Read: Daniel 1:1-7
The king commanded . . . some of the people of Israel . . . to stand in the king’s palace. (vv. 3-4)
The book of Daniel is a story of exile. Daniel and his friends were taken from their home in Israel and forced into the service of the Babylonian king. The exile was a consequence of Israel’s unfaithfulness. But it was also an essential part of God’s saving plan. God’s purpose was never simply to make Israel prosper. It was to make them “a light for the nations” (Isa. 49:6). How would God accomplish this? Through faithful representatives positioned in prominent places. Daniel and his friends influenced an entire empire. But to do so they had to strike the most delicate balance. They had to serve the Babylonian king while standing for their heavenly King.
Exile is one of the New Testament’s main metaphors for Christian identity. The apostle Peter writes, “I urge you as sojourners and exiles to . . . keep your conduct among [unbelievers] honorable” (1 Peter 2:11-12).
Like Daniel and his friends, we have been positioned to influence an unbelieving world for God. To be of influence, we need to live in a way that impacts our neighbors for their good. We need to serve as good citizens in the places we’ve been planted. At the same time, we must live as faithful citizens of our true kingdom. Daniel and his friends bore witness by standing out in ways that were risky. In the service of our King, we are called to do the same.
As you pray, ask God to show you where, and how, you can best serve his kingdom.
About the Author
Ben Van Arragon is the Minister of Worship and Leadership at Plymouth Heights Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He preaches and teaches the Bible in church, online, and anywhere else he has the opportunity.
