Commitment That Works

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.