Who's Line is it Anyway?

What Does this Church mean to you?

Have you ever just sit and meditated on this?

I know the church is made up of imperfect people that along the way have failed you form time to time.

But, all in all its a not just a place we attend, its a way of life we have chosen to live and commit ourselves to.

I think in today's culture the impact of the church in the world particularly here in america and other first world countries is loosing its ability to influence a community to turn to Jesus.

The lines are getting blurred on what we should stand united on.

Daniel 1:1–17 KJV 1900

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. 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.

Judah is taken captive.

Babylon has taken God’s people captive mainly because of the people were tuning from God.

The king of Babylon took captives back and placed them in bondage.

He instructed his people to pick out the brightest and the best to be trained in the ways of the Babylonians and to feed them well and take good care of them.

Why did he do this?

because he wanted to train them in their ways so he could grow his kingdom and by the example of what these young men would set others would fall in line and submit to this King and his gods

Daniel and his friends were men of the almighty God.

They showed great respect for King Nebuchadnezzar and his kingdom, they submitted to being educated and trained in the ways of the Babylonians.

They did however draw a line on what food they would eat.

they chose not to eat from the Kings table and asked to only be given vegexodusetables and water.

WHY DID THEY DO THIS?

There are several speculations on why and here are a few.

In Babylon they were known to eat horses and pigs and this was a direct violation of the laws of their God.

some say it was because of the kosure eating but this was not yet set as law by the Jewish people at this time.

another reson is that Jewish law forbids the eating of meat that is sacrificed to false gods. it is also possible that the wine they had could have been offered to these same gods as well.

the better explanation is Daniel understands eating the king’s food represents accepting the king’s friendship and patronage. to share food is to commit oneself to a relationship.

Exodus 24:11 KJV 1900

11 And upon the nobles of the children of Israel he laid not his hand: also they saw God, and did eat and drink.

If he accepted the kings food this would mean that he is submitting to his gods as well and he and his friends could not do that.

Daniel has drawn a line he will not cross!!

he is willing to go to a foreign land, he is willing to be trained in the ways of Babylon and submit to this kings authority.

but he will not submit to any other god but the one true God.

This is a hard line that he is willing to give his life for and will not compromise

Were is your line?

Satan is crafty and sneaky. he doesn't come at us from the front were you can see him coming, he sneaks in and takes little peaces and as he does this the lines we draw in our lived get blurred.

we begin to slowly compromise what we believe to the point that we don’t even realize he is leading us away to bondage.

he is attempting to reeducate us on right and wrong.

he ultimate goal is to destroy all the churches he can by any means necessary so he can drag down as many people as he can down to hell with him when he gets locked away for all eternity.

This is what he was doing them and what he is doing now.

DO YOU KNOW WERE THE LINE IS?