Daniel 1- Thriving in the Darkness

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Daniel 1- Thriving in Dark Places Read Daniel 1

Daniel was just a teenager when he was taken from his home in Judah to Babylon to serve Nebuchadnezzar. Growing up Judah was under Egyptian rule and 2 Kings says Jehoiakim who was placed on the thrown by Egypt did evil in the sight of the Lord. Daniel grew up a man of faith when his own King (of Judah) was evil and they were paying heavy tribute to Egypt who oversaw them only to later be captured buy the Babylonians and taken as a servant to a foreign land. This is how the book of Daniel opens. The Babylonians weren’t like other superpowers that would demolish enemies. The Babylonians assimilated those they conquered into their culture. This is why Daniel is promoted after meeting the standards of being smart, handsome, and athletic. He was trained for three years to BE a Babylonian. But Daniel never forgot who he was and who God was. He held his identity and his faith. He learned to thrive, even in dark places.

1. The book of Daniel opens with a story about food. Really? Food? Why is this the first step in assimilating these young men? Why does Daniel take a stand right here?

2. Verse 17 says God gave them “Knowledge and understanding of literature and learning. Daniel also understood visions and dreams.” This is telling you what this culture valued. The practical and the mystical. Daniel understood both. How do you think Daniel adapted to the culture? What do you think it was like for him?

3. Daniel doesn’t try to go home. Escape. Maybe at times he imagined he would be like Moses and lead people out of captivity. But he doesn’t. He says. He learns to serve and thrive in a place he didn’t chose. What do we need to learn from that right now?

4. What is a hard situation you are in right now where you need knowledge and understanding and spiritual wisdom to thrive in? How can you thrive in a hard place?