures a godly person to conform.
1. Changes of life give us opportunity to commit ourselves to what is truly important. (vv.1-7)
Because they were away from home and in a pagan culture, these young men recognized this as a test of their faith in God. While others sought to blend in and literally gobble up what the culture handed to them, these four rededicated themselves to be faithful.
2. Challenges of belief force us to determine whom we will obey. (vv.8-9)
They determined in advance that they would not compromise God's expectations of them. But notice their approach was to ask and give God an opportunity to work, Because of their respectful demeanor, "God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of eunuchs."
It is a reminder for believers in Jesus today to "always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect." (1 Peter 3:15)
3. Choices of faith causes us to trust God for the outcome of our obedience. (vv.9-21)
They made their faith commitment known. The test was on. Daniel wanted this overseer and those around him to "see" the difference obeying God makes in real life (v.13). God was faithful to them. They passed the test and changed the culture around them (v.16). For years to come, these four had influence at the highest levels of the Babylonian Empire.
The cultural changes around us are as challenging to us today as it was to them. The Apostle Paul's urging must be our personal commitment. "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2)
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