Person of peace

June 15, 2022 (Wednesday)

 

It feels to me that we are living in a world hostile to Jesus. Being hostile to Jesus means having an extreme hatred toward Christianity and Christians. Exercising faith and attempting influence in our culture is beginning to carry risks. I personally have experienced death threats. Who would have thought it in the good ol’ US of A?

 

The question is how do we live in a predominately unbelieving world? My best answer is 1. Remain faithful. 2. Bear witness. 3. Make a difference. Let’s look at the life of Daniel for a moment. A lot of bad things have happened to him. His country had been conquered by a nation that used carted many people into slavery.

 

Everything has changed. He no longer had the comfort of his native culture. He needed to learn a new language. The food was different. Even their names were changed to suit their masters. All these things are symbols of identity. Despite the fact that all of the externals are subject to change, Daniel determined that some core elements cannot.

 

We read, "Daniel decided that he wouldn’t pollute himself with the king’s rations or the royal wine, and he appealed to the chief official in hopes that he wouldn’t have to do so." [Daniel 1:8 CEB] It seems petty to think of Daniel taking a stand on what he ate and drank. The point is that this is something he "could" control. However, there are several things that might have factored into this stand.

 

The food may not have been acceptable according to the dietary laws God gave the Jews. Second, the food and wine may first have been offered to the Babylonian gods. Daniel understood this would "pollute" his body and spirit. Notice HOW Daniel chose to take the stand. He did so respectfully and through proper channels. There was no hunger strike, protest, riot, or outright rebellion. Daniel addressed the person in charge in a reasoned and respectful manner.

 

Such behavior gave God some elbow room to work. We next read something that appears miraculous; "Now God had given the chief of staff both respect and affection for Daniel." [Daniel 1:9 NTL] When we behave ourselves, even in a hostile and unfavorable environment, good things are possible. In theological terms, it seems Daniel has run across a "person of peace." This is a person willing to be helpful in God’s cause.

 

Daniel proposes a brief test, which would not endanger the official. It worked. However, Daniel’s attitude, powered by God’s work, propels him and his cohort to the front of the line. We read the result, “Whenever the king consulted them about any aspect of wisdom and understanding, he found them head and shoulders above all the dream interpreters and enchanters in his entire kingdom.” [Daniel 1:20 CEB]

 

By remaining faithful to God, reasoned and respectful of the authorities over him, Daniel was put in the position to bear witness to the one true God and have a positive influence on the king and the nation he served.