This morning we’re beginning a journey together through the book of Daniel.  Before we come to chapter one - which is the chapter we’re going to be focusing on this morning - before we get to chapter one we want to first look at the big picture of what God may have for us as we study through this book together.

How many of you have seen the movie “Unbroken”?  The movie is about who?  Louis Zamperini.  Long story short.  In World War II Zamperini was a bombardier with the US Army Air Force - crashed in the Pacific - survived horrific conditions on a life raft for 47 days only to be captured by the Japanese Navy - imprisoned - brutalized - mistreated beyond description.  Mercilessly tormented by a prison guard Mutsuhiro “Bird” Watanabe - The Bird - who later was included on General MacArthur’s 40 most wanted list.

Short video.  We’re going to see Louis Zamperini reading a letter that touches on his testimony and his attitude towards Mutsuhiro “Bird” Watanabe.  As you watch this listen for Zamperini’s attitude towards his captors and God at work.

(video - “Louis Zamperini reads his letter to the Bird”)

Powerful.  Yes?  Maybe inspiring?  Inspiring maybe because we compare ourselves and we’re wonder if we could ever be like that.

This is John Yakubu.  In Nigeria - since 2010 - because of copy-cat ISIS like caliphate called Boko Haram - an estimated 11,000 plus Christians have been killed.  3,500 have been injured and thousands more displaced.  In just 2014 alone over 2,000 Christians were martyred.

John Yakubu survived multiple attacks - escaped with his family to Cameroon.  Unable to feed his family, John returned to Nigeria to sell some of his livestock.  When Boko Haram members saw him enter his house they captured him and demanded that he convert to Islam or else he’d die a painful death.

When John refused to convert the men tied him to a tree binding his arms and legs.  They slashed both of John’s hands with a heavy knife and mocked him.  Using a machete as well as the knife, the men continued to torture John.  They repeatedly cut into his feet and his back, stopping only to ask him if he would give up his faith in Christ and follow Allah.

John refused.

They went on - using an axe to cut so deeply into his knee that it reached the bone.  His head was slashed with a knife.  Eventually, John lost consciousness.  John was left bleeding and tied to the tree for three days before someone rescued him and he was taken to a hospital in a coma.

In the hospital, when a worker from Voice of the Martyr’s asked John how he felt about his attackers, he replied, “I have forgiven the Islamic militants, because they did not know what they are doing.” (1)

We could go around the world like this - country after country - sharing about our siblings in Christ who each day face persecution - death - certainly hardship - because they hold fast to their relationship with Jesus Christ.

Have you ever asked yourself:  Would I have what it takes to live for Jesus in those circumstances?  To forgive our tormentors.  To bless and pray for those who persecute us.  To work for their salvation.

There’s a part of us that’s in awe of their sacrifice.  There’s a part of us that may even envy those who have such commitment.  Wouldn’t it be great if we could live that courageously for Jesus?  And yet we hesitate - thinking about the depth of that commitment.  What that would really mean for us?  Giving everything.  Death to self.  Life is about God. 

The late Tom White - former director of Voice of the Martyrs - himself having been imprisoned for his faith.  Tom White wrote this:  “Some who are attracted to the work of the Voice of the Martyrs have a misconception about Christians in captive lands, thinking they are more dedicated… In our nation where we have religious freedom, we may envy those believers who sneak around using a little flashlight in the jungle to deliver Bibles and other materials and assistance.”  Then this statement:  “Christians need this courage wherever we live.” (2)

That statement is why this series from Daniel is so important for us.  “Christians need this courage wherever we live.” 

We need courage to live for Jesus - right here in Merced.  Same depth - same commitment - same source - as our siblings in captive lands.

Between classes - it takes courage to share Jesus with a hurting friend.  It takes courage to live for Jesus at work or school when the vocabulary and discussion is straight from hell.  Or, where the pressure to conform is enormous - even job threatening.  It takes courage to witness to people who come to the door.  Courage to reach out to this community - sharing the Gospel - stepping into God space.  Courage when we can easily find a million other things to do that don’t make us go weak in the knees.

