The Four Bold Men: How the World Tries to Seduce the Church
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The Four Bold Men: How the World Tries to Seduce the Church
The Four Bold Men: How the World Tries to Seduce the Church
1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it. 2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.
3 And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king’s seed, and of the princes; 4 Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans. 5 And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king’s meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king. 6 Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: 7 Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abed-nego.
Why study the book of Daniel? Here are three answers to that question:
Why study the book of Daniel? Here are three answers to that question:
1) Daniel’s situation parallels our own. For most of his life, Daniel lived as part of a believing minority in a majority pagan culture.
1) Daniel’s situation parallels our own. For most of his life, Daniel lived as part of a believing minority in a majority pagan culture.
From the time he was a teenager until he died around the age of 90, he served under a series of pagan kings. He never had the luxury of living in a country surrounded by people who believed as he did. From his story we will draw many useful principles as we attempt to live for Christ in a world filled with people who do not share our faith.
2) Daniel’s prophecies may soon be fulfilled.
2) Daniel’s prophecies may soon be fulfilled.
This book is filled with dreams, visions, and prophecies about the end times. In the weeks to come we will discover an amazing correspondence between the words of Daniel and life on the cusp of the 21st century.
3) Daniel’s God is our God too—and he is still on the throne.
3) Daniel’s God is our God too—and he is still on the throne.
This may be the most important lesson of the book. God is in charge! Simple and clear. He is in charge of nations, families, and individuals. He is in charge of the past, the present, and the future. He is in charge of good times and bad days, of happiness and sorrow, of joy and heartache, of great victories and shocking defeats. He is in charge when a child is born and he is in charge when death knocks at your door. Studying this book ought to increase our confidence in the sovereignty of a God who makes no mistakes.
A Book Every Teenager Should Read
A Book Every Teenager Should Read
I should also note that Daniel is one of the most popular Old Testament books.
Since I was a child it has been one of my favorites.
This book has it all:
This book has it all:
history … prophecy … politics … prayer … lions … statues … wild animals … a fiery furnace … dreams and visions … a king who thought he was a cow … incredible adventure … amazing escapes … angels … demons … detailed information about ancient history … and amazing prophesies about the end times.
history … prophecy … politics … prayer … lions … statues … wild animals … a fiery furnace … dreams and visions … a king who thought he was a cow … incredible adventure … amazing escapes … angels … demons … detailed information about ancient history … and amazing prophesies about the end times.
I heartily recommend Daniel as one of the best Old Testament books for young people to read. Here we discover the difference godly teenagers can make in the world.
And all of us will benefit from pondering the courage of Daniel and his three friends.
How should we live in a world where believers are outnumbered and often overwhelmed?
How should we respond to the rising tide of abortion, euthanasia, and gay rights, the outright hatred of Christians, and the rising tide of persecution around the world?
Where is God in the midst of a pagan culture?
Where is God in the midst of a pagan culture?
How do we proclaim Christ in a world that doesn’t even believe in the concept of truth?
Daniel provides a positive model for how to live for God when no one else shares your faith.
In order to place the book firmly in our minds, here are a few background facts.
In order to place the book firmly in our minds, here are a few background facts.
Daniel lived approximately 400 years after David and 600 years before Jesus.
Daniel lived approximately 400 years after David and 600 years before Jesus.
The book covers the period 605 BC to about 530 BC.
The book covers the period 605 BC to about 530 BC.
In the beginning Daniel is a teenager, approximately 15 years old.
In the beginning Daniel is a teenager, approximately 15 years old.
When the book closes, he is about 90 years old.
When the book closes, he is about 90 years old.
During his long life God allowed him to serve under a succession of Babylonian and Persian rulers.
From being an imported hostage, he becomes a trusted prime minister and counselor to some of the mightiest rulers in world history.
When the book opens we find Daniel and his friends being forcibly taken from their homes in Jerusalem and deported to Babylon.
There these godly teens will undergo an enormous cultural transformation as they are trained to work for a pagan king.
Identifying the Main Players
Identifying the Main Players
Three main players take the stage in the opening verses.
First, there is Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians.
First, there is Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians.
They represent the world system that is hostile to the people of God.
Remember that Babylon in the Bible is always (with no exceptions) a symbol for evil and anti-god paganism.
What starts with the Tower of Babel in comes to a climax in as the entire world system is finally destroyed at the Second Coming of Christ.
Second, there is Daniel and his three friends (The Four Freshmen).
Second, there is Daniel and his three friends (The Four Freshmen).
They represent the believer in the world, striving to obey God in the midst of much spiritual opposition.
Finally, there is the Sovereign Lord who leaves his children in the world and yet purposes to bring them safely to glory in the end. He never speaks a word, yet he is the One behind the scenes orchestrating events to bring about his desired ends.
Finally, there is the Sovereign Lord who leaves his children in the world and yet purposes to bring them safely to glory in the end. He never speaks a word, yet he is the One behind the scenes orchestrating events to bring about his desired ends.
As I meditated on this passage it seemed to be an object lesson on how the world tries to seduce the church.
What starts with a frontal assault becomes a very subtle attempt at total assimilation.
In the midst of the swirl of circumstances we will focus eventually on four teenage boys who somehow found the courage to say no to temptation and yes to God.
To borrow a phrase from Charles Dickens, “It was the best of times; it was the worst of times."
I. The World Seeks to Destroy Our Heritage
I. The World Seeks to Destroy Our Heritage
In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it ().
1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it.
I find it instructive that this book begins with total humiliating defeat.
I find it instructive that this book begins with total humiliating defeat.
The very first verse takes us back to 605 BC as the armies of Nebuchadnezzar surround the capital city of Israel.
The very first verse takes us back to 605 BC as the armies of Nebuchadnezzar surround the capital city of Israel.
We know from history that eventually the king of Babylon had his way and overran the city’s defenses.
We know from history that eventually the king of Babylon had his way and overran the city’s defenses.
From that day onward the temple, the city, all the things that mattered most, fell into the hands of the pagans.
From that day onward the temple, the city, all the things that mattered most, fell into the hands of the pagans.
This led to the first deportation.
This led to the first deportation.
A second one followed in 597 BC
A second one followed in 597 BC
And in 586 BC the Babylonians attacked again, this time utterly destroying Solomon’s Temple, leaving the city in ruins and the walls torn down.
And in 586 BC the Babylonians attacked again, this time utterly destroying Solomon’s Temple, leaving the city in ruins and the walls torn down.
Daniel and his friends were taken to Babylon in the first wave of deportees. Now they are far from home and separated from all they have known. How will they worship God without a temple, without sacrifices, and while living among unbelievers?
Thus does the world make a frontal assault on the people of God by separating us from our heritage and removing us from our own past.
II. The World Seeks to Deconstruct our Faith
II. The World Seeks to Deconstruct our Faith
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 ().
2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.
Nebuchadnezzar took the articles from the temple (various worship objects made from gold and silver) and brought them back to Babylon with him.
He then placed them in the temple of the chief god of Babylon, called Bel or Marduk.
Taking the worship objects was meant to show Israel’s complete defeat.
The message was clear: Our god is greater than your god. By looting the temple, he thought he had defeated the God of Israel.
But there is more to this than just pagan boasting.
Many years earlier, during a period of spiritual decline, the Israelites had brought the symbols of other gods into their temple.
Now God allows a pagan king to take his treasures into a pagan temple.
Such is God’s righteous judgment.
No principle in the Bible is so well established as this:
What goes around, comes around.
The Jews had desecrated their own temple through consorting with idols, now God allows the pagans to come in and do the same thing.
From a worldly point of view it appeared that God was dead.
How else to explain the looting of the dwelling place of the one true God?
And that raises a crucial question:
Can we trust a God who is defeated?
Can you trust God when all the evidence suggests he is dead?
Will you be faithful even when your world falls apart?
Is your God greater than your circumstances?
In 1845 James Russell Lowell wrote the famous poem “The Present Crisis.” It includes this well-known stanza:
In 1845 James Russell Lowell wrote the famous poem “The Present Crisis.” It includes this well-known stanza:
Truth forever on the scaffold, Wrong forever on the throne,—
Truth forever on the scaffold, Wrong forever on the throne,—
Yet that scaffold sways the future, and, behind the dim unknown,
Standeth God within the shadow, keeping watch above his own.
