Friday: Further Thought – From Jerusalem to Babylon
Further Thought:
“Daniel and his companions in Babylon were, in their youth, apparently more favored of fortune than was Joseph in the earlier years of his life in Egypt; yet they were subjected to tests of character scarcely less severe. From the comparative simplicity of their Judean home these youth of royal line were transported to the most magnificent of cities, to the court of its greatest monarch, and were singled out to be trained for the king’s special service.
Image © Stan Myers from GoodSalt.com
Strong were the temptations surrounding them in that corrupt and luxurious court. The fact that they, the worshipers of Jehovah, were captives to Babylon; that the vessels of God’s house had been placed in the temple of the gods of Babylon; that the king of Israel was himself a prisoner in the hands of the Babylonians, was boastfully cited by the victors as evidence that their religion and customs were superior to the religion and customs of the Hebrews. Under such circumstances, through the very humiliations that Israel’s departure from His commandments had invited, God gave to Babylon evidence of His supremacy, of the holiness of His requirements, and of the sure result of obedience. And this testimony He gave, as alone it could be given, through those who still held fast their loyalty”. — Ellen G. White, Education, p. 54.
Discussion Questions:
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I have told the story of my daughter's experience at university before so I will only give a brief summary this time. After 12 years of Adventist education my daughter went to a state university to study optometry. She would be living away from home for the first time and mixing with non-Adventists in her classes. We were scared spitless as to what would happen. The optometry group were a very tight-knit group socially and would often go out together for drinks and parties. Our daughter joined in and it was not long before she made it vary clear that she would not be getting drunk. She became the designated driver and often helped those who were so drunk that they were legless. She would pull their heads out of the toilet so that they didn't drown in their own vomit, get them home an into bed and check on them the next day to see if they were ok. Everyone knew that she was a Christian, not from her talk (although she was good at that too) but from her actions.
I would not expect everyone to be like our daughter. She has a strong personality and social confidence that helps her fit into those challenging situations. Each of us have different talents that we can use in our interactions with others. I don't think we did anything special to prepare our daughter for the real world, but she was able to quickly adapt and at the same time hold her principles high.
I guess in one sense we were lucky with our daughter, because I can think of many Adventist young people who followed a different path of behaviour. There are no guaranteed results and no magic bullet to ensure their spiritual safety. Prayer and a good example is the best we can do.
Amen to that Maurice. As you said there is no magic formula, only a good example and prayers. She did well.
I saw a comment earlier that Daniel and the three Hebrew boys were not eunuchs, and that there’s no Bible reference to support the idea that they were eunuchs ‘anywhere’ in the Bible.
Well, Isaiah 39:7 (KJV 1900) tells us: And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.
I don’t think it is too much of a stretch of imagination that this is in reference to Daniel and his colleagues, great grandchildren of Hezekiah.
I’m now in my 40’S and I was and still am the designated driver in social gatherings with friends and work colleagues.
A challenge is that in a work culture that is very critical or negative , you don’t emulate or absorb that negativity but operate in a position of love, respect and understanding . When it then comes to handling disciplinary matters, those who on the receiving can feel they are judged fairly.
Holy Spirit faithful Guide, guide me so I can be faithful.
#3 for today. Why is faithfulness so important, not just for ourselves but for those for whom our faithfulness witnesses to the character of the Lord, whom we seek to serve?
Rev 2:10-11.....be thou faithful unto death and I will give you a crown of life........he that overcometh shall not be hurt in the second death.
Daniel and the three Hebrew boys were faithful and lived. So was Moses when he grew up in his adopted home. Joseph when he was sold as a slave, Little Samuel in Eli house, and so many others. But many were faithful and lost their lives. Being faithful will not guarantee no one that they will live through difficult situations, but are Christians preparing for the reality.
Heb 11: 36-40. .......And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise.
It is difficult situations we will have to overcome to make us as polished jewels for the kingdom. I tried my best to be an example at my work place. Jesus in his mercies allows my boss to show me favor.
My position was actually created for me. My boss will purchases chocolate for the staff. I told her I don’t eat chocolate so she makes sure she purchase something different for me and hand deliver it to me. In all that, I don’t go out places with them. There is a yearly ‘ball/banquet’ on Friday night and I am always sent a ticket to attend. Many times the tickets are paid for the entire staff. Friday is the Lord Sabbath how can I dare desecrate it to please men?
I want to be a faithful witness for God. The Lord sent me there for a purpose.