It takes courage to live for Jesus in our homes when we’re ridiculed by our families.  It takes courage to say, “My child isn’t going to participate in that.”  When no one else seems to see that there’s a problem.  Courage to make different choices in how we use our time and ability and resources.  Courage to do what’s unpopular - misunderstood - ridiculed - even though its right before God. 

Forgiveness takes courage.  It takes courage to tithe when we wonder if God supplies.  Sometimes we just need courage to get up and face a new day - to just keep going.

We need courage to live for Jesus - right here in the greater Merced metroplex.  That’s what we’re going to be looking at in Daniel.  What does this courage look like?  Where does it come from?  How can we have that kind of courage in our lives?

Daniel 1 - starting at verse 1:  In the third year of the reign of Jehoakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it.  And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with some of the vessels of the house of God.  And he brought them to the land of Shinar, to the house of his god, and placed the vessels in the treasury of his god.  Then the king commanded Ashpenaz, his chief eunuch, to bring some of the people of Israel, both of the royal family and of the nobility, youths without blemish, of good appearance and skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding and learning, and competent to stand in the king’s palace, and to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans. - Chaldeans being another name for Babylonians.

What we’re being given here is Our Introduction to Daniel’s World.  What its like for Daniel as he’s trying to live for God.

Meaning we need to see the history behind the text.

The Babylonians invaded Jerusalem three times.  “The third year of the reign of Jehoiakim” was the first invasion which took place in 605 B.C.  During that invasion Nebuchadnezzar hauled off the top layer of Jewish society - the wealthy - the nobles.  In that group was a young boy named Daniel - probably about 14 years old.

We need to try and imagine what that would be like.  For some of us it may be a stretch to think back to being 14.  But try.

Life at age 14 is pretty strange as it is.  The great task is trying to make sense out of life - life that often doesn’t make sense.  And somehow we’re suppose to understand who we are and how we fit into all that.

What’s that line?  “Every time I figure out the answer they change the question.”  In a lot of ways that’s being a teenager. 

Daniel - whose that age - has his country invaded - his whole world turned upside down.  He’s taken away from his family, friends, and anything familiar - gets hauled off 500 plus miles east - a four month hike through really lovely country - especially if you like rocks and sand - is taken as a prisoner to this city where no one speaks his language - where everything is strange and foreign.

That’s a game changer - especially for a 14 year old.

In verse 2 - notice that Nebuchadnezzar - along with taking Daniel and the other prisoners - Neb also takes some of the vessels of the house of God - takes them to the house of his god.  Point being - to the prisoners Neb is saying, “Your future is mine.  My god is greater than your God.”

The prisoners had four months traveling through the desert to think about that.  Then they arrived at Babylon - capital of the empire.

The city of Babylon was a huge fortified structure - overwhelming in power and ego and ungodliness.  The main wall was 85 feet tall - about seven stories high - 65 feet thick.  Imagine Mercy Hospital as a wall.  The walls to Nebuchadnezzar’s palace alone were 135 feet thick.  On every brick of the outer 23½ feet was written the name of Nebuchadnezzar.

Coming into Babylon through the Ishtar gate - Ishtar being the Babylonian goddess of love and fertility - the Ishtar gate was a 40 foot tall structure decorated with dragons and bulls - symbols of Marduk - the number one Babylonian god - and Hadad - the storm and war god.  The number one Babylonian god was… Marduk.

Passing through that gate - through these massive walls - there were theses 3½ foot square paving stones that had the inscription, “I am Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon… I paved the road of Babylon with mountain stone for the procession of the mighty lord Marduk.”

Inside the city there are at least 53 temples to different gods - 180 open-air shrines to Ishtar - 1,800 niches and pedestals and sacred places for the other gods.  The temple of Marduk alone sat on 60 acres. 

How do think a 14 year old boy would feel coming into that city?  “Toto.  We’re not in Kansas anymore.”  “If the God of my people is the one true God what am I doing here?  Maybe all those old stories - all that stuff about deliverance from Egypt - maybe they were just stories.  Maybe there’s something to this Marduk god.” 

