Daniel 1 tells a very interesting story that is very relatable today. Here, we see that the king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar, besieged Israel and took the Israelites into captivity. He then gave instructions to take the finest young men of Israel and train them in the ways of the Babylonians. These young men were taught the languages and the literature of the Babylonians and were served the food from the king’s court for three years in order that they would serve King Nebuchadnezzar at the end of their training.
In our world today, we as young people are targeted. Through our education systems, social media, entertainment, and influences all around us, we are constantly being fed lies and deceptions from the enemy. Satan knows that he can have a firm grasp on the future by shaping the future generations from their youth.
Out of all those young Israelite men, only four took a stand for what they believed – Daniel, Shadrach. Meshach, and Abednego. They “purposed in their heart” that they were not going to “defile” themselves by eating the food offered to them by the king’s court, even though it was of the finest quality. Instead, they chose to eat only vegetables and water for a 10-day trial to determine who would be better off physically – them or those who ate the king’s food.
At the end of the 10 days, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego looked far healthier than their peers who ate the king’s delicacies.
You may remember Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego as the ones who stood when everyone else was supposed to bow in worship to the golden statue, despite the consequence of being chucked into the fiery furnace if they didn’t bow. Daniel was the same brave man who openly prayed to God, even thought he was thrown into the lions’ den.
In every instance we see these four young guys, they are standing uncompromised for the Lord in a culture that tried to shut them up and force them to follow their rules and ways. And in every instance, we see how God was with them, miraculously protecting them and blessing them.
We need some young people today who will courageously stand up in a culture that bows to false idols. Who will openly serve the Lord despite attempts to silence them, who will choose to do the right thing, even if they have to do it alone.
This is what being the remnant is all about.
Joshua 1:9 says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (NKJV).
Remnant, in a world that is trying to silence and indoctrinate us, we need to stand stronger and taller than ever. Will you do that this week?
Let’s do it together.
-Olivia
Liked this week's post? Be sure to leave a comment below and share this post with friends and family!
Subscribe to The Remnant here so you never what's new!
Comments