Yet that scaffold sways the future, and, behind the dim unknown,
Standeth God within the shadow, keeping watch above his own.
All was not lost, although the looting of the temple made it seem that the Lord had been defeated and the Babylonians had won the Battle of the Gods.
All was not lost, although the looting of the temple made it seem that the Lord had been defeated and the Babylonians had won the Battle of the Gods.
III. The World Seeks to Reconstruct Our Values
III. The World Seeks to Reconstruct Our Values
Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring in some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility—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.
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 ().
3 And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king’s seed, and of the princes; 4 Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans. 5 And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king’s meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king.
It’s helpful to know that starting with this verse, everything else in the book of Daniel takes place in Babylon.
From this point on, Daniel is away from his homeland and as far as we know, he never returned, not even for a visit.
I call these verses Operation: Assimilation.
It begins with a selection process aimed at the cream of the crop of Jewish teenage boys.
The king assigns them to Ashpenaz, his right-hand man.
He then makes sure they get the best education Babylon can offer.
For three years they will be immersed in Babylonian knowledge, culture, history, language, and religion.
At the end of that time they would enter the king’s service and be assured of high-level government positions.
This is very clever and also very seductive.
Mind control always begins with the young. Nebuchadnezzar called in his Vice-President of Human Resources—Ashpenaz, and gave him a three-step plan for re-educating these sharp young Jewish teenagers.
Step one was a full scholarship to Babylon State University, the Ivy League of the ancient world.
Step one was a full scholarship to Babylon State University, the Ivy League of the ancient world.
There they would learn science, math, Akkadian, astrology, commerce, and history.
Step two was to offer them free food from the King’s Buffet.
Step two was to offer them free food from the King’s Buffet.
It was all-you-can-eat all the time.
I’m sure we all understand this.
Even back then they knew that the way to a young man’s heart is through his stomach.
Step three involved changing their names (verses ).
Step three involved changing their names (verses ).
6 Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: 7 Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abed-nego.
Richard Griffin points out that these Jewish teenagers were on the fast-track MBA program. It’s like being given a full scholarship at the Sloan School of Business at MIT or like being singled out by the boss’s right-hand man for special mentoring.
Richard Griffin points out that these Jewish teenagers were on the fast-track MBA program. It’s like being given a full scholarship at the Sloan School of Business at MIT or like being singled out by the boss’s right-hand man for special mentoring.
Talk about a sweet deal, this was it.
Talk about a sweet deal, this was it.
It was the kind of break most guys would jump at.
It was the kind of break most guys would jump at.
And to be fair we have to say that Nebuchadnezzar didn’t think of it as an evil thing.
And to be fair we have to say that Nebuchadnezzar didn’t think of it as an evil thing.
He probably thought he was doing these young men an incredible favor.
He probably thought he was doing these young men an incredible favor.
And Ashpenaz was just doing his job as well.
And Ashpenaz was just doing his job as well.
IV. The World Seeks to Undermine Our Identity
IV. The World Seeks to Undermine Our Identity
Among these were some from Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah.
Among these were some from Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah.
The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego ().
The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego ().
6 Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: 7 Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abed-nego.
Although it isn’t obvious from the English text, all these names had special meanings.
Although it isn’t obvious from the English text, all these names had special meanings.
The Hebrew names all contained references to the God of Israel.
The Hebrew names all contained references to the God of Israel.
The new Babylonian names mention the gods of Babylon:
The new Babylonian names mention the gods of Babylon:
Daniel ("God is my Judge") became Belteshazzar ("Bel, protect the King").
Hananiah ("The Lord is gracious") became Shadrach ("Command of Aku”, the Sumerian sun-god).
Mishael ("Who is like the Lord?") became Meshach ("Who is what Aku is?").
Azariah ("The Lord is my helper") became Abednego ("Servant of Nebo,” another Babylonian god).
Daniel ("God is my Judge") became Belteshazzar ("Bel, protect the King").
Hananiah ("The Lord is gracious") became Shadrach ("Command of Aku”, the Sumerian sun-god).
Mishael ("Who is like the Lord?") became Meshach ("Who is what Aku is?").
Azariah ("The Lord is my helper") became Abednego ("Servant of Nebo,” another Babylonian god).
The original Hebrew names tell us that these four teenagers must have been raised in godly homes by parents who raised their children to serve the true God.
The original Hebrew names tell us that these four teenagers must have been raised in godly homes by parents who raised their children to serve the true God.
By giving them new names Ashpenaz meant to obliterate their past. This was nothing less than systematic brainwashing. Nebuchadnezzar didn’t want good Jews working for him, he wanted good Babylonians who happened to have a Jewish background.
By giving them new names Ashpenaz meant to obliterate their past. This was nothing less than systematic brainwashing. Nebuchadnezzar didn’t want good Jews working for him, he wanted good Babylonians who happened to have a Jewish background.
Note that he didn’t overtly force them to change their religion. The whole process just made it very easy to forget. They were being weaned away from their past little by little. Soon they might forget it altogether.
Note that he didn’t overtly force them to change their religion. The whole process just made it very easy to forget. They were being weaned away from their past little by little. Soon they might forget it altogether.
Clearly, the goal was for these young men to think and act and speak like the pagans around them. And it might have worked but for one all-important fact: You can change the outside but you can’t change the heart. Here is hope for all Christian parents who worry (and rightly so) about the negative influence of the world all around us. In the end our job is to plant the seed of God’s truth and then trust God to bring in the harvest.
Clearly, the goal was for these young men to think and act and speak like the pagans around them. And it might have worked but for one all-important fact: You can change the outside but you can’t change the heart. Here is hope for all Christian parents who worry (and rightly so) about the negative influence of the world all around us. In the end our job is to plant the seed of God’s truth and then trust God to bring in the harvest.
Most of us know , “Do not be conformed to the world.” I love the way J. B. Phillips renders it: “Don’t let the world squeeze you into its mold.” The world will squeeze us. We can’t avoid that. But we don’t have to give in to the pressure.
Most of us know , “Do not be conformed to the world.” I love the way J. B. Phillips renders it: “Don’t let the world squeeze you into its mold.” The world will squeeze us. We can’t avoid that. But we don’t have to give in to the pressure.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Here, then, is the Babylonian plan to transform these young men:
Here, then, is the Babylonian plan to transform these young men:
New Home ISOLATION
New Knowledge INDOCTRINATION
New Diet COMPROMISE
New Names CONFUSION
New Home ISOLATION
New Knowledge INDOCTRINATION
New Diet COMPROMISE
New Names CONFUSION
It’s a good plan because it evidently worked with some of the Jewish teenagers.
But there were four (at least) who stood against the tide.
V. But the World Will Not Prevail Against the Church.
V. But the World Will Not Prevail Against the Church.
As we come to the end of our text, things appear hopeless.
As we come to the end of our text, things appear hopeless.
Here you have four teenagers ready to take on the mightiest man in the world.
Here you have four teenagers ready to take on the mightiest man in the world.
It would seem that they don’t have a chance.
It would seem that they don’t have a chance.
But we know they survived with their faith intact or there wouldn’t be a book of Daniel in the Bible.
But we know they survived with their faith intact or there wouldn’t be a book of Daniel in the Bible.
How did they do it?
How did they do it?
They understood that four plus God equals a majority.
They understood that four plus God equals a majority.
When you factor God into the equation, suddenly Nebuchadnezzar doesn’t look so big.
When you factor God into the equation, suddenly Nebuchadnezzar doesn’t look so big.
I intentionally passed over a key phrase in verse 2
I intentionally passed over a key phrase in verse 2
that we need to think about at this point.
that we need to think about at this point.
It’s the little phrase “the Lord delivered.”
It’s the little phrase “the Lord delivered.”
What happened to Jerusalem was no accident.
What happened to Jerusalem was no accident.
I’m sure the headline in the next issue of the Babylon Sun-Times read, “Nebuchadnezzar takes Jerusalem.”
