Introduction: The nation Israel was defeated and many citizens of Israel were carried away into captivity. Daniel and his three friends were among those taken
Daily Bible Reading:
Daniel 1:1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. 2 The Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, along with some of the vessels of the house of God; and he brought them to the land of Shinar, to the house of his god, and he brought the vessels into the treasury of his god. 3 Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, the chief of his officials, to bring in some of the sons of Israel, including some of the royal family and of the nobles, 4 youths in whom was no defect, who were good-looking, showing intelligence in every branch of wisdom, endowed with understanding and discerning knowledge, and who had ability for serving in the king’s court; and he ordered him to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans. 5 The king appointed for them a daily ration from the king’s choice food and from the wine which he drank, and appointed that they should be educated three years, at the end of which they were to enter the king’s personal service. 6 Now among them from the sons of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. 7 Then the commander of the officials assigned new names to them; and to Daniel he assigned the name Belteshazzar, to Hananiah Shadrach, to Mishael Meshach and to Azariah Abed-nego.
New American Standard Bible: 1995 update. (1995). (Da 1:1–7). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation. (Emphasis mine)
An Application:
Sometimes we wonder why God allows bad things to happen to us. I’m sure Daniel wondered as well. Notice that Daniel and his friends were outstanding people, but they were taken in captivity. They were of God’s chosen people, and yet they were abused by a pagan king and kingdom. They were even stripped of their names. Despite these terrible circumstances, Daniel rose above his difficult circumstances and lived an exceedingly victorious life. So can we.
Daniel trusted in His God in the midst of crushing circumstances. As we will see, he did this by trusting in His God. So should we.
Confirmation from the Epistles (letters)
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.
An Application
God our Savior wants to save us from our daily temptations. He is on our side and will help us. We only need to ask, and He will show us the way. The way will undoubtedly be difficult at times, but a way of escape is always there, if we are willing take it. Let’s do it together.
New American Standard Bible: 1995 update. (1995). (1 Co 10:13). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.