That’s Daniel’s world.  What kind of courage would it take to live for God?

Verses 5 to 7 describe What Nebuchadnezzar Offered Daniel.  

Nebuchadnezzar ordered Ashpenaz to teach these young boys the literature and language of the Chaldeans - everything it took to be ready to serve in the king’s court.  To do that - verse 5 - The king assigned them a daily portion of the food that the king ate, and of the wine that he drank.  They were to be educated for three years, and at the end of that time they were to stand before the king.  Among these were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah of the tribe of Judah.  And the chief of the eunuchs gave them names:  Daniel he called Belteshazzar, Hananiah he called Shadrach, Mishael he called Meshach, and Azariah he called Abednego.

Three things we need to see.

First - notice Neb’s offer of education.  This is the best education available at the time - the best university under the best circumstances.  Three years with a full ride scholarship.  A sweet deal.

But we need to think about what’s really being offered here.  The education is in what?  “the literature and language of the Chaldeans.”   That’s not arithmetic - science - and agriculture.  That is hymns and stories of the Babylonian gods.  Immersion in Babylonian thought - values - attitudes - philosophy.  Nebuchadnezzar isn’t educating.  He’s indoctrinating.

Ever wonder if the purpose of our educational system is not education but indoctrination?  Just asking.

Second - notice Neb’s offer of lifestyle - the best food and wine - right from the king’s own table.  Its like being on a cruise ship - Royal Babylonian.  All you can eat of the best of the best.  Escargot every night.  Anchovy pizza on demand.  How could anyone pass that up? 

But, the food was sacrificed to idols.  To eat it would have meant participating in that sacrifice.  It would have meant compromising our morals and spiritual purity.  Nebuchadnezzar isn’t just offering them an upgrade in diet - he’s trying to change their lifestyle - to get them to act like Babylonians.

Its only food.  Right?  The American way of life.  Where food is used as a decoration - taken for granted - enjoyed in excess - gluttony.  Life is about us.  Its not like I’m really flirting with devotion to another god.

Third - notice Neb’s offer of identity.  New names - new identity.  Reading in English we can miss the meaning of the names in the original languages.

In Hebrew Daniel means... “God is my judge.”  Neb changed Daniel’s name to what?  Belteshazzar.  Which means, “Protect his life, Bel.”  Bel was another name for Marduk.  Marduk was?  Number one Babylonian god.

Hananiah means... “Yahweh has been gracious.”  Neb gives him the name Shadrach which means “Command of Aku.”  Aku was a Sumerian moon god.

Mishael meaning... “Who is what God is?” becomes Meshach meaning “Who is what Aku is?”

Azariah “The Lord helps” becomes Abed-nego “Servant to Nebo” - Nebo being Marduk’s son.

Point being that behind Nebuchadnezzar’s offer - Nebuchadnezzar is trying to change them - from the very core of who they are - bring them into conformity to Babylonian society - lead them away from honoring the one true God - to honoring the gods of their captors.  What’s seems like favorable treatment - a really great opportunity - is really a very subtle attempt to influence these boys. 

None of which goes on today (sarcasm).  In our educational system there’s a constant tug-of-war for control of the minds of the next generation.  Our society is in a downward moral spiral that sucks at us from every way possible.  We live in pluralistic society - a plethora of religions and philosophies that continually distort truth.  All of which has one common source… Satan.  All of which has one common goal... lead people away from God.

Its important for us to see that what Daniel struggled with is very similar to what we struggle with.  Same issues.  Same need for courage where we live.

Coming to verse 8 is Daniel’s Response.  How did Daniel respond to the situation he was in and to all of what Nebuchadnezzar was offering him?

Verse 8:  But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank.  Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself.  And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs, and the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who assigned your food and your drink; for why should he see that you were in worse condition than the youths who are of your own age?  So you would endanger my head with the king.”  Then Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had assigned over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,  “Test your servants for ten days; let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink.  Then let our appearance and the appearance of the youths who eat the king’s food be observed by you, and deal with your servants according to what you see.”  So he listened to them in this matter, and tested them for ten days.

Looking at Daniel’s response - two observations.