I’m sure the headline in the next issue of the Babylon Sun-Times read, “Nebuchadnezzar takes Jerusalem.”
Wrong! He didn’t “take” Jerusalem.
Wrong! He didn’t “take” Jerusalem.
God gave it to him, and if God had not given it to him, he would never have taken it at all.
God gave it to him, and if God had not given it to him, he would never have taken it at all.
This week I ran across a wonderful statement that seems to fit our text and the strange, difficult days in which we live.
This week I ran across a wonderful statement that seems to fit our text and the strange, difficult days in which we live.
“Christians should be the calmest people on earth.”
“Christians should be the calmest people on earth.”
What a thought that is.
What a thought that is.
We have no right to run around wringing our hands.
We have no right to run around wringing our hands.
Not when our God is on the throne working out his purpose on the earth.
Not when our God is on the throne working out his purpose on the earth.
The book of Daniel opens with what appears to be a clear triumph of evil over good.
The book of Daniel opens with what appears to be a clear triumph of evil over good.
Yet God allowed it to happen for his own higher purposes.
Yet God allowed it to happen for his own higher purposes.
I’m sure Nebuchadnezzar didn’t know that and I’m sure the Jews had trouble believing it but it was true nonetheless.
I’m sure Nebuchadnezzar didn’t know that and I’m sure the Jews had trouble believing it but it was true nonetheless.
Hearts in Heaven
Hearts in Heaven
As I ponder this text in its larger setting I ask myself what set apart these four teenagers from the others.
As I ponder this text in its larger setting I ask myself what set apart these four teenagers from the others.
How did they find the strength to survive in a pagan land?
How did they find the strength to survive in a pagan land?
The answer may be found in the first verse of the next section, which tells us that Daniel “purposed in his heart” not to eat at the king’s table.
The answer may be found in the first verse of the next section, which tells us that Daniel “purposed in his heart” not to eat at the king’s table.
It all comes down to the heart in the end.
It all comes down to the heart in the end.
Nebuchadnezzar could control the environment in which they lived, but he couldn’t touch their hearts.
Nebuchadnezzar could control the environment in which they lived, but he couldn’t touch their hearts.
What an insight that is.
What an insight that is.
Their bodies were in Babylon but their hearts were in Jerusalem.
Their bodies were in Babylon but their hearts were in Jerusalem.
They never forgot—not even for one moment—who they were and where they came from. Therefore it didn’t matter where they happened to be—or even what names they happened to be called.
They never forgot—not even for one moment—who they were and where they came from. Therefore it didn’t matter where they happened to be—or even what names they happened to be called.
The faith of their childhood was tattooed on their hearts and the mightiest man in the world was helpless to do anything about it.
The faith of their childhood was tattooed on their hearts and the mightiest man in the world was helpless to do anything about it.
How will we survive the continual onslaught of the world in our day?
How will we survive the continual onslaught of the world in our day?
The same way they did. By putting our hearts in the right place.
The same way they did. By putting our hearts in the right place.
For us that means that even though our bodies are on earth, our hearts must continually be in heaven.
For us that means that even though our bodies are on earth, our hearts must continually be in heaven.
And if our hearts are in heaven, then it doesn’t matter where we happen to be on earth because the world can’t touch us.
And if our hearts are in heaven, then it doesn’t matter where we happen to be on earth because the world can’t touch us.
This passage teaches us a great deal about a few subjects that I will not develop but will let the reader ponder:
This passage teaches us a great deal about a few subjects that I will not develop but will let the reader ponder:
· The power of a good memory
· The importance of godly heritage
· The value of early training
· The call to godly courage
· The power of a good memory
· The importance of godly heritage
· The value of early training
· The call to godly courage
God used the attempted seduction of Daniel and his friends to prepare them for greater work to come.
God used the attempted seduction of Daniel and his friends to prepare them for greater work to come.
Here is yet another example of God’s sovereignty at work.
Here is yet another example of God’s sovereignty at work.
What the Babylonians meant for evil (they didn’t see it that way but that’s what it was), God meant for good. He put these four young men in a most vulnerable spot because he knew their hearts could stand the test.
What the Babylonians meant for evil (they didn’t see it that way but that’s what it was), God meant for good. He put these four young men in a most vulnerable spot because he knew their hearts could stand the test.
He even allowed them to be trained in a pagan school so that they might eventually become leaders in the pagan government.
He even allowed them to be trained in a pagan school so that they might eventually become leaders in the pagan government.
God Was Not Defeated!
God Was Not Defeated!
I know it’s easy to be overwhelmed in these days when the world presses in on all sides. Yet we have the words of Jesus in , “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.”
I know it’s easy to be overwhelmed in these days when the world presses in on all sides. Yet we have the words of Jesus in , “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.”
15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
God has willed that his children should live in the world and yet be preserved from destruction by the world. He puts us in dangerous places (like Babylon) and then displays his power on our behalf.
God has willed that his children should live in the world and yet be preserved from destruction by the world. He puts us in dangerous places (like Babylon) and then displays his power on our behalf.
God is the One who gave Israel over to Babylon. He uses the world to knock out all of our props so that we will turn back to him.
God is the One who gave Israel over to Babylon. He uses the world to knock out all of our props so that we will turn back to him.
What an important lesson this is to all of us. Israel was defeated, but God was not defeated. God wills that his children survive and thrive in the most difficult circumstances.
What an important lesson this is to all of us. Israel was defeated, but God was not defeated. God wills that his children survive and thrive in the most difficult circumstances.
This is part of what Jesus meant when he said, “I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it” ().
This is part of what Jesus meant when he said, “I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it” ().
18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
The phrase “gates of hell” refers to the realm of the dead.
The phrase “gates of hell” refers to the realm of the dead.
Many times when our loved ones die, we feel as if the world itself has come to an end and we wonder (secretly and sometimes out loud) if God has not made some terrible mistake. Or perhaps we wonder if there is any God at all.
Many times when our loved ones die, we feel as if the world itself has come to an end and we wonder (secretly and sometimes out loud) if God has not made some terrible mistake. Or perhaps we wonder if there is any God at all.
In one of his great hymns, Isaac Watts reminds us that
In one of his great hymns, Isaac Watts reminds us that
“Time like an ever-rolling stream bears all its sons away,
“Time like an ever-rolling stream bears all its sons away,
they fly forgotten as a dream dies at the opening day.”
they fly forgotten as a dream dies at the opening day.”
Death reigns like a towering monarch over the earth and stalks our trail.
Death reigns like a towering monarch over the earth and stalks our trail.
We are told that the last enemy that will be destroyed is death ().
We are told that the last enemy that will be destroyed is death ().
26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
But that day has not yet come.
But that day has not yet come.
Until then we live in hope.
Until then we live in hope.
And we bury our loved ones in the confidence that death will not have the last word.
And we bury our loved ones in the confidence that death will not have the last word.
Death will not have the last word! We know this because on Easter Sunday morning Jesus came out of the tomb holding the keys of death and Hades in his hand (). In the end death loses and the people of God win.
Death will not have the last word! We know this because on Easter Sunday morning Jesus came out of the tomb holding the keys of death and Hades in his hand (). In the end death loses and the people of God win.
18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
We aren’t there yet. Until Jesus comes back, life will always be a losing game. We keep on filling the cemeteries because our loved ones keep on dying. But it will not always be so.
We aren’t there yet. Until Jesus comes back, life will always be a losing game. We keep on filling the cemeteries because our loved ones keep on dying. But it will not always be so.
Better days are coming.
Better days are coming.
The Fellowship of the Unashamed
The Fellowship of the Unashamed
Someone happened to run across a reading called “The Fellowship of the Unashamed.” Ten years ago It was printed it on laminated cards and passed it out to the entire congregation. It has never been mentioned since then.
Someone happened to run across a reading called “The Fellowship of the Unashamed.” Ten years ago It was printed it on laminated cards and passed it out to the entire congregation. It has never been mentioned since then.
We are drawn to it because it describes the kind of attitude that will help us overcome the world.
We are drawn to it because it describes the kind of attitude that will help us overcome the world.
According to some sources, it was written by an African pastor who was martyred for his faith. It goes like this:
According to some sources, it was written by an African pastor who was martyred for his faith. It goes like this:
I am a part of the Fellowship of the Unashamed.
