WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4
Daniel 1:8a
Philippians 3:14

“I press toward the mark for the prize of
the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

INFLUENCE AND DISCERNMENT

“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself ...” (Dan 1:8). This Hebrew youth, in his middle teens, refused to defile himself with what God had forbidden. God had warned His people against all idolatrous practices including sacrifices to heathen gods (Exod 34:15). The king’s choice food probably included the meat of animals that had been offered to the gods of Babylon.

Daniel quickly discerned that the Babylonian culture being imposed upon him was in conflict with the Word of God. How can we explain such discernment in a young man? One influence may have been the national revival under King Josiah (Jehoiakim’s father). As a vigorous reformer, he had repaired God’s Temple and decreed that the copy of God’s Word discovered there should be read to all the people. As a result, a revival spread throughout the land. Though Josiah’s own sons sought to undo their father’s righteous acts (perhaps because God’s people failed to pray for their national leaders sufficiently, even as we fail today), Daniel, at least, determined to be faithful to God.

Daniel must have been deeply influenced by godly parents also. He was diligently taught by them to hide God’s words in his heart. God has commanded His people: “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up” (Deut 6:6-7). “Daniel was given the most important thing to prepare him for life – a knowledge of God and faith to live by in any environment in which he would find himself ” (Campbell). Daniel was a marvelous tribute to his godly upbringing.

THOUGHT: Am I helping to provide a deeply spiritual atmosphere in my home for God to shape a future servant in His kingdom?
PRAYER: Lord, help me to walk circumspectly before Thee so that others will be influenced by Thy Holy Spirit to do the same.