Not Squeezed but Transformed

Last Sunday we began our study on Daniel. In chapter one, we learn that the Jews are suffering through the Babylonian exile. Jerusalem has been destroyed and many of the Jews have been taken as prisoners of war into exile in Babylon.

I stated that in chapter one the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar, represents a powerful force that is trying to squeeze four young Jewish boys into a mold to use for his purposes. He wants to shape them into the ways of Babylon. He wants to enlist them into his cause. If they do well, they’re guaranteed success. I believe Nebuchadnezzar is trying to domesticate the Israelites. If he can show the Israelites that success is possible in his kingdom, they will assimilate and serve. It’s an ingenious approach.

This is not far from our own lives. There are forces at work in our world that are trying to squeeze us into a mold. We too are being enlisted into the service of countless things. We are all encouraged to bow to the idols of body-image, sex, power, and success. Furthermore, we’re all shaped by certain ways of thinking—some of them good and others not so good. What do we do? How do we respond?

Daniel provides a positive example. Daniel knows that he’s been claimed by another so he refuses to eat the King’s food. Daniel stays true to the dietary rules in the Old Testament. This might sound inconsequential. But we mustn’t forget, these laws were given to help the Israelites remember to whom they belong. Daniel stays true to God, remembering he’s been claimed by God--by refusing to eat the King’s food.

The question remains, what practices do we have that will help us stay true to the God who has called us to be his servants? I suggested six last week. Here they are:

1) Regular church attendance. We need to go to the place where we’ll be shaped into the image of God, regularly. Our culture is squeezing us into a mold, telling us church is not important. We need to think about this and talk about it some.

2) Regular giving. Paying God first (tithing 10%) helps us keep him first in our lives (Deuteronomy 26).

3) Tune in daily. See Deuteronomy 6.4-9. Notice how often they’re supposed to think about this great commandment. They are to keep it central in their lives all of the time, talking about it constantly.

4) Turn to substance. Our media culture is becoming a freak show. Anything is better than most of the junk fed to us through the media—a good novel, meeting with friends, rest, silence, prayer, etc.

5) Fasting. This is a good discipline to embrace. Try a 12 hour or 24 hour fast. It will help you remember that you don’t live on bread alone but upon every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.

What do you think?