September 2023 - Think like a Babylonian !

There’s story told about a budding young journalist who was once tasked with interviewing an elderly lady. “What’s the best thing about being 104?” he enthusiastically asked. “That’s an easy one.” she replied. “There’s no peer pressure when you get to my age.”

There is an element to truth in her response, however. We all know that feeling of being pressurised to conform by those around us. To laugh at the same jokes, to adopt the same practices and use the same language. Truth be told it’s really hard at times to stand out and be different. Come to think of it what exactly does it look like to live distinctly for God in a world that doesn’t want to know? The purpose of the book of Daniel is to show us how.

The writer introduces us to Daniel, his friends and the world which they inhabit at chapter 1. King Nebuchadnezzar has led a Babylonian conquest of the nation of Judah (v.1-2). Why did this happen? Well, it wasn’t primarily because of Babylonian strength and military wisdom. It happened because God delivered (v.2) the King of Judah into Nebuchadnezzar’s hand. The Lord is the instigator of this attack and the Babylonians were the instrument that he used to punish his rebellious people. The curses for rebellion were always part of the covenant deal.

Indeed, God’s sovereignty is like a spiral staircase that winds itself round the book of Daniel. Who is dictating world affairs? The Lord is. Who sees every tear in the eyes of his people? The Lord does. He is both omnipotent and immanent.

As my theology lecturer used to say, He is the God who is both up there and down here.

That said, however, let the reader be in no doubt about the Lord’s steadfast commitment to the promise that he made to Abraham to bless the nations of the world though his people. Indeed, it is because of that truth that he calls his people to be faithful to him whilst living away from home.

You’ve heard the phrase to walk like an Egyptian? Well, Babylonian foreign policy at the turn of the 5th century BC was to get people to think like a Babylonian. They idea was to take the most educated, skilled and able of the captives (v.4) and immerse them in Babylonian culture, language and literature. Daniel, Hananiah, Misshael and Azariah certainly fitted that bill.

Step one was to get them to dress to impress and eat to look neat. However, for what specific reason we’re not told, in Daniel’s conscience to do so would be to defile himself (v.8) in the eyes of his Lord. Hats off to you sir. Sticking your head above the parapet takes some serious courage.

Here’s two phrases that the author uses to show that the Lord has got Daniel’s back…

God caused (v. 9) the official who was overseeing his development to show him compassion and favour. The official is clearly torn between his liking of Daniel and his loyalty to the King who will have his head if Daniel’s plan doesn’t work out. However, had he not taken a shine to Daniel here things would played out very differently here and Daniel would be a one chapter book of the Bible. The Lord’s hand was at work honouring those who honour him.

God gave (v.17) Daniel favour. Clearly the Babylonian Ten days to looks great programme had a desired goal. In ordinary circumstances the before and after pictures of those on this diet would speak for themselves. However, at the end of those ten days, Daniel and his friends looked healthier and better nourished (v.15) than the rest of the contestants. Fair play boys. Indeed, God gave and gifted Daniel and his friends with the knowledge they needed to guide them to the place and position of influence that the Lord wanted them in. Indeed, they soon rose to the top of the class and soon found themselves moving more into to the middle of the King’s trusted circles. The Lord’s hand was at work honouring those who honour him.

The book of Daniel stretches over the entire period of the exile. Here at the beginning, Daniel and his friends are young men. I love how straight from the outset they have made a decision to honour the Lord above all else. Perhaps you find yourself in ones of those ‘outset’ seasons of life. Maybe you're beginning a new term at University or starting a new job as you embark on a new career. The outset is always a good time to nail your colours to the mast. Know that as you do that, and as scary as the puzzled looks that you will draw may be, the Lord honours those who honour him. 

Dare to be a Daniel!

Dare to stand alone!

Dare to have a purpose firm!

Dare to make it known!