Daniel 1, Psalm 137, 1 Peter 1:17 and 2:11

Steve Holloway

The account of Daniel and his friends is an intense story of rebellion, faithfulness, weakness and strength.

Throughout their history the Hebrews fluctuated between religious fanaticisms and cold hearted rebellion against their God. Each time a generation turned their back on Yahweh, he lovingly called them back through his prophets; He warned them of discipline that was coming and with a broken heart followed through on that discipline.

Daniel was born in the middle of Josiah's reign. After Josiah was killed in 609 BC Nebuchadnezzar became king of Babylon in 605BC. Babylon was an empire like no other. It was big, strong and untouchable. When after countless warnings and pleadings by God's prophets, the nation continued in its rebellion, He allowed Babylon to take Israel into Exile in September 605BC.

The Babylonians strategy was to take the good looking and intelligent into captivity, leaving the ugly and stupid behind! (Yes I know I would not be taken).

Daniel and his friends where taken away. However, the exiles weren't treated as enemies, actually in some ways they were treated very well. They got a new education, given lavish food and good housing. Many, including Daniel were given significant roles and responsibilities. But they were being seduced. Many succumbed (in fact at the end of Daniel we read of his sadness that few wanted to return - they actually preferred life in exile) but Daniel and his friends could see things as they really were. Despite the offensive diet, re-education and identity manipulation in having their names changed, Daniel stayed true to Yahweh. Daniel and his friends knew they were exiles - aliens in a foreign land.

Psalm 137 is the song of a people who longed to be back home, worshipping in the temple in Jerusalem. But, why didn't they have that passion when in Jerusalem? Why didn't they listen to God when he called? Hindsight is a wonderful thing - but doesn't actually help. In fact, in Israel's future, they would frequently ignore God's leading.

Peter describes Christians as aliens in a foreign land. We are like Daniel, we don't belong here. We are citizens of God's Kingdom. Can you see through the seduction around you? Are you focused on Jesus and his Kingdom?