Graduations, especially those at the end of preschool or kindergarten, provide great entertainment as audiences listen to very young children share their aspirations for the future. Policeman, firefighter, ballerina, farmer, mom, veterinarian — these plans bring a smile to the faces of many parents, along with the knowledge that life often leads in very different directions.
The Old Testament book of Daniel records the story of four Hebrew teenagers who faced challenging decisions during their lives of forced exile. For many years, God had warned the Jewish people that their rebellion and idolatry would result in consequences. The Israelites fell before the military power of Babylon and Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were among those taken to a strange land by their captors.
These young men faced life in a very cosmopolitan setting. There was no longer a community of believers to hold them accountable. Instead, they were given new names and offered the tempting food, education, and lifestyle of the Babylonians. Much as the kindergarten children at graduation, they could be anything they wanted to be — if they would only accept the new societal norms.
However, Scripture tells us that Daniel and his friends “resolved not to defile themselves” (Daniel 1:8) with the seductions around them. Instead, they chose to remain obedient to their faith, trusting that God would honor their obedience.
In Letters for Exiles, author Andy Lamberton shares imaginary letters between Daniel and a servant from his Jewish homeland. During an early communication to Daniel, his friend Abel offers this warning: “If you don’t think about who you want to be, Babylon will do that for you” (p. 35).
Today’s believers face the same dilemma. The Babylon in which we currently live is not our ultimate homeland: we are simply temporary residents, eager to reach heaven. Just as in Daniel’s time, if we are unsure of who and Whose we are, society is all-too-happy to assign us an identity.
The God who recognized the faith of four Hebrew youths is the same God we serve today. He can and will reveal an amazing plan for you if you will only ask. Who do YOU want to be?
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