1. WHAT HAPPENED TO DANIEL (1:1-7).
       A 14-year-old in Daniel 1 is the perfect example of that.

Daniel 1:1

In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar came to Jerusalem and besieged it.

What was happening?

A. Daniel was put into a situation he did not choose (1:1). In 605 BC, when Daniel was a teenage-prince in Jerusalem, Egypt and Babylon were the two super powers. And when they were at war, Israel was caught in the middle. In this battle Nebuchadnezzar's army surround Jerusalem. Israel's king Jehoiakim surrendered without a fight. Nebuchadnezzar lined up Daniel and the other royal princes and said, "I want that one. I want that one. I want that one." and they were marched 500 miles all the way to Babylon.

B. Most people around Daniel thought his God was weak (1:2). As they come through the main gate, the Temple of Marduk is right in front of them. Verse 2 says

Daniel 1:2

"the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his (Nebuchadnezzar's) hand, with some of the articles of the house of God,"

which he carried to the house of his god. Why did the king do that? When Nebuchadnezzar put vessels from the Temple in Jerusalem into the Temple of Marduk he was saying that Israel's God was just one of the many gods he had conquered. Israel's God is not very powerful now. Most people thought Daniel's God was weak.

C. Daniel was offered position and power if he'd follow Babylon's ways (1:3-7). Powerful Nebuchadnezzar, promises Daniel, "If you listen to what I say. If you get the education I give then I'll make you one of the rulers in my kingdom." Look at it in verses 5-7.

Daniel 1:5

The king appointed ... three years of training for them, so that at the end of that time they might serve before the king.

So Daniel and his three friends were chosen to go to the King's University where they learned the language and literature of Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar was trying to change their identity. He even changed their names.

2. HOW DANIEL RESPONDED (1:2, 8-16)
A. Daniel recognized that God was in control (1:2). In verse two, which Daniel wrote, who's in control? And the LORD gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into Nebuchadnezzar's hand. Maybe you didn't choose your major or your occupation. Maybe some godless people around you seem to have all the success. Daniel 1 is saying that even when Jerusalem is defeated ... even when the vessels of God are in the Temple of Marduk ... even when Daniel is a captive God is in control.

B. Daniel purposed in his heart to not defile himself (1:8-9).

Daniel 1:8

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the ... king's meat, nor with the wine.

Daniel, at age 14 had already decided what kind of person he was going to be, what kind of friends he'd have, who he'd believe and follow. Would you go out drinking with your boss or your friends if you thought it would help you get an increase in salary, a higher position or closer friends?

C. Daniel proposed a creative alternative to obey both God and his boss (1:10-16). Why did Daniel refuse to eat the king's food? First, according to God's laws at that time, it was unclean. Second it had been offered to idols. Where God said no, Daniel said no.

       Verses 10-13 says that Daniel asks for just a salad with water. Aspanaz, the king's court official, says, "Daniel, if that's all you eat you will look very skinny and the king will kill me." Daniel cares about that. He doesn't just say, "NO." He comes up with a creative ten-day test, where he will obey God but not get Aspanaz in trouble. Verses 14-16 say that

Daniel 1:14-16

Aspanaz consented with them ... And at the end of 10 days their features appeared better ... than all the young men who ate the ... king's meat. So the servant ... gave them vegetables.

3. WHAT GOD DID FOR DANIEL (1:17-21)
A. God gave Daniel favor (1:9).

Daniel 1:9

Now God had brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs.

B. God gave Daniel knowledge, skill and wisdom (1:17).

Daniel 1:17

As for these four young men God gave them knowledge and skill in all wisdom; and Daniel had understanding ... "And God saw that it was good."

C. God gave Daniel a high position (1:18-21).

Daniel 1:19

The king interviewed them, and among them all none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore they served before the king.

       The film Chariots of Fire was about the 1924 Olympics and the Christian runner from Scotland, Eric Liddell. Eric believed he should set aside Sunday as a special day for the Lord. Romans 14:5-6 talks about this-whether we set aside Sunday or another day the important thing is to honor the Lord. So when Eric found out that the 100 meter race was scheduled on Sunday he told his superiors that he couldn't run.

       The Prince of Wales said to Eric, "Your nation is depending on you. Are you a good Britisher?" And Eric said, "I am a good Englishman. But there is a higher king and I can't disobey Him." And he didn't run. The story ends with him running other races on other days. And he became the first Scotsman ever to win a gold medal. He set an Olympic record that stood for many years. Like Daniel, Eric "purposed in his heart not to defile himself."

       Are you in any situations where you have a choice between God and the world? Have you been compromising your faith? Will you stand like Daniel or follow Babylon's ways? The same God who was there for Daniel is here for us!

by Steve Nicholes
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