I am a part of the Fellowship of the Unashamed.
I have Holy Spirit Power.
I have Holy Spirit Power.
The die has been cast.
The die has been cast.
I have stepped over the line.
I have stepped over the line.
The die has been cast.
The die has been cast.
The decision has been made.
The decision has been made.
I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.
I won’t look back, let up, slow down,
I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.
I won’t look back, let up, slow down,
I have stepped over the line.
I have stepped over the line.
back away, or be still.
back away, or be still.
The decision has been made.
The decision has been made.
My past is redeemed,
My past is redeemed,
my present makes sense,
my present makes sense,
I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.
I won’t look back, let up, slow down,
I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.
I won’t look back, let up, slow down,
and my future is secure.
I am finished and done with low living,
and my future is secure.
I am finished and done with low living,
sight walking, small planning,
sight walking, small planning,
smooth knees, colorless dreams, tame visions
smooth knees, colorless dreams, tame visions
, worldly talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals.
, worldly talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals.
back away, or be still.
back away, or be still.
I no longer need preeminence,
I no longer need preeminence,
prosperity, position, promotions,
prosperity, position, promotions,
plaudits, or popularity.
plaudits, or popularity.
I don’t have to be right,
I don’t have to be right,
first, tops, recognized, praised,
first, tops, recognized, praised,
regarded, or rewarded.
regarded, or rewarded.
I now live by faith,
I now live by faith,
lean on His presence,
lean on His presence,
love by patience,
love by patience,
lift by prayer,
lift by prayer,
and labor by power.
and labor by power.
My past is redeemed, my present makes sense,
My past is redeemed, my present makes sense,
My pace is set,
My pace is set,
my gait is fast,
my gait is fast,
and my future is secure.
I am finished and done with low living,
and my future is secure.
I am finished and done with low living,
my goal is Heaven,
my goal is Heaven,
my road is narrow,
my way is rough,
my road is narrow,
my way is rough,
my companions few,
my companions few,
my Guide is reliable,
my Guide is reliable,
my mission clear.
my mission clear.
I cannot be bought,
I cannot be bought,
compromised, detoured,
compromised, detoured,
lured away, turned back,
lured away, turned back,
deluded or delayed.
deluded or delayed.
I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice,
I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice,
sight walking, small planning, smooth knees,
sight walking, small planning, smooth knees,
hesitate in the presence of adversity,
hesitate in the presence of adversity,
colorless dreams, tame visions, worldly talking,
colorless dreams, tame visions, worldly talking,
negotiate at the table of the enemy,
negotiate at the table of the enemy,
cheap giving, and dwarfed goals.
cheap giving, and dwarfed goals.
ponder at the pool of popularity,
ponder at the pool of popularity,
or meander in the maze of mediocrity.
or meander in the maze of mediocrity.
I won’t give up, back up,
I won’t give up, back up,
I no longer need preeminence, prosperity,
I no longer need preeminence, prosperity,
let up, or shut up until I’ve preached up,
prayed up, paid up, stored up,
let up, or shut up until I’ve preached up,
prayed up, paid up, stored up,
and spoken up for the cause of Christ.
and spoken up for the cause of Christ.
position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity.
position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity.
I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.
I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.
I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized,
I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized,
I must go until He returns,
give until I drop,
I must go until He returns,
give until I drop,
preach until all know,
preach until all know,
and work until He stops me.
And when He comes to get His own,
and work until He stops me.
And when He comes to get His own,
praised, regarded, or rewarded.
praised, regarded, or rewarded.
He will have no problem recognizing me.
He will have no problem recognizing me.
I now live by faith,
I now live by faith,
lean on His presence,
lean on His presence,
love by patience,
love by patience,
lift by prayer, and labor by power.
lift by prayer, and labor by power.
My colors will be clear
My colors will be clear
My pace is set, my gait is fast,
My pace is set, my gait is fast,
my goal is Heaven, my road is narrow,
my way is rough, my companions few,
my goal is Heaven, my road is narrow,
my way is rough, my companions few,
my Guide is reliable, my mission clear.
my Guide is reliable, my mission clear.
I cannot be bought, compromised,
I cannot be bought, compromised,
etoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed.
detoured, lured away, turned back,
detoured, lured away, turned back,
deluded or delayed.
deluded or delayed.
I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice,
I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice,
hesitate in the presence of adversity,
hesitate in the presence of adversity,
negotiate at the table of the enemy,
negotiate at the table of the enemy,
ponder at the pool of popularity,
ponder at the pool of popularity,
or meander in the maze of mediocrity.
or meander in the maze of mediocrity.
I won’t give up, back up, let up,
I won’t give up, back up, let up,
or shut up until I’ve preached up,
prayed up, paid up, stored up,
or shut up until I’ve preached up,
prayed up, paid up, stored up,
and spoken up for the cause of Christ.
and spoken up for the cause of Christ.
I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.
I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.
I must go until He returns,
give until I drop,
I must go until He returns,
give until I drop,
preach until all know,
preach until all know,
and work until He stops me.
And when He comes to get His own,
and work until He stops me.
And when He comes to get His own,
He will have no problem recognizing me.
He will have no problem recognizing me.
My colors will be clear.
My colors will be clear.
When the writer uses the word “colorless,” he was using a word that describes too many modern Christians.
When the writer uses the word “colorless,” he was using a word that describes too many modern Christians.
We are “colorless” precisely because we have decided to blend in with the scenery.
We are “colorless” precisely because we have decided to blend in with the scenery.
Our “colors” are not clear because we look so much like everyone else.
Our “colors” are not clear because we look so much like everyone else.
I think it was Jim Elliot who said,
I think it was Jim Elliot who said,
“When it comes time to die, make sure that’s all you have to do.”
“When it comes time to die, make sure that’s all you have to do.”
I once knew a man like that. He was part of the Fellowship of the Unashamed.
I once knew a man like that. He was part of the Fellowship of the Unashamed.
His colors were clear.
His colors were clear.
When he died, too soon, far too soon,
When he died, too soon, far too soon,
the Lord had no trouble finding him.
the Lord had no trouble finding him.
May God help us to live with our hearts in heaven so that when our time comes, we’ll be easy to spot and ready to meet the Lord.
May God help us to live with our hearts in heaven so that when our time comes, we’ll be easy to spot and ready to meet the Lord.
Dare to be a Daniel
Dare to be a Daniel
8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. 9 Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs. 10 And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king. 11 Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink. 13 Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king’s meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants. 14 So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days. 15 And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king’s meat. 16 Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.
17 As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. 18 Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. 19 And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king. 20 And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm. 21 And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus.
The key to this passage is found in the very first verse:
The key to this passage is found in the very first verse:
“But Daniel resolved …”
“But Daniel resolved …”
The King James Version says, “But Daniel purposed in his heart.”
The King James Version says, “But Daniel purposed in his heart.”
Another translation says he “made up his mind.”
Another translation says he “made up his mind.”
Everything else flows from this.
Everything else flows from this.
Life is a series of choices.
Life is a series of choices.
As mighty oaks from small acorns grow, we make our decisions and our decisions turn around and make us.
As mighty oaks from small acorns grow, we make our decisions and our decisions turn around and make us.
You are who you are today because of decisions and choices you made years ago.
You are who you are today because of decisions and choices you made years ago.
Most of the time we don’t realize how important small choices can be.
Most of the time we don’t realize how important small choices can be.
That’s especially true when we are young.
That’s especially true when we are young.
Many of life’s most important decisions are made during our teenage years:
Many of life’s most important decisions are made during our teenage years:
Where will I go to college?
Where will I go to college?
What will I major in?
What will I major in?
Should I get married?
Should I get married?
And if so, who will I marry, and how will I meet my future mate, and when will it happen?
And if so, who will I marry, and how will I meet my future mate, and when will it happen?
What career will I choose?
What career will I choose?
Who will be my best friends?
Who will be my best friends?
What music will I listen to?
What music will I listen to?
What movies will I watch?
What movies will I watch?
Will I drink?
Will I drink?
Will I take drugs?
