Transplanted yet Thriving

When we study biblical characters, its interesting to discern whether this person was an “insider” or an “outsider” in their role in God’s story.

The prophets in the bible are most often the “outsiders”. They usually are calling out— sometimes literally from the “outside” and declaring something is wrong— or people are making a mistake, or God is angry with something or someone.

The minor prophets like Amos, Malachi, — or more major prophets like Jeremiah or Isaiah— they often served as voices from the “outside”.

However, there are several study's we can do on people who were on the “inside”— making a difference from within:

Joseph was a slave, but ascended to second in command in all of Egypt— he was an insider. The Apostle Paul was an insider— who quickly became an outsider.

John the Baptist was an Outsider— Peter became an insider in the early church.

Daniel is an old Testament story— about insiders. People who were taken captive, and were forced to work and serve a Kingdom - Babylon.

The book of Daniel is about being faithful in a dark and hostile environment.

Verses 1-2

Daniel 1:1–2 “1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. 2 And the Lord delivered Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, along with some of the articles from the temple of God. These he carried off to the temple of his god in Babylonia and put in the treasure house of his god.”

King Jehoiakim was Judah’s king, actually the 19th in a long line of kings since King David. He was not a very Godly person, and led Israel down a bad spiral of unbelief, compromise and disrespect of the LORD. God had continually warned Israel not to turn away from Him, otherwise He would allow them to be punished— so in about 605 BC, God kept his promise.

Part of this deal was that not only were all of the holy items from the temple captured, many of the people were taken captive as slaves also. And most were hauled back to the homeland, Babylon.

Verses 3-4

Daniel 1:3 NIV

3 Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring into the king’s service some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility—

Let’s chat about Babylon for a couple minutes here. There is some deep symbolism that is working here. Babylon here refers to a very large and powerful kingdom during this time of history. The king of that empire was called Nebuchadnezzar, and it’s located in what is now modern day Iraq. Some translations of the bible mention this capital city as “SHINAR” also— that area refers back to a place mentioned in Genesis 11:2— This is the place where people gathered and built this huge tower stretching up into the heavens! Remember what that was called? The Tower of Babel! The place where mankind was going to make a huge name for themselves.

[photo of tower of Babel]

Babel— Babylon— ok— yeah nice connection there.

But also— Babylon represents a spiritual reference to a secular powerful kingdom that is at work on every continent and in every age of time. In the NT, for the early Christians-- Babylon is what people would use to secretly describe “Rome”. Today even, there are writers who would refer to Russia, or China, or even the United States as “Babylon’s “ of our day. In the book of Revelation, the author John uses the term Babylon to represent the whole worldly system that rejects and wars against Jesus!

It can represent for us the kingdom of the world. The kingdom that is in opposition to God.

And you and I are planted squarely in a time and place where we are not citizens of this kingdom—most of you are called to serve in Babylon. we are foreigners, aliens in this world.

It reminds me of one of my favorite older southern gospel hymns by Albert E. Brumley:

“This world is not my home, I'm just a-passing through

My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue

The angels beckon me from heaven's open door

And I can't feel at home in this world anymore

Chorus:

Oh Lord, you know I have no friend like you

If heaven's not my home, then Lord what will I do?

The angels beckon me from heaven's open door

And I can't feel at home in this world anymore”

The book of Daniel is the account of faithful believers living out their lives, faithfully serving God’s purpose.

It serves as a manual for people to survive, thrive, and stay faithful in a hard, dark and ungodly world.

Its written in a very unique way:

Chapters 1-7 are all stories— accounts of things that happen in Daniel’s life— A fiery furnace, a lion’s den, etc. Chapters 8-12 are powerful predictions about the future restoration of the nation of Israel, the coming of Jesus as the Messiah, and even the end of the world.

Another layer to this is:

Chapter 1 is written in Hebrew. That’s how it starts in the land of Israel, it gives us some background information.

Chapters 2-7 are written in Aramaic, the language that is spoken and written in Babylon.

Chapters 8-12 are back into Hebrew, and they recall several prophecies for the future of Israel.

That gives us a really big view of what this book is all about. We may know how to function and survive within our own church, our own family, our own community here— but the big question we are going to get at with this whole series is : We may know how to be faithful to God in the “Hebrew” chapters— but

What does faithfulness look like in a world that is rejecting God?

what would faithfulness look like in the Aramaic chapters?

Daniel, we will get to know him and several of his friends. He is mentioned in those early verses:

Daniel 1:4 NIV

4 young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace. He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians.

Daniel 1:5 NIV

5 The king assigned them a daily amount of food and wine from the king’s table. They were to be trained for three years, and after that they were to enter the king’s service.

Plato actually wrote about these ancient training programs. He mentions that generally the young people were about 14-17 years old when they started. Think of this as basically four high school freshmen being taken to a Babylonian HS for their years of learning and then they join the staff of the King. But this is NOT pleasant. This is a foreign land, with a foreign language, foreign customs and culture— everything was foreign to these young guys.