First:  He made up his mind. 

Verse 8:  “Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself”  The issue isn’t Jewish dietary laws - right?  To eat pork or not to eat pork.  The issue is defilement - purity before God - obedience - who Daniel belongs to.  The food is sacrificed to idols.  But, Daniel belongs to God.  Regardless of what our society may tempt us with, we belong to God.

That Daniel made up his mind means that there was a process of thought involved.  He saw his situation - the opportunity that Nebuchadnezzar was presenting - felt the pressure to conform.  Daniel compared that to what God expected of His people.  He knows that he’s God’s man.  He considers what the response of God’s man should be.  Evaluates the options.  And resolves - meaning commitment without the option of turning back - resolves to obey God.

Second notice How Daniel chose to act.

Verse 8 - “Therefore - because he has made up his mind as to what God expected of him - therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself.” 

Notice how.  “He asked.”  Daniel didn’t walk up to Ashpenaz and say, “Hey Ash, we’re Jews.  Man, we don’t eat stuff like that.  We ain’t goin’ there.”  Ever hear Christians shove their faith down people’s throats and then wonder why people blow them off?  Why God isn’t glorified?

Daniel approaches Ashpenaz with respect.  He’s not demanding or arrogant.  He understands the position Ashpenaz is in before the king.  He’s concerned for Ashpenaz’s well being as well as the steward.

He comes with a compromise - a test that’s really not going to get anyone in trouble - at least not in ten days.  It’s a compromise that’s obedient - honoring - to God - shows respect for those in authority - and provides the opportunity for God to be glorified - for God’s purposes to be accomplished.

Third observation - notice that Daniel chose to follow God. 

Our bodies only do what they do because they were created by God to do what they do the way they do what they do.  Meaning that we can really mess up our bodies by eating or drinking in a way that shows a total disrespect for the God who created our bodies with purpose.  Or, we can eat and drink in a way that respects how God has created our bodies and the purpose for which God desires to use our bodies.

All of which is an acknowledgement that we are God’s creation.  We are God’s people created by God for His purposes - for His glory not ours.

Ultimately what Daniel is doing here is something that we’re going to see Daniel do over and over again in this book.  Ultimately Daniel is taking God at His word and choosing to live in obedience to God.  Follow God’s instructions and leave the results up to God. 

There’s a reminder here for us - as we think through our situations - with what we are tempted to buy into - as we make our choices - that we need to be seeking God - prayerfully - in His word - in dependence on Him.  Looking to Him for understanding - for wisdom - for answers.  Whether that’s eating or what we’re watching or how we’re spending our time or whatever - we need to be making choices according to God’s will - according to who God has created us to be and His purposes for our lives. 

Which brings us to verse 15 - How God Responds.

At the end of ten days it was seen that they were better in appearance and fatter in flesh than all the youths who ate the king’s food.  So the steward took away their food and the wine they were to drink, and gave them vegetables.  As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.  At the end of the time, when the king commanded that they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.  And the king spoke with them, and among all of them none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.  Therefore they stood before the king.  And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom.  And Daniel was there until the first year of King Cyrus.

If Daniel isn’t moving forward where God wants to go - if God doesn’t show up - Daniel is in serious trouble.  He’s going to be hung out to dry.  Maybe even dead. 

Verse 9 records that Ashpenaz goes along with Daniel’s suggestion.  We’re told that that’s an act of God at work in Ashpenaz’s heart.

Verse 15 tells us that this whole vegetarian experiment was a huge win for Daniel and team.  They came out looking better that all the other youths - some of whom were probably from Judah and who probably had put a ton of pressure on Daniel to compromise. 

Verse 17 says that God gave them learning and skill and wisdom.  God gave Daniel the ability to understand visions and dreams. 

Daniel and his friends are found by Nebuchadnezzar to have wisdom and knowledge that exceeded even that of the magicians and conjurers by ten times.  Not by one or two times.  But ten times more.  They entered into the kings personal service - a position of trust and influence.

We’re going to see this over and over again as we go through this book.  As Daniel honors God.  God blesses Daniel.  God uses Daniel way beyond what Daniel by himself is capable of.  God using Daniel for God’s purposes - for God’s glory.

