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Word from Nairnshire
by Sandy Shaw
If we change their names, we can confuse their identity. If we give them Babylonian names, that will encourage them to feel like one of us. If we send these four clever fellows to university for three years, and teach them Babylonian science and astrology, grounding them in our literature, they are bound to forget their heritage.
Such was the superficial thinking of tyrannical Nebuchadnezzar.
What might Daniel and his three friends have said privately? Nebuchadnezzar may attempt all this ‘education’ but he knows nothing of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob!
These four young lads were men of God, with the calling of God upon their life.
Now, a conflict arose, and it was not over language or literature, or a change of name, but food.
Nebuchadnezzar wanted them to fit in well and enjoy the rich royal food of Babylon.
This was an issue of concern for perceptive Daniel. He knew that if he dined on Nebuchadnezzar’s fare he could be defiled.
Ezekiel and Hosea, men of God with prophetic insight, had spoken about unclean food, and Daniel knew the significance of the prophets.
Daniel makes the right decision, the right way, before a king who was similar in character to Saddam Hussein.
But also, to take someone else’s food could betoken friendship.
The decisions we make when we are young can influence the remainder of our life.
Daniel arrived at a crossroads.
Daniel knew what he was doing. He is not rude nor rash but reasonable, as he displays courtesy and courage.
There is a great lesson here on how to be prophetically discreet and graceful and respectful, when dealing with those who have alien ways, without compromising our calling in Christ.
It is Jesus who refers to the prophet Daniel.
Sandy Shaw
Nairn Christian Fellowship
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Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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