In fact— the bible tells us that the King and his staff even changed these guys’ names:

Daniel 1:6 NIV

6 Among those who were chosen were some from Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah.

Daniel 1:7 NIV

7 The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego.

These guys had good Hebrew names— names that reflected the greatness of Yahweh— their God. But Nebuchanezzar renames them to reflect and glorify the names of his gods.

Think about what just happen to the world of these poor captives. Everything about their world just changed. Completely. These are real people— maybe we can look around and see some young people in our service today. You may have a son or grandson who is exactly this age!

Some of you feel like these young men— in the environment that you walk around in each day. It’s really difficult to be a faithful Christian person in Babylon. Again, what does faith look like in this context?

Daniel 1:8 NIV

8 But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.

Scholars and historians will tell us that a lot of what the Babylonians would have fed them was actually forbidden by the Laws of God— the dietary and life laws found in Deuteronomy and Leviticus. This is kind of like a test of their faith. These young men, led by Daniels initiative, ask if they can refrain from eating the food that the king and royal subjects eat.

When faced with a decision like this, they could either compromise to the culture of Babylon, or are they going to hold to their convictions?

Faithfulness today is a choice between compromise or conviction.

Think about this— Daniel and his friends are asking to eat a totally different set of foods. That’s a pretty tough ask from a bunch of captive slaves. But he does it anyway, and he seems to get some sympathy or support from one of the workers:

Daniel 1:9 NIV

9 Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel,

God caused the favor. But the official has orders to follow:

Daniel 1:10 NIV

10 but the official told Daniel, “I am afraid of my lord the king, who has assigned your food and drink. Why should he see you looking worse than the other young men your age? The king would then have my head because of you.”

Daniel 1:11 NIV

11 Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah,

Daniel 1:12 NIV

12 “Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink.

Don’t go too far with this! Daniel didn’t just give us some secret blessed super diet to follow. That’s not the point. Scholars will tell you that vegetables and water were probably the only things left on the menu that weren’t defiled or dedicated to some false gods.

You can certainly try this “Daniel fast” or whatever— and it might be an improvement on your current eating habits— but that is really not the point at all. Read with me here in verses 13-15

Daniel 1:13–15 “13 Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.” 14 So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days. 15 At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food.”

Now- God did bless them! That is the point. It worked! These young men were indeed healthier and stronger after the test. The scripture states that then everyone was given the vegetables and water diet— and at the end of the training period— on graduation day:

Jump down and look at verse 20:

Daniel 1:20 NIV

20 In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.

God seemingly has blessed these men and their choice to do something God’s way. They chose to eat the way God prescribed in their law— and God seemingly has glorified Himself through them. But Please Please Please be aware: This is not a magic formula.

There are plenty of biblical instances where people did the right thing— honored God— and suffered for it. Greatly. This is a general principle however that those who do honor God, God in turn honors them.

This was revealed in the book of 1 Samuel, speaking about the priest Eli’s family:

1 Samuel 2:30 (NIV)

30 “Therefore the Lord, the God of Israel, declares: “Those who honor me I will honor, but those who despise me will be disdained.”

But here is a very profound truth that I want us to master as we go through Daniel:

People who make a difference must be willing to be different.

If you want to make a difference in Babylon, you have to be different. That’s it.

The first example of these guys being different in Babylon was in what they would eat and drink. They decided to conform to the bible, God’s directions, rather than compromise and follow Babylon.

How is it for us today? How can we apply this principle to live differently? Not compromising. Think of a software program that runs on your computer or tablet or phone.

Just as Daniel refused to corrupt himself with the king's food, maintaining his spiritual and physical integrity, modern computer software must be protected from corruption to maintain its functionality and security.

I think there are many ways we can apply these principles to our lives today. How can we “keep from defiling ourselves with the kings rich food and drink” ?

Here are three practical implications for us to life faithfully in the fire of our culture today:

How can we keep from corrupting ourselves in our world today?

Information Overload: Guard your heart. (Proverbs 4:23)

Just as Daniel wanted to remain spiritually pure and obedient to God's commands, we should be careful about the spiritual and mental "food" we consume in our lives today.

We must be wise and discerning about the media, entertainment, and influences we allow into our lives, ensuring they align with biblical principles and do not pollute our minds or hearts.

We must guard our souls against the temptations of the world and maintain a steadfast commitment to God's holiness.

We can implement safeguards to protect our hearts and minds.

Proverbs 4:23 NIV

23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

The verse suggests that what we allow into our hearts (our minds and spirits) will ultimately influence our actions, decisions, and overall life direction. This aligns well with the theme of Daniel's story, where he chose to guard his heart against the potentially corrupting influences of Babylonian culture.

So lets have a little fun here with our group today:

We have completed this type of survey in the past — so get our your devices and open a survey here on SLIDO.COM - or scan the QR code you see on the screen.