The first year of Cyrus the king was 537 B.C.  Which means that for almost 70 years Daniel had a significant influence on world events - standing right next to throne of the kings of Babylon - and later the Medes and the Persians. 

When Nebuchadnezzar had dreams - Daniel was the one who made sense out of them.  When Nebuchadnezzar lost his mind - Daniel was there beside him.  Daniel explained to Belshazzar what the handwriting on the wall meant.  It may have Daniel who wrote the decree for Cyrus that sent the Jews back to the Promised Land.

This book isn’t Nebuchadnezzar’s book.  It isn’t Belshazzar’s book.  It isn’t Cyrus’ book.  It’s the Book of Daniel.  That’s God’s response.

Taking that home - thinking about living courageously as we head out there into 2015.

First:  Identity.

Names have meaning.  True?  My mother’s maiden name was Shakarian.  Shakar in Armenian means sugar.  Several generations back the name was changed from Katchadourian to Shakarian because one of my great greats went into the candy making business.  Shakarian loosely meaning “son of a candy maker.”

Going back to the roots of each person here we’d probably find descriptions of occupations and family members and towns from way back where and when.  Names have meaning.

We’ve been given the name Christian.  Originally that was a term of disrespect.  The Church started using it proudly.  “Christian” has the meaning of being “related to Christ.”  Its hard to give an exact translation of that.  But the idea is someone who has a true saving faith in Christ.  In a sense being “Christ-like because of Christ.”

Courage is gained as we see ourselves that way.  As Daniel did - as God’s man or woman.  We need to grab on to that truth.  Hold tenaciously on to it.  Cling to it and marinate in that truth.

While we were once under the authority and power of Satan and the powers of darkness - God so loves us - values and cherishes us - that He gave Himself to die for us.  Our lives have been purchased from Satan’s power through the broken body and shed blood of Jesus the Christ.

The Holy Spirit - God - has come to dwell within us.  We are the temple of the Holy Spirit.  He has sealed us - set us apart - given us the promise of heaven - life with God which begins now and extends into eternity.

In Christ, we are the sons and daughters of the Almighty God of creation.  We are citizens of His Kingdom - heirs of the riches of heaven.

God has given to each us purpose and meaning for our lives.  We have a crucial place in His plan of redeeming mankind from sin.  We are soldiers in a spiritual battle - fighting on the winning side.  Given the great opportunity to live for God and to make a significant difference in this world.  We are overcomers - victorious through Jesus Christ.  Amen?

Way too often - we’re like Esau - giving up our birthright for something far less important - stew.  Some cheap temporal offer the world extends to us.  We compromise.  We fail to stand firm or to stand up.  We fear what has already been conquered on the cross.

When thinking about identity - remember who you are.  Christian.  Remember Who’s you are.

Second thought of application:  Influence.

Somehow we have this idea that if we stand up for God then we’re going to be marginalized - rejected - toasted.  But the opposite happens here.  Daniel stands for God and God shows up.  As Daniel honors God - God honors Daniel.  God gives Daniel great influence - with the kings of his day - even today in our lives - even tomorrow.  Significant portions of prophecy - like in the Book of Revelation - need the Book of Daniel to be  understood.

That doesn’t mean that we’re going to stand next to kings for 70 years.  And yes it may mean rejection.  Sometimes choices have hard implications.  Following Jesus, many of our Christian siblings are going through really really tough circumstances.  But their influence - in the lives of their persecutors - those around them - even in our lives - the immeasurable degree of that influence will be known in heaven.

The point is - if we will - remembering Who’s we are - make up our minds to stand for God against what Satan is doing in this world - then God will show up.  God will bless us.  God will use us.  We will be His witnesses in this world.

Bottom line - as we’re seeking courage.  Don’t ever let the world take away your awareness of who you are in Jesus Christ.  And expect - as you stand for God - that God will be there with you - for you - for His glory.

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1. http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=%3D373033

2. Voice of the Martyrs, March 2006

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®  (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.  Used by permission.  All rights reserved.