Passage
Daniel 1:1-21 (ESV)
Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
Acts 8:26-40
Key Verse: 8:35
Daniel Resolved Not to Defile Himself
Date: Apr. 6, 2019
Daily Bread
Introduction to Daniel
Key Verse: 1:8
1. Israel under Babylon (1-7)
Because of their many sins, the Lord delivered Israel into the hands of the king of Babylon. The king not only carried off treasures from the temple but also brought the best young men to the king's service. He gave them the best education with palace boarding room and delicious food. It looked very fortunate for those young men humanly. But the king changed their names such as Daniel (God is the judge) into Belteshazzar (Bel's prince). It was to assimilate them into Babylonian religion and culture while forgetting Jehovah God of Israel.
2. Daniel's decision of faith (8-21)
In such a tragic moment Daniel neither despaired, nor did he seek personal success. He rather believed in God as the Sovereign Lord of the history. He resolved to suffer to remain as God's chosen people rather than to be melted into Babylonian culture and religion. It was a risky decision. But God blessed his decision of faith: to get the favor from the chief of the court, and to be healthier eating just vegetables than all others who ate the royal food. God gave him knowledge and wisdom ten times better than all others. God used Daniel to glorify God's name not only in Babylon but in Medes and to King Cyrus of Persia.
Prayer: Lord, help me and our young men to resolve to keep our identity as God's people in this corrupt post-Christendom era and bless us to glorify God.
One Word: Resolve for God and blessed by God
