01/03/2023
READ: Daniel 1:1-17
The book of Daniel tells the story of Daniel (obviously) who was a charismatic
seventeen-year-old leader from the lineage of King David. He and his friends were
forced to live in Babylon because his city of Jerusalem was seized and enslaved. The
people of Israel were forced into exile under the harsh dictatorship of Babylon. This
kingdom was completely opposed to Daniel’s faith. They sought vengeance and
ignored mercy. They loved war and hated peace. They worshipped idols and disgraced
the God of Israel.
In the first chapter, Daniel was recruited to work for the government of King
Nebuchadnezzar because of his strength, knowledge, and handsome looks. (Seriously,
look at verse five!) During his orientation ceremony, he was offered a buffet of junk food
with an open bar. I am sure there was a chocolate fountain or two. David realized that
the food was completely contrary to the kosher commandments in Jewish Scripture.
Thus, he politely asked to not partake. Daniel 1:9 elaborates, "Daniel was determined
not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king.”
You will probably never be offered unclean food that was blessed by a Babylonian
goddess. However, culture is constantly trying to trick you into Babylonian behavior.
You walk by a buffet of vices and choices every day. The spread is full of delightful-
looking confections with dangerous consequences. Gossip is just a group-chat away.
Vile videos are easily accessible. Selfishness is our culture’s default setting. Culture is
constantly encouraging you to “defile yourself” with addictive substances, the pursuit
of prosperity, selfish ambitions, and, ultimately, finding purpose in all the wrong places.
Make the same choice as Daniel. Don’t defile yourself with culture's confections. Swim
against the cultural current. Respectfully reject anything that can come between you
and God.