Daniel's Training in Babylon

During the reign of Jehioakim, king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it.  He held the people hostage and carried them off to Babylon.  The king then ordered his chief palace official to choose intelligent handsome young men and have them trained in the language, literature and knowledge of the Babylonians.  Among these were Daniel and his three friends.

Though Daniel obtained training in the affairs of this world and was elevated to a position of ruler in the kingdom of Babylon, he never compromised his loyalty with his God.  When he was commanded to worship man rather than God, he stood his ground and showed his total allegiance to his God by defying the order of the king, which was punishable with death. God rescued him miraculously from his impending death.  This is a lesson for us, brethren and sisters.  Even if we are trained to do deals with the affairs of this world, we should not compromise our faith in God.

I mean, brothers and sisters, the appointed time has grown short, from now on let those who deal with the world be as though they had no dealings with it, for the present form of this world is passing away (1 Corinthians 7:29-33).  In addition, when we are faced with persecution for our faith, we should not despair: “The Lord will rescue us from every evil attack and will bring us safely to his heavenly kingdom, to him be glory for ever and ever.  Amen.”

Bro. Joshua Mushili (Kasama, Zambia)