Will I take drugs?
How far will I go?
How far will I go?
Will I keep myself pure?
Will I keep myself pure?
And sooner or later we face the most important decision of all:
And sooner or later we face the most important decision of all:
Will I decide to follow Jesus?
Will I decide to follow Jesus?
This question is crucial because surveys repeatedly show that 90% of all those who come to Christ do so by the age of 18.
This question is crucial because surveys repeatedly show that 90% of all those who come to Christ do so by the age of 18.
Choices!
Choices!
Decisions!
Decisions!
Which way to go?
Which way to go?
Two roads diverge in the yellow woods.
Two roads diverge in the yellow woods.
Which one will I follow?
Which one will I follow?
I cannot take them both.
I cannot take them both.
As we come to our text we find Daniel the teenager facing a crisis in Babylon.
As we come to our text we find Daniel the teenager facing a crisis in Babylon.
The decision he is about to make will radically change his whole life.
The decision he is about to make will radically change his whole life.
And when you read about it, it doesn’t seem like such a big deal.
And when you read about it, it doesn’t seem like such a big deal.
But it turns out to be very big indeed.
But it turns out to be very big indeed.
Operation: Assimilation
Operation: Assimilation
Daniel and his friends are in Babylon, having been torn away from their families in Jerusalem by King Nebuchadnezzar and the mighty Babylonian army.
Daniel and his friends are in Babylon, having been torn away from their families in Jerusalem by King Nebuchadnezzar and the mighty Babylonian army.
Because these young men come from noble backgrounds, the king orders them trained to enter his service.
Because these young men come from noble backgrounds, the king orders them trained to enter his service.
These are God-fearing Jewish teenagers, ripped out of everything they have known, now being trained to work for a pagan king.
These are God-fearing Jewish teenagers, ripped out of everything they have known, now being trained to work for a pagan king.
Thus begins Operation: Assimilation.
Thus begins Operation: Assimilation.
The king makes sure they get the best education Babylon can offer.
The king makes sure they get the best education Babylon can offer.
For three years they will be immersed in Babylonian knowledge, culture, history, language, and religion.
For three years they will be immersed in Babylonian knowledge, culture, history, language, and religion.
Their Jewish names are changed in favor of new Babylonian names.
Their Jewish names are changed in favor of new Babylonian names.
At the end of that time they will enter the king’s service and be assured of high-level government positions.
At the end of that time they will enter the king’s service and be assured of high-level government positions.
It was a sophisticated form of brainwashing aimed at making them forget their past and form a new allegiance to the king and his pagan way of life.
It was a sophisticated form of brainwashing aimed at making them forget their past and form a new allegiance to the king and his pagan way of life.
I. Daniel Tested
I. Daniel Tested
Everything appears to be going smoothly until one teenager decides he’s not going to go along with the program.
Everything appears to be going smoothly until one teenager decides he’s not going to go along with the program.
God bless the young.
God bless the young.
Sometimes they have more courage than common sense.
Sometimes they have more courage than common sense.
And sometimes God speaks to us through them.
And sometimes God speaks to us through them.
The first part of verse tells us what we need to know: “But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine.”
The first part of verse tells us what we need to know: “But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine.”
8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
Thus begins Operation: Assimilation
Thus begins Operation: Assimilation
This is the crucial event of his life.
This is the crucial event of his life.
Although it might not have appeared important at the time, what Daniel did shaped the next 60 years.
Although it might not have appeared important at the time, what Daniel did shaped the next 60 years.
I think it’s fair to say that looking back from our perspective, Daniel’s decision appears odd to us.
I think it’s fair to say that looking back from our perspective, Daniel’s decision appears odd to us.
We aren’t Jews living in captivity in Babylon, so it’s hard for us to understand what was the big fuss about eating the king’s food at the king’s table.
We aren’t Jews living in captivity in Babylon, so it’s hard for us to understand what was the big fuss about eating the king’s food at the king’s table.
After all, as far as we can tell, Daniel accepted the bondage, he accepted the pagan education, and he evidently even accepted a new pagan name.
After all, as far as we can tell, Daniel accepted the bondage, he accepted the pagan education, and he evidently even accepted a new pagan name.
If you’re going to go along with all of that, why worry about the food?
If you’re going to go along with all of that, why worry about the food?
What’s the big deal here?
What’s the big deal here?
Someone has pointed out that Daniel had to make three important decisions every day.
Someone has pointed out that Daniel had to make three important decisions every day.
First, he had to take part in pagan education. But he could disregard those things he knew to be wrong or untrue.
First, he had to take part in pagan education. But he could disregard those things he knew to be wrong or untrue.
Second, he had to put up with being called a pagan name. But he knew that a name alone couldn’t define who he really was.
Second, he had to put up with being called a pagan name. But he knew that a name alone couldn’t define who he really was.
Third, he had to eat pagan food. And at that point, he couldn’t escape what it represented.
Third, he had to eat pagan food. And at that point, he couldn’t escape what it represented.
I find it fascinating that what seems to us to be the least important issue was the most important to Daniel.
I find it fascinating that what seems to us to be the least important issue was the most important to Daniel.
But this young man had a proper sense of priorities.
But this young man had a proper sense of priorities.
He knew that eventually you’ve got to draw a line in the sand and say, “No farther will I go.
He knew that eventually you’ve got to draw a line in the sand and say, “No farther will I go.
”Why Daniel Refused
”Why Daniel Refused
There were at least three problems with the food served at the king’s table.
There were at least three problems with the food served at the king’s table.
First, it certainly would not have been prepared according to the kosher laws of the Old Testament. Much of it would be ritually unclean.
First, it certainly would not have been prepared according to the kosher laws of the Old Testament. Much of it would be ritually unclean.
Second, all the wine and most of the meat would have been previously offered to pagan gods. To eat that food in that situation would be to give tacit endorsement to paganism.
Second, all the wine and most of the meat would have been previously offered to pagan gods. To eat that food in that situation would be to give tacit endorsement to paganism.
Third, Daniel knew that sharing a meal at the king’s table represented sharing the king’s values.
Third, Daniel knew that sharing a meal at the king’s table represented sharing the king’s values.
Even today sharing a meal with someone has huge symbolic meaning.
Even today sharing a meal with someone has huge symbolic meaning.
To eat together implies friendship, support, endorsement, and shared values.
To eat together implies friendship, support, endorsement, and shared values.
In the end Daniel could obey the king and even serve in his government, but he could not pretend to be his friend.
In the end Daniel could obey the king and even serve in his government, but he could not pretend to be his friend.
To eat that food in that situation represented a moral compromise of everything Daniel believed.
To eat that food in that situation represented a moral compromise of everything Daniel believed.
Therefore, he made up his mind he would not do it.
Therefore, he made up his mind he would not do it.
This is hugely important because it teaches us that you can’t corrupt a man from the outside.
This is hugely important because it teaches us that you can’t corrupt a man from the outside.
You can change a culture but not a character.
You can change a culture but not a character.
You can change his name but not his nature.
You can change his name but not his nature.
Daniel may have looked like a pagan but on the inside he was a servant of the living God.
Daniel may have looked like a pagan but on the inside he was a servant of the living God.
Even the mighty Nebuchadnezzar couldn’t do a thing about that.
Even the mighty Nebuchadnezzar couldn’t do a thing about that.
I think we should pause at this point and think about what Daniel was risking.
I think we should pause at this point and think about what Daniel was risking.
Certainly he risked angering the king, who wouldn’t appreciate hearing that some teenage kid from Israel didn’t want to eat at his table.
Certainly he risked angering the king, who wouldn’t appreciate hearing that some teenage kid from Israel didn’t want to eat at his table.
No way could that be made to sound good.
In fact, it would probably sound rebellious and we know how ancient kings dealt with rebellion.
In fact, it would probably sound rebellious and we know how ancient kings dealt with rebellion.
So Daniel was putting his life on the line.
So Daniel was putting his life on the line.
He was also spoiling his own chances for advancement.
He was also spoiling his own chances for advancement.
We all know the saying about going along to get along.
We all know the saying about going along to get along.
You can’t climb the ladder while you’re rocking the boat.
