Daniel 1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
Today we begin our study in one of the most important books on the subject of bible prophecy, and that is the book of Daniel. But what I want to share with you in this blog is from Daniel 1:8, how Daniel made a conscious and deliberate choice not to be defiled.
One of the most overlooked aspects in the study of bible prophecy is the importance of how it is meant to be applied in our daily lives. The apostle John wrote, “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” (1 John 3:2,3) The correct interpretation of Bible prophecy will impact the way we live our daily lives. It will impact the choices that we make. It will have a moral and godly impact on how we live. When the king of Babylon sought to brainwash Daniel with Babylonian theology, culture and lifestyle, Daniel purposed in his heart to refuse to compromise. The word purposed is translated, “determined, resolved, made up his mind, made the decision”; you get the idea. And what did Daniel base his purpose to live in such a way upon? The revealed word of God.
There are only two kingdoms on this planet: the kingdom of this world and the kingdom of God. Those who have followed The Living God since the fall of Adam in the Garden have always been a counter-culture people. Not obstinate. Not cocky and arrogant. Certainly not holier-than-thou. But pure and simply devoted to God. And Daniel lived with an excellent spirit in the midst of the Babylonian culture that was pagan to the core on all points – theologically, morally, and politically. God noticed and called Daniel, “a man greatly beloved” (Daniel 10:11).
So as we begin our journey through this exciting book of prophecy, let us never forget that the most important part of our study is not so much the information of dates and times that we will learn – as important as all of that that is – but is our daily practical application and inward transformation into the image Jesus Christ. “Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.” (Acts 11:23) Have you purposed in your heart to cleave unto The Lord today? Selah
