A Look Into Daniel 1

Through Daniel and his companions, we see that inner conviction can overcome any outer pressure, and God-honouring convictions result in God-given rewards.

"As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams."

― "Daniel 1: 17 Excuses"

A few days ago I read the book of Daniel chapter 1, I learnt so much and God spoke to me through the journey of Daniel and His companion when they were taken to Babylon So, I thought I should share a few pointers.

for more context or understanding please read the chapter in the bible first.

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Firstly, the reasons God gave Judah into the hands of Babylonians was because of

(Leviticus 26: 1 - 35):

Their Idolatry

They failed to Observe the Sabbaths of the Lord

This shows us that God responds to those that do not listen to his warnings. Failure to obey and listen to God has consequences.

Now after Nebuchadnezzar had taken over Jerusalem, The best and smartest young men of Jerusalem were taken to Babylon where they were groomed for civil service and had their names changed.

They were provided for by the Babylonian government (Ate the same food and drank the same wine as the king).

The purpose of this was to make these young men leave behind their God and culture and now live by the Babylonian ways.

The devil uses the same strategy against us believers today, wanting us to live by the world’s ways

i.e., Feed us what the world eats, Identify us in reference to the world, and Educate us in ways of the world.

Daniel made a decision to be faithful to God, We can say that “he made a big deal over nothing”, but to go on with God is to be faithful in the little things. Daniel realized his relationship with God touched every area of his life, including what he ate.

(Side note: Remember Adam and Eve).

Daniel didn’t object to the name given to him because he knew who he was and others could call him what they wanted. He didn’t object to Babylonian education because he knew what he believed. He DID object to the king’s food because eating it was direct disobedience to God’s word.

Daniel showed us how to conquer a difficult situation and glorify God before others in the midst of being tested.

Our hearts must be set, Daniel purposed his heart and made up his mind refusing to compromise God.

Making a stand for Jesus doesn’t mean we must be rude or obnoxious, Daniel requested to be excused from the King’s table politely and courteously.

Be ready to be called names, judged, or even lose friendships so long as you stand with Jesus for loved and bought you by his precious blood. Daniel and his companions knew there was a lot at cost but they were willing,

As a Christian, you should be willing to be tried, and be pleased to let your belief be put to test.

God gave Daniel favor and goodwill

He did not forsake those who stood for him. Daniel entrusted himself to God and God came through. The intellectual ability of Daniel and his companions was not due to their diet but to the special intervention of the Lord. They gave themselves to the Lord in a remarkable way and God blessed them in a remarkable way.

As Christians, if we go above and beyond for God, He will do the same for us, more than the usual blessings.