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 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 cause 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 in which we live 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)
No comments:
Post a Comment