True to His word, God did just as He said through His prophets and exiled His people for their sins. Taken to Babylon, Daniel and his three friends, all teenagers, find themselves living in a foreign land wherein the culture is anti-Jehovah (Daniel 1:1–2).
These four young men, along with many others, were selected to be indoctrinated in this foreign culture for three years. Their names, whose meanings spoke of Jehovah, were changed to recognize Babylonian gods (Daniel 1:7). They were forced to study this culture’s literature and language (Daniel 1:4). Even their diet was changed (Daniel 1:5). The point was to strip away anything that related to the God of Israel and replace it with Babylonian culture and worship. But Daniel and his friends purposed to honor God despite this situation.
God blessed their holy purpose. 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…the king spoke with them, and among all of them none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah…And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom. (Daniel 1:17–20, ESV)
As I thought about these things, I was reminded of Jesus’ high priestly prayer for us as believers. I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. (John 17:14–16, NKJV)
Believers, we do not have to be overcome by this world and its culture—no matter how bad it gets! Jesus has prayed for us, not that we would be taken out of the world and its culture, but that we would be protected from the evil one and his culture. Let’s purpose in our hearts not to defile ourselves with the culture of this world, for Jesus has prayed for us, and the Father answers Jesus’ prayers! This battle is already won—as Daniel, let’s purpose to walk in victory amidst a crooked and perverse generation! …so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. (Philippians 2:15, NLT)
Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from Daniel 1-3.