The commitment that was demonstrated by the four Hebrew boys during
their captivity clearly show that it is possible for anyone who is willing to
be totally and consistently committed to God no matter the circumstances around
him (Daniel 1:1-21). As eunuchs, strangers
and slaves in a foreign land, they lacked the privileges that so profusely
surround us in our days. Though they did not have the comfort and encouragement
that comes from corporate worship, nor did they enjoy the fatherly oversight of
a priest, Rabi or Pastor, or the advantage of technology, yet the fear of the
Lord that was rooted and grounded in their hearts became the compass and the
shepherd’s rod with which they navigated their lives in the midst of those
trying times.
Anytime we have the opportunity of studying the lives of these young men,
you cannot but be deeply inspired by their faith, hope and purity. We must
equally acknowledge that the encounters they had with God, the promotions they
received despite fierce oppositions, the deliverances they experienced, the
unmatched revelations and divine insights that made them outstanding amongst
their peers, all where fruits of the commitment they had made to God during their
formative years and their decision to remain committed still in captivity. It
was a simple, yet sincere and heartfelt decision honoured by heaven. Unlike the
yearly resolutions that many make in our time and fail to keep, these young
men’s commitment required much sacrifice and courage even in the face of death
on their part, then favour and grace on God’s part. Friends it worked for them
and it will work for anyone who is willing. The Lord Himself took his time to
boast about such lives in Revelation 12:11 when He said “they overcame him by the blood of the lamb and by the word of their
testimony, and they loved not their
lives even unto death”. The Holy Spirit also declared about them saying
“their praise is not of men but of God” Rom
1:29. What an awesome generation!
The foundation for this kind of
faith inspired commitment is a deep rooted assurance of one’s identity in God
despite the brain washing programs set up by the world (Daniel 1:7). A clear
understanding of the price that was paid to make us His children and an earnest
desire to honour that sacrifice is needed (1 John 3:1-3); then, a personal recognition
of God’s principles concerning holiness and purity (Hebrews 12:14). Daniel 1:8
says “but Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with
the portion of the King’s meat, nor with wine which he drank, therefore he
requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself”. After
their decision we read later in verse 17 “to
these four young men God gave
knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel
could understand visions and dreams of all kinds”. The emphasis here is
that to those who are truly committed not to defile themselves, God continues
to give of Himself and the list of His gifts is endless. An outpouring from
Heaven is guaranteed; they will become history makers and world changers. Friends,
we are equally strangers living in a world positioned and eager to make God’s
children forget who they are or cause them to live lives in ways that are
inconsistent with their profession of faith. On a daily basis we are served
with opportunities for compromise. To this we must say no! If you have never
walked with God at this level of commitment before, this is your time! If you
have made it in the past and drifted away, now is the time to renew it! The
King is coming and His reward is with Him! The grace to do this quickly is
released to you in Jesus name. God bless you.
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