We’ve looked at Daniel’s worldview, and the worldview of Babylon.
We’ve read earlier 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.”
Why food and wine? Perhaps they did not have a choice over having their names changed (which was a direct assault on changing their identity at a deep level), but why food?
A key word that helps with motive is the word “defile”. Daniel was concerned about his holiness.
Resolving to not defile yourself is first an inward decision, a decision of the heart. When we are deeply moved to take a position, or communicate an emotion, it shows with an outward sign. Yet it starts in the heart.
People will where a black armband to indicate their deep inward grief over the loss of a loved one. We lower flags to “half-mast” in respect for people we’ve lost. The list of symbols is long.
The reality is that as humans, we are a symbol-making, symbol-bearing people.
Yet it is even deeper. Daniel understands that if he is going to witness for the Holy and Almighty God, then his holiness matters. Daniel’s holiness is positive holiness, a holiness dedicated to God.
I’m reading Daniel with a specific eye towards how his was a powerful witness in a foreign culture. My goal is to glean what can be learned about how to witness in our day.
Daniel’s first step is to resolve, to decide in his heart, that he must first pursue holiness.
The Bible has other examples. Consider the Apostle Peter. Peter certainly witnessed in a hostile environment. We often quote Peter, “…always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you…”
Yet the fuller quote from 1 Peter 3:14-16 reads:
14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.
“In our hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy…”, and this will allow us to “have a good conscience…”
One of the first steps in standing up for our faith, is our own holiness.
I know that sounds heavy, but it makes sense.
Where are you with standing for Jesus? Where is your holiness? I am asking myself these questions.