You can’t climb the ladder while you’re rocking the boat.
Look what happens to whistle blowers in any big company.
Look what happens to whistle blowers in any big company.
Even when they are right, they end up in big trouble.
Even when they are right, they end up in big trouble.
If this blows up in Daniel’s face, he can kiss his future goodbye.
If this blows up in Daniel’s face, he can kiss his future goodbye.
Excuses Daniel Didn’t Use
Excuses Daniel Didn’t Use
Let’s flip this around and ask why he might have eaten the king’s food even though he didn’t like it.
Let’s flip this around and ask why he might have eaten the king’s food even though he didn’t like it.
After all, he was far from home and no one back in Jerusalem would know about it.
After all, he was far from home and no one back in Jerusalem would know about it.
Almost everyone else was eating the food with no complaint.
Almost everyone else was eating the food with no complaint.
“We’re already in captivity,” he might have said. “What difference does it make?”
“We’re already in captivity,” he might have said. “What difference does it make?”
“God understands it’s only food.
“God understands it’s only food.
We can eat it with our fingers crossed.
We can eat it with our fingers crossed.
I need to do this to get ahead.
I need to do this to get ahead.
People will think I’m a narrow-minded legalist if I make a fuss about this.”
People will think I’m a narrow-minded legalist if I make a fuss about this.”
You can always find an excuse when you don’t want to do right.
You can always find an excuse when you don’t want to do right.
But Daniel didn’t need an excuse.
But Daniel didn’t need an excuse.
He had already decided to do right no matter what happened.Verse 8 says that he “purposed in his heart” (KJV).
He had already decided to do right no matter what happened.Verse 8 says that he “purposed in his heart” (KJV).
That is, he made up his own mind.
That is, he made up his own mind.
He couldn’t decide for anyone else,
He couldn’t decide for anyone else,
but he decided for himself what he would and would not do.
but he decided for himself what he would and would not do.
And that changed everything.
And that changed everything.
I don’t know if he tried to convince anyone else or not. It doesn’t matter.
I don’t know if he tried to convince anyone else or not. It doesn’t matter.
Daniel made up his mind, and his three closest friends decided to join him.
Daniel made up his mind, and his three closest friends decided to join him.
And that leads me to repeat a point made earlier.
And that leads me to repeat a point made earlier.
The Babylonians could change everything—his diet, his location, his education, his language, even his name—but they couldn’t change his heart.
The Babylonians could change everything—his diet, his location, his education, his language, even his name—but they couldn’t change his heart.
Why?
Why?
It belonged to God.
It belonged to God.
When your heart truly belongs to God, you can go anywhere and face any situation and you’ll be okay.
When your heart truly belongs to God, you can go anywhere and face any situation and you’ll be okay.
You can even live in Babylon and do just fine because your body is in Babylon but your heart is in heaven.
You can even live in Babylon and do just fine because your body is in Babylon but your heart is in heaven.
So the question for all of us is, Where is your heart?
So the question for all of us is, Where is your heart?
Does it truly belong to God?
Does it truly belong to God?
Or is your heart fixed on the things of this earth?
Or is your heart fixed on the things of this earth?
Daniel’s Ten-Day Miracle Diet
Daniel’s Ten-Day Miracle Diet
Verse adds a crucial fact when it says “Now God.”
Verse adds a crucial fact when it says “Now God.”
9 Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.
Suddenly God enters the picture.
Suddenly God enters the picture.
He caused Ashpenaz to look with favor upon Daniel and his three friends.
He caused Ashpenaz to look with favor upon Daniel and his three friends.
But that happened after Daniel’s decision, not before.
But that happened after Daniel’s decision, not before.
Does God bless those who honor him?
Does God bless those who honor him?
Yes he does, but you generally don’t experience that blessing until you stand up for what you believe.
Yes he does, but you generally don’t experience that blessing until you stand up for what you believe.
There is a blessing reserved for the bold that the timid never experience.
There is a blessing reserved for the bold that the timid never experience.
Daniel’s proposal was very simple.
Daniel’s proposal was very simple.
He asked that he and his three friends be taken off the rich diet and be served only vegetables and water for ten days.
At the end of that time the guard could make his own comparison and draw his own conclusions.
There are several attractive features in the way Daniel made his proposal.
There are several attractive features in the way Daniel made his proposal.
First, he was tactful in the way he spoke. He didn’t demand anything, he simply made a request.
First, he was tactful in the way he spoke. He didn’t demand anything, he simply made a request.
Second, he was obedient in following the chain of command.
Second, he was obedient in following the chain of command.
Third, his request was reasonable. The test would be over in ten days and didn’t require the preparation of unusual food.
Third, his request was reasonable. The test would be over in ten days and didn’t require the preparation of unusual food.
Fourth, it was easy to evaluate.
Fourth, it was easy to evaluate.
The guard simply eyeballed the four versus the others and drew his own conclusions.
The guard simply eyeballed the four versus the others and drew his own conclusions.
By the way, the food he offered to eat is called “pulse’ in the King James.
By the way, the food he offered to eat is called “pulse’ in the King James.
It’s a word that can refer to vegetables in general but is often used of cereal.
It’s a word that can refer to vegetables in general but is often used of cereal.
So perhaps we should think of ten days of water and Shredded Wheat.
So perhaps we should think of ten days of water and Shredded Wheat.
You wouldn’t think that such a diet would work.
You wouldn’t think that such a diet would work.
In fact, it sounds like one of the miracle diets you read about in the supermarket tabloids that promises you will lose 30 pounds in 30 days.
In fact, it sounds like one of the miracle diets you read about in the supermarket tabloids that promises you will lose 30 pounds in 30 days.
But even if you lose all that weight, you end up looking bad and feeling worse.
But even if you lose all that weight, you end up looking bad and feeling worse.
Verses tell us that at the end of the ten days the four teens looked better on their cereal and water diet than the fellows who had been eating T-bone steak at the king’s table.
Verses tell us that at the end of the ten days the four teens looked better on their cereal and water diet than the fellows who had been eating T-bone steak at the king’s table.
15 And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king’s meat. 16 Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.
They looked so good that the guard let them continue with their strange diet indefinitely.
They looked so good that the guard let them continue with their strange diet indefinitely.
Thus does God bless those who make up their minds to honor him.
Thus does God bless those who make up their minds to honor him.
II. Daniel Rewarded
II. Daniel Rewarded
This story comes to an end on a very positive note.
This story comes to an end on a very positive note.
We discover in these verses that God always honors those who honor him.
We discover in these verses that God always honors those who honor him.
In this case the reward came very quickly.
In this case the reward came very quickly.
Often it takes much longer than that.
Often it takes much longer than that.
And sometimes when we are faithful, our reward doesn’t come until we get to heaven.
And sometimes when we are faithful, our reward doesn’t come until we get to heaven.
I mention the timing because it’s possible to read this story and get the idea that every time we stand up for our convictions, we will be immediately rewarded.
I mention the timing because it’s possible to read this story and get the idea that every time we stand up for our convictions, we will be immediately rewarded.
This passage proves that sometimes it does happen that way, but on this Sunday when we honor the Persecuted Church around the world, we ought to remember that God’s timing and ours are often quite different.
This passage proves that sometimes it does happen that way, but on this Sunday when we honor the Persecuted Church around the world, we ought to remember that God’s timing and ours are often quite different.
In many parts of the world, our brothers and sisters are paying with blood for their faithfulness to Jesus Christ.
In many parts of the world, our brothers and sisters are paying with blood for their faithfulness to Jesus Christ.
Therefore, I think it appropriate that we marvel at Daniel’s reward and also remember that God deals with us as individuals.
Therefore, I think it appropriate that we marvel at Daniel’s reward and also remember that God deals with us as individuals.
Our call is to be faithful, knowing that in the end, whether on earth or in heaven, no one will ever regret standing up for Jesus.
Our call is to be faithful, knowing that in the end, whether on earth or in heaven, no one will ever regret standing up for Jesus.
Verse informs us that God gave these four young men wisdom and understanding.
Verse informs us that God gave these four young men wisdom and understanding.
That guaranteed they would stand out above their Jewish contemporaries and far above the Babylonians.