Which of the following are you most interested in:

Be mindful of media consumption:

Carefully choose movies, TV shows, music, and social media content

Set limits on screen time and entertainment that doesn't align with your values

Practice discernment in relationships:

Surround yourself with positive, uplifting people

Be cautious about close friendships that might lead you astray

Develop a consistent prayer and devotional life:

Start your day with prayer and Bible reading

Meditate on scripture throughout the day

Cultivate gratitude:

Keep a gratitude journal

Regularly express thanks to God and others

Be intentional about your thought life:

Challenge negative or impure thoughts

Memorize scripture to combat unwanted thoughts

Engage in regular self-reflection:

Take time to examine your motives and actions

Seek accountability from trusted friends or mentors

Limit exposure to temptation:

Identify your personal weaknesses and avoid situations that exploit them

Install content filters on devices if necessary

Practice forgiveness:

Don't allow bitterness or resentment to take root

Regularly forgive others and yourself

Serve others:

Engage in volunteer work or community service

Look for opportunities to help those in need

Pursue continuous learning:

Read books that strengthen your faith and character

Attend Bible studies or seminars for spiritual growth

Prioritize integrity:

Be honest in all your dealings, even in small matters

Keep your commitments and promises

Cultivate healthy habits:

Exercise regularly and maintain a balanced diet

Get adequate sleep to stay mentally and emotionally resilient

We will share those responses with our leaders and elders also— we will pray about increasing those opportunities for you within the church.

Upright Behavior: Cling to the Truth (Titus 2:7-8)

Titus 2:7–8 NIV

7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

We are called to set an example for all people so that others see Jesus in us.

The story of Daniel and these captives in these next weeks will be filled with incidents where they refused to compromise their ethical standards, even when facing pressure from those in authority, or even the threat of death..

In our modern context, we must be willing to take a stand against

unethical business practices,

corruption,

or any situation that requires us to violate our conscience or moral convictions.

Maintaining integrity and godly character is essential, even when it comes at a personal cost.

One such story that breaks our hearts, but continues to inspire us is that of a young Anabaptist woman named Anna Jansz. Her story is outlined in the Martyr’s Mirror, our classic work of faithful people being killed in all manner for their faith in Christ.

She was born in 1510 to a family living in the town of Briel on the island of Putten near the North Sea coastline of South Holland.

Anna was twenty-four years old when she made, along with her husband the decision to be baptized into a despised and illegal company of radical Christians, the Anabaptists, this was a decision that changed her life dramatically. Anabaptists, like us today, believe that a personal relationship with Jesus is not only possible, but transformational in every way of life.

Her husband was later arrested and most likely killed for his faith.

Immediately following this tragic loss--- while travelling back to the Netherlands in 1538, the widow Anna and a friend Christina were reported to authorities by a fellow traveller who had heard them singing an Anabaptist hymn. Anna and Christina were sentenced to death by drowning on January 23, 1539. The authorities in Rotterdam carried out the executions the following day. These two women would not recant or go back on their commitment to Christ and their belief in a believer’s baptism. While in prison, she gave birth to her only son, Isaiah.

As she was being led to her execution, Anna pleaded for someone in the crowd to care for her son, offering the entirety of her possessions as a reward for raising him. A local baker responded to her request, agreeing to raise her son Isaiah and when he was old enough to give him a letter Anna had written for him while in prison.

We can access that great letter— it’s simply called “Anna’s Testament” among the most cherished Anabaptist documents of history.

Here are a few excerpts:

“My son, hear the instruction of your mother; open your ears to hear the words of my mouth. Behold, I go today the way of the prophets, apostles and martyrs, and drink of the cup of which they all have drank.

Take the fear of the Lord to be your father, and wisdom shall be the mother of your understanding. Do not be afraid of people, forsake your life rather than depart from the Truth.

O my son, let your life be conformed to the gospel, and the God of peace sanctify your soul and body, to his praise. Amen.

Anna’s prayers were answered, as Isaiah grew up to be a faithful follower of Christ— and the mayor of the very town where his mother was executed. Anna’s story and her writing became world-renown as a window into the faith and suffering that many of the earliest Anabaptist martyrs endured.

A final way I want us to apply this truth:

Cultural Awareness: Be Wise (Matthew 10:16)

Matthew 10:16 NIV

16 “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.

Jesus teaches us to be wise as serpents, but innocent as doves.

Daniel navigated the complex cultural landscape of Babylon with wisdom and discernment, maintaining his devotion to God amidst the temptations and pressures of the Babylonian court.

In our contemporary context, we too must be discerning about the cultural influences and worldly ideologies that seek to pull us away from our faith.

Just as Daniel remained steadfast in his commitment to God's ways, we are called to be "in the world but not of it," exercising critical thinking and spiritual discernment in the face of cultural pressures.

How to be pure? By the steadfast longing for the one good, that is, God.

Meister Eckhart (German Theologian)

I want God so much— that this desire fills my heart and I do not want for anything else.

We want to live faithfully in this day and age. We will move forward together, encouraging each other, just like Daniel and his fellow captives did.

We will Guard our Hearts

Cling to what is True

Be wise in our understanding of the days we live in.

Lets pray. Place a hand on someone around you, just as a symbol of support and blessings.