With the dawn of a new year, resolutions to eat right, exercise more, and doing good things are almost universal. But often most of these resolutions fall apart within weeks. Have you ever made a New Year’s resolution that lasted a lifetime?
Let’s look at one example of a person who did that: Daniel.
Daniel 1:8 (ESV) But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself.
Decisions in Difficult Days
Daniel chose to remain holy despite the pagan king’s orders. Let’s explore these tactics, as they are still used to distract and lead young people away from godly principles.
- Isolation: Nebuchadnezzar separated them 900 miles from their homeland, making it impossible to be near family, friends, or their synagogue. All chances of godly association are now gone.
- Identity change: Nebuchadnezzar changed the names of four Hebrew boys. Their original names, Daniel and Mishael, connected to El-Elohim, and , Azariah and Hananiah, connected to YAHWEH (“IAH” is short form for YAHWEH), were altered to reflect names of Babylonian gods.
- Indoctrination: Nebuchadnezzar wanted to ensure that these young men were completely transformed so he put them through the Babylonian training program for three years.
- Instant promises: After they completed their training, they were promised things that would lure any young person today: great jobs, great positions and access to the king himself.
Decoding the Enemy’s tactics
We may think Daniel made a big deal about a small, trivial thing like food and wine. But Daniel knew that in Babylonian culture, they ate and drank as if it is always a religious party. Complete with offering the food to idols, and menus full of non-kosher food, these had all the signs of being a pagan event. To participate in these events, meant that they’ve assimiliated themselves with the new culture.
Divine Destiny for the Dedicated
Daniel 1:17, 19 (NKJV): As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. Then the king interviewed them, and among them all none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore they served before the king.
Daniel’s commitment and determination to serve God despite his circumstances enabled him to be an advisor to four kings (Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius, Cyrus).
Decisions made by Daniel and his three friends, were rewarded by God in majestic, supernatural ways. No other person in the entire world has survived being in lions’ den, or have walked out of a fiery furnance, unharmed.
Daniel’s decision to serve God at a very young age, resulted in him becoming one of the greatest prophets the world has seen. The Book of Daniel has a lot in common with the Book of Revelation in the New Testament. Interestingly, did you know that they are both the 27th books of the Old and New Testament, respectively?
Life Application
This year let us embark on a journey marked by transformative “but Daniel” moments, shaping a legacy of strong faith and unwavering principles. Take a moment of introspection and consider whether we have the courage to gracefully stand up for our godly principles, especially amidst the world’s various tactics.
2 Chronicles 16:9 (NIV): For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.
Let us make a resolution this year that we will be wholly committed to God, no matter what comes our way. That will be the best new year resolution we’ve ever made!
Dew Drops of Manna 