That guaranteed they would stand out above their Jewish contemporaries and far above the Babylonians.
Since cream rises, these four young men will soon find themselves in positions of enormous influence in a pagan government.
Since cream rises, these four young men will soon find themselves in positions of enormous influence in a pagan government.
By the way, it’s important that we notice the order.
By the way, it’s important that we notice the order.
First, the decision is made to stand up for what they believed.
First, the decision is made to stand up for what they believed.
Second, God honored that decision.
Second, God honored that decision.
Third, God gave them wisdom and understanding.
Third, God gave them wisdom and understanding.
You can hardly ask God for wisdom while you are living in a state of spiritual compromise.
You can hardly ask God for wisdom while you are living in a state of spiritual compromise.
Again, God honors those who honor him.
Again, God honors those who honor him.
The last part of verse tells us that God gave Daniel the unique ability to interpret dreams.
The last part of verse tells us that God gave Daniel the unique ability to interpret dreams.
17 As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
We’ll see how that saved his life in the very next chapter.Verse skips to the end of the three years of education.
We’ll see how that saved his life in the very next chapter.Verse skips to the end of the three years of education.
18 Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.
Now King Nebuchadnezzar will examine all the young men himself.
Now King Nebuchadnezzar will examine all the young men himself.
This is the ultimate oral exam.
This is the ultimate oral exam.
They would be questioned on history, science, economics, the Babylonian language, and presumably also on details of Babylonian religion, including (I would assume) questions about astrology and witchcraft.
They would be questioned on history, science, economics, the Babylonian language, and presumably also on details of Babylonian religion, including (I would assume) questions about astrology and witchcraft.
These young men had to know everything the other young leaders had to know.
These young men had to know everything the other young leaders had to know.
The result is astounding.
The result is astounding.
The king found them ten times smarter than the magicians and enchanters in his kingdom.
The king found them ten times smarter than the magicians and enchanters in his kingdom.
Talk about going to the head of the class!
Talk about going to the head of the class!
They immediately entered the king’s service. Verse adds that Daniel remained in the court of Babylon until the first year of Cyrus, 539 BC That means he served as an adviser to a whole series of Babylonian kings for at least 60 more years.
They immediately entered the king’s service. Verse adds that Daniel remained in the court of Babylon until the first year of Cyrus, 539 BC That means he served as an adviser to a whole series of Babylonian kings for at least 60 more years.
21 And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus.
All this because Daniel said No!
All this because Daniel said No!
Lessons For Today
Lessons For Today
Before we leave this marvelous first chapter of Daniel, let’s stop to draw some of the more important lessons for today.
Before we leave this marvelous first chapter of Daniel, let’s stop to draw some of the more important lessons for today.
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1) The world continually tries to reprogram us into a different way of thinking.
1) The world continually tries to reprogram us into a different way of thinking.
God gave Daniel the unique ability to interpret dreams It happened to Daniel and his three friends through a course of systematic brainwashing aimed at separating these young men from their past.
God gave Daniel the unique ability to interpret dreams It happened to Daniel and his three friends through a course of systematic brainwashing aimed at separating these young men from their past.
It involved a new location, a new education, a new diet, a new culture, a new language, and ultimately, new names.
It involved a new location, a new education, a new diet, a new culture, a new language, and ultimately, new names.
Twenty-five centuries have come and gone and nothing has changed.
Twenty-five centuries have come and gone and nothing has changed.
The world still attempts to separate us from our spiritual heritage.
The world still attempts to separate us from our spiritual heritage.
Obviously, our young people are most at risk, but the attack comes to all of us in subtle ways everyday.
Obviously, our young people are most at risk, but the attack comes to all of us in subtle ways everyday.
We are promised promotions that will take us away from our families and from our church fellowship.
We are promised promotions that will take us away from our families and from our church fellowship.
We are offered educational opportunities that fill our minds with godless falsehood.
We are offered educational opportunities that fill our minds with godless falsehood.
We are told to keep quiet about our faith until we get to the top and then we can speak out.
We are told to keep quiet about our faith until we get to the top and then we can speak out.
And all of us are bombarded with anti-God input from the media every day.
And all of us are bombarded with anti-God input from the media every day.
Make no mistake.
Make no mistake.
There is a battle for your mind, a battle being fought every day.
There is a battle for your mind, a battle being fought every day.
Some of us are losing the battle because we don’t even know there is a battle going on.
Some of us are losing the battle because we don’t even know there is a battle going on.
We just go with the flow and then wonder why we end up looking and sounding just like the Babylonians.
We just go with the flow and then wonder why we end up looking and sounding just like the Babylonians.
2) We must make up our minds in advance we will be loyal to God.
2) We must make up our minds in advance we will be loyal to God.
The key phrase here is “in advance.”
The key phrase here is “in advance.”
Some decisions can’t be made on the spur of the moment.
Some decisions can’t be made on the spur of the moment.
You have to decide that you will not compromise in the things that matter.
You have to decide that you will not compromise in the things that matter.
For Daniel, that meant not eating the king’s food at the king’s table.
For Daniel, that meant not eating the king’s food at the king’s table.
It doesn’t matter that we today don’t fully understand his decision.
It doesn’t matter that we today don’t fully understand his decision.
What’s important is that Daniel drew a line in the sand and said, “This far, and no farther.” Your line may be different from mine and mine from yours.
What’s important is that Daniel drew a line in the sand and said, “This far, and no farther.” Your line may be different from mine and mine from yours.
But if you don’t draw a line somewhere, sometime, you end up being just like the Babylonians all around you. At that point your Christian testimony is worse than useless.
But if you don’t draw a line somewhere, sometime, you end up being just like the Babylonians all around you. At that point your Christian testimony is worse than useless.
So you’ve got to be smart.
So you’ve got to be smart.
Think ahead.
Think ahead.
Decide what you won’t do.
Decide what you won’t do.
Then don’t do it! Folks, I’m not talking brain surgery here.
Then don’t do it! Folks, I’m not talking brain surgery here.
I’m talking about common sense thinking about your Christian values.
I’m talking about common sense thinking about your Christian values.
Not every hill is worth dying on, but some are, and it’s better to die on those hills than to slink off in shameful compromise because you didn’t have any courage.
Not every hill is worth dying on, but some are, and it’s better to die on those hills than to slink off in shameful compromise because you didn’t have any courage.
3) We must know our own limits and must not do what we know is wrong.
3) We must know our own limits and must not do what we know is wrong.
This follows logically from what I have just said.
This follows logically from what I have just said.
Daniel knew his limits. When they enrolled him at Babylon State University, he didn’t object.
Daniel knew his limits. When they enrolled him at Babylon State University, he didn’t object.
When they taught him the Babylonian language, he learned it just like everyone else.
When they taught him the Babylonian language, he learned it just like everyone else.
When they taught him a new culture, he did not rebel.
When they taught him a new culture, he did not rebel.
And even when they changed his name, he apparently did not speak out.But when they said, “You have to eat the king’s food at the king’s table,” he said, “I’m sorry. I can’t do that.”
And even when they changed his name, he apparently did not speak out.But when they said, “You have to eat the king’s food at the king’s table,” he said, “I’m sorry. I can’t do that.”
And he didn’t.
And he didn’t.
He was courteous in the way he said it and he was creative in the solution he proposed. But make no mistake.
He was courteous in the way he said it and he was creative in the solution he proposed. But make no mistake.
By standing his ground, he was risking everything over an issue that made sense to no one but him and his three friends.
By standing his ground, he was risking everything over an issue that made sense to no one but him and his three friends.
To the Babylonians it was just nutty.
To the Babylonians it was just nutty.
But Daniel saw through the food to the bigger issues underneath and he knew that for him to eat that food at that table would be an act of disloyalty to God, and that was a line he would not cross.
But Daniel saw through the food to the bigger issues underneath and he knew that for him to eat that food at that table would be an act of disloyalty to God, and that was a line he would not cross.
“It’s such a small area,” you say.
“It’s such a small area,” you say.
True and not true.
True and not true.
Yes, it seemed small, but as we have seen, the outcome of Daniel’s act of courage was huge.
