Scripture Referenced:
Main focus is God. Gonna start at the end and go to the beginning. Verse 21 – Daniel Continued. Daniel had purposed in his head that he would not defile himself. As verse 1 starts, we see there is a war. Wars are typically around God or gods. In verse 2 we see that our God is sovereign and in control. Israel had gotten away from God and are about to get a spanking. He tries to draw them back to him. You may take the things of this place and mix them with things of gods. But you can not take a true vessel and mix them. Satan not only wants the church destroyed but your children to turn from God. We need to teach our children at a young age to take a firm stand for God. In verses 3-4, not one time did Nebukenezzer say ‘we need to get Christian children’. But thankfully, he got 4 of them. King Nebukenezzer had ordered for all the children to come with him. He would give them rations for 3 years. They then were to be judged and given a position within his kingdom. Verse 6, ‘Faith cometh by hearing. By hearing the Word of God.’ There were certain things these children should not eat. Daniel purposed in his heart that he wouldn’t defile himself. The kids were given new names in Nebukenezzer’s kingdom. Giving them a new name was a way to dominate over them. America, we are sheep. Don’t let the world lead us. Jesus is our shepherd. There are many wolves in sheep’s clothing. Everything Nebukenezzer did was to show that he was great. He took them in, fed and clothed them, taught them, they will serve him. Daniel doesn’t want to sin against God. He wants to be clean and perfect. These kids had decided on their own, that God has cleaned their bodies for a reason and wasn’t going to defile it. God says in Romans – Don’t sin! Even though you are under grace. Sin is choosing Satan over God. In verse 8, these 4 kids wouldn’t give in. Even as a child- Daniel told the Prince of the Unics why he wouldn’t eat of the kings meat and wine. He testified his faith in God as a child. God brought Daniel into favor upon the Prince. The prince fears the King. Daniel fears God. As a child of God, Satan has nothing over you, except for what God has allowed. Which that has a purpose. In verse 11, the children requested pulse (like a vegetable soup) and water so as not to defile themselves. Daniel said to compare these 4 against the other children after 10 days to show what God has done for them. At the end of the 10 days, the 4 Christian children were found 10x better looking and smarter than the other children. Sin wears you down mentally and physically. Staying faithful to God makes you feel better. Not saying God cant forgive, why would you want to go against God? We are to be like Daniel and hold steadfast in the way of God.