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Daniel, and a number of fine young men, were taken off from Jerusalen to Babylon as prisoners, and King Nebuchadnezzar chooses these young men to be his counsellors - but first he wants them brainwashed.

He liked the look of these young men. He liked to be surrounded with talent.

His word to them was - forget about your own land - your own people - and your own God.

But - what actually happened was - they would remind him of the real God.

Each of those boys had the name of God in their names - and that is why they have to have even this obliterated.

Daniel - God is judge - to "Baal protect his life".

Hananiah - Jehovah is gracious - to by command of the moon - Acu the moon god.

Mishael - Who is like God - to - who is like the moon God.

Azariah - Jehovah is my keeper (or helper) - to - servant of Nego.

Then they were sent to university to be trained in science and astrology and the literature of the Babylonians.

Verses 8 - 16 . We read of Daniel's courage and courtesy. This was a key decision - Daniel had come to a fork in the road - or a crossroads. A conflict arose, and it came from the kitchen. Nebuchadnezzar wanted them fit and well on the rich and royal food of Babylon - choice food. This was an issue of concern for Daniel - and we do not know the reason. Was it too rich? Was it unclean? He did not want to be fattened up.

He knew that if he took it he would be defiled – and a 16 year old boy has to make the right decision the right way - before someone like Saddam Hussein.

Look at how courteous he is. He is not rude. He has the right attitude. He does not lose their respect. He is not rash but reasonable. May I be excused?

Verse 10 . It is more than my life is worth - man, you'll fade away.

Do you mind coming to a little arrangement with me then? Let's have a ten-day test! Daniel was a young gentleman - as well as a man of God. Those four just stood out.

This was right for them. They looked fit and well. Abstinence wins. Discipline had its own reward and fruit on this occasion. They did the right things the right way. Daniel is a very wise young man indeed. Daniel stood in what appears a small matter.

Daniel purposed - decided - was determined - made up his mind - such self-control.

Verses 17 to 21 . We read of the remarkable results – with oral exams 10 times better than anybody else. What a testimony - part of our testimony can be our results in our exams. Daniel was top. He lays a foundation for a lifetime of service.

Daniel emerges with academic results - spiritual gifts - discernment and interpretation, which were highly valued in Babylon.

This was to become his main ministry, as God gave him spiritual abilities.

Daniel’s diet proved to be ‘successful’ in various vital aspects.

We need to be the best at our job as we can be, and we need men of God at the top.

Daniel was not just thinking of the short term, because when he is 90 he is still witnessing. Daniel and his three friends saw it through. God knows what He is doing.

Because he would not eat the king's food when he was 16 - the lions would not eat him when he was 90!

Daniel knew his Bible - he knew what Jeremiah had prophesied.

Daniel knew he had to pray - he knew how to pray - he knew when to pray.

Daniel didn't punish himself with "if only". No - he prepared for a lifetime of service.

“Gracious holy God – here is a plan for how to live our lives – education, study, discipline, respect, courtesy, manners, success – all presented to us in a few Bible verses. Open our eyes and our hearts and our minds to see these physical and spiritual riches. Show us how good seed sown produces such a rich harvest in every area of our lives. Risen, living Jesus – teach us.” Amen.

"God's Words For US" from Cecelia Lester

Is Jesus Enough?