Yes, it seemed small, but as we have seen, the outcome of Daniel’s act of courage was huge.
It changed his whole life.
It changed his whole life.
In the end it wasn’t small at all.
In the end it wasn’t small at all.
My Christian friend, I tell you in Jesus’ name, there are no small areas.
My Christian friend, I tell you in Jesus’ name, there are no small areas.
If our God is the Lord of all, then every square inch of your life must be yielded to him.
If our God is the Lord of all, then every square inch of your life must be yielded to him.
He has left nothing for you play with on your own.
He has left nothing for you play with on your own.
Teenagers today face so many pressures.
Teenagers today face so many pressures.
Sex is being pushed on our kids in elementary school.
Sex is being pushed on our kids in elementary school.
So is drinking.
So is drinking.
So are drugs.
So are drugs.
So is joining a gang.
So is joining a gang.
So are filthy language, pornography, and homosexuality.
So are filthy language, pornography, and homosexuality.
More than ever before, we need a generation of children and teenagers with the courage to say No and to say it in a loud voice.
More than ever before, we need a generation of children and teenagers with the courage to say No and to say it in a loud voice.
To say No to sex and Yes to abstinence.
To say No to sex and Yes to abstinence.
To say No to alcohol and Yes to sobriety.
To say No to alcohol and Yes to sobriety.
To say No to drugs and Yes to clean living.
To say No to drugs and Yes to clean living.
To say No to gangs and Yes to healthy friendships.
To say No to gangs and Yes to healthy friendships.
To say No to moral filth and Yes to the Word of God.
To say No to moral filth and Yes to the Word of God.
To say No to sin and Yes to Jesus Christ.
To say No to sin and Yes to Jesus Christ.
To say No to going along with the crowd and Yes to standing alone.
To say No to going along with the crowd and Yes to standing alone.
To say No to temptation and Yes to God.
To say No to temptation and Yes to God.
To say No to cowardice and Yes to bold witness for Christ.
To say No to cowardice and Yes to bold witness for Christ.
To say No to sexual compromise and Yes to waiting until marriage.
To say No to sexual compromise and Yes to waiting until marriage.
To say No to rebellion and Yes to obedience.
To say No to rebellion and Yes to obedience.
To say No to the chains of sin and Yes to freedom in Christ.
To say No to the chains of sin and Yes to freedom in Christ.
How will any of us find the courage to say No when we need to?
How will any of us find the courage to say No when we need to?
Like Daniel, you will find yourself from time to time in a moral crisis.
Like Daniel, you will find yourself from time to time in a moral crisis.
How will you know it’s a crisis?
How will you know it’s a crisis?
You’ll know it when you get there, and often you won’t see it coming in advance.
You’ll know it when you get there, and often you won’t see it coming in advance.
So make up your mind right now that by God’s grace, when those moments come, you will purpose in your heart not to defile yourself.
So make up your mind right now that by God’s grace, when those moments come, you will purpose in your heart not to defile yourself.
Make up your mind now! Years ago, I heard a little phrase that has helped me more than once.
Make up your mind now! Years ago, I heard a little phrase that has helped me more than once.
When faced with a hard moral choice, say these words:
When faced with a hard moral choice, say these words:
“Others may, I cannot.”
“Others may, I cannot.”
You don’t have to decide for anyone else, but you do have to decide for you.
You don’t have to decide for anyone else, but you do have to decide for you.
This week I read about a 400-year-old redwood that suddenly and without warning toppled to the forest floor.
This week I read about a 400-year-old redwood that suddenly and without warning toppled to the forest floor.
What caused the death of such a majestic giant?
What caused the death of such a majestic giant?
Was it fire?
Was it fire?
Lightning?
Lightning?
A strong wind?
A strong wind?
A post-mortem examination revealed a startling cause.
A post-mortem examination revealed a startling cause.
Tiny beetles had crawled under the bark and literally eaten the fibers away from the inside.
Tiny beetles had crawled under the bark and literally eaten the fibers away from the inside.
Although it looked healthy on the outside, on the inside it was virtually hollow and one day finally collapsed.
Although it looked healthy on the outside, on the inside it was virtually hollow and one day finally collapsed.
The same thing happens when we refuse to stand our ground for Christ.
The same thing happens when we refuse to stand our ground for Christ.
Every time we compromise something bad happens in our soul.
Every time we compromise something bad happens in our soul.
Eventually the little decisions add up and we become hollow on the inside even though we may look great on the outside.
Eventually the little decisions add up and we become hollow on the inside even though we may look great on the outside.
Don’t let that happen to you.
Don’t let that happen to you.
4) Godly convictions yield God-given rewards.
4) Godly convictions yield God-given rewards.
Here is the final lesson.
Here is the final lesson.
What starts with Daniel ends with God.
What starts with Daniel ends with God.
What starts with courage ends with a lifetime of blessing.
What starts with courage ends with a lifetime of blessing.
Look what God did for this courageous teenager:God protected Daniel (when he proposed the test)God prospered Daniel (during the test and afterward)God promoted Daniel (in the eyes of the King)I cannot read this story without thinking of the words of God to Eli in , “Those who honor me I will honor.”
Look what God did for this courageous teenager:God protected Daniel (when he proposed the test)God prospered Daniel (during the test and afterward)God promoted Daniel (in the eyes of the King)I cannot read this story without thinking of the words of God to Eli in , “Those who honor me I will honor.”
30 Wherefore the Lord God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the Lord saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.
I told you in the beginning that this was the crucial event of Daniel’s life.
I told you in the beginning that this was the crucial event of Daniel’s life.
It may not have seemed important at the time, but his decision not to eat the King’s food shaped the next 60 years.
It may not have seemed important at the time, but his decision not to eat the King’s food shaped the next 60 years.
We talk about Daniel 2500 years later precisely because of his decision.
We talk about Daniel 2500 years later precisely because of his decision.
If he doesn’t make the right choice, the rest of the book never gets written, and he becomes a forgotten Jew in Babylon who looked and acted just like everyone else.
If he doesn’t make the right choice, the rest of the book never gets written, and he becomes a forgotten Jew in Babylon who looked and acted just like everyone else.
I know that in terms of scientific progress, the world has changed since Daniel’s day,
I know that in terms of scientific progress, the world has changed since Daniel’s day,
but God has not changed.
but God has not changed.
God’s Word has not changed.
God’s Word has not changed.
And the world still tries to seduce us.
And the world still tries to seduce us.
The good news from is that it is possible to live for God in high school, in college, at work, and in your career.
The good news from is that it is possible to live for God in high school, in college, at work, and in your career.
Daniel has shown us the way
Daniel has shown us the way
.In 1873, P.P. Bliss wrote a gospel song about this story that became very popular but has in our day become virtually unknown.
.In 1873, P.P. Bliss wrote a gospel song about this story that became very popular but has in our day become virtually unknown.
It is called “Dare to be a Daniel.”
It is called “Dare to be a Daniel.”
Standing by a purpose true,
Standing by a purpose true,
Heeding God’s command,
Heeding God’s command,
Honor them, the faithful few!
Honor them, the faithful few!
All hail to Daniel’s band!
All hail to Daniel’s band!
Many mighty men are lost
Many mighty men are lost
Daring not to stand,
Daring not to stand,
Who for God had been a host
Who for God had been a host
By joining Daniel’s band.
By joining Daniel’s band.
Many giants, great and tall
Many giants, great and tall
Stalking through the land,
Stalking through the land,
Headlong to the earth would fall,
Headlong to the earth would fall,
If met by Daniel’s band.
If met by Daniel’s band.
Hold the gospel banner high!
Hold the gospel banner high!
On to victory grand!
On to victory grand!
Satan and his hosts defy,
Satan and his hosts defy,
And shout for Daniel’s band.
And shout for Daniel’s band.
Refrain:
Refrain:
Dare to be a Daniel,
Dare to be a Daniel,
Dare to stand alone!
Dare to stand alone!
Dare to have a purpose firm!
Dare to have a purpose firm!
Dare to make it known.
Dare to make it known.
The application of my sermon is very simple.
The application of my sermon is very simple.
I dare you.
I dare you.
Be a Daniel this week.
Be a Daniel this week.