Daniel I

Like Daniel, we are given opportunities every day to bring God into our daily lives, workplaces, schools, and families - for his glory and our joy.

Background: Time, Location, Socio-political, religious

Set-up: God orchestrated the arrival of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He placed them in positions of favor. Would they honor him?

We’re all placed in positions of favor somewhere…at home, at work, at school. Notice where you have influence. Influence does not require authority or position. Daniel and his friends were essentially slaves (even if they were high functioning and educated). Where do people listen to you? Who cares about what you think or feel? Where do you have responsibility? This is your arena of favor.

Given that you have influence, what do you intend to do with it?

A Test: Whether God-ordained or simply a function of the circumstances, the 4 Israelite youth face a test of their faith. Would they eat the food of Babylon or the food required of God? It’s a simple test, but they passed.

Would they learn and apply themselves to their calling? They passed.

Would Daniel honor God in a hostile environment? He passed.