QT 21/09/2025 Sun. Daniel 1. Blend in or Stand out? 融入还是突出？
QT 21/09/2025 Sun. Daniel 1. Blend in or Stand out?
READ http://www.esv.org/daniel1
How can God’s people continue to be faithful in a foreign world with godly conviction, and still God’s favour?
🔥 Devotion: Daniel 1:8 (ESV)
“But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank...”
🌍 Exiles in a Foreign Land
Daniel 1 opens with heartbreak: Jerusalem has fallen. The people of God have been taken into exile in Babylon—a land of idolatry, luxury, and power. The Babylonians didn’t just conquer Israel physically; they wanted to reshape them spiritually—to change their names, their language, their loyalties, and even their diet.
And among those taken were young men from royal and noble families—Daniel and his three friends. They were teenagers, displaced from home, offered the best the world could give: education, position, and privilege. All they had to do was blend in.
Sound familiar?
As believers today, we live in a culture that also pressures us to conform—to change what we believe, to compromise our values, and to adopt a new identity. But Daniel shows us a different way.
💪 A Resolute Heart
“But Daniel resolved…” (v. 8)
This is the hinge of the whole chapter—and of Daniel’s entire life. While others may have accepted the king’s food without question, Daniel drew a line. Not out of legalism, but out of loyalty to God. The king’s food likely violated Jewish dietary laws and symbolized dependence on Babylon. But Daniel resolved to remain holy—even when no one else would.
That word “resolved” means he made a firm, settled decision in his heart. He didn’t wait to see how things went or go with the flow. He had pre-decided to honour God—no matter what it cost.
🙌 God’s Favour Follows Faithfulness
Daniel didn’t just make a decision—he also acted wisely and humbly. He asked permission. He didn’t rebel or rant—he responded with grace and confidence in God. And God honoured it.
“And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs…” (v. 9)
“…at the end of ten days it was seen that they were better in appearance and fatter in flesh…” (v. 15)
Faithfulness doesn’t always mean immediate results. But God sees. And in Daniel’s case, God gave wisdom, favour, and influence. In fact, verse 17 says:
“And as for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.”
God didn't just protect Daniel—He positioned him. In a hostile culture, Daniel became a light, a witness, and eventually a mouthpiece for God in the courts of kings.
🧭 Takeaway
You may not live in Babylon, but you live in a world that tries to shape your identity and values. Like Daniel, you're called to stand firm in conviction, walk in wisdom and grace, and trust that God honours those who honour Him.
You don’t need to conform to shine. In fact, your faithfulness is exactly what sets you apart as a witness.
🙏 Prayer
Lord, give me the courage of Daniel—a heart that is resolved to follow You no matter the pressure around me. Help me to walk in both boldness and humility, trusting that You will give me favour as I remain faithful. In a world that seeks to mold me, let me be shaped by Your Word and Spirit instead. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
QT 21/09/2025 星期日. 但以理书 1章. 融入还是突出？
阅读 http://m.bbintl.org/bible/ncv/dan/1/
神的子民如何能在异邦世界持守属神的信念，既保持忠心又蒙神恩宠？
🔥 默想：但以理书 1:8
但以理决心不让御用的佳肴美酒玷污自己，所以求太监长帮助他，使他不用玷污自己。
🌍 异乡的流亡者
但以理书开篇便充满悲怆：耶路撒冷陷落，神的子民被掳至巴比伦——这充满偶像崇拜、奢靡享乐与权势的国度。巴比伦人不仅征服了以色列的肉体，更企图重塑他们的 灵性: 更改他们的名字、语言、忠诚对象，甚至饮食习惯。
被掳者中包括王室贵族的少年——但以理与三位友人。这些离乡背井的少年被赐予世间至宝：学识、地位与特权。他们只需融入其中。
这场景是否似曾相识？
今日信徒所处的文化同样施压要求我们妥协—— 改变信仰、背弃价值观、接受新身份。但但以理为我们指明另一条路。
💪 坚定不移的心
“但以理决心……”（第8节）
这是整章的枢纽——也是但以理一生的转折点。当他人毫无保留地接受王膳时，但以理划下了界限。这并非出于律法主义，而是出于对神的忠诚。王膳很可能违背犹太饮食律法，更象征着对巴比伦的屈从。但但以理决心保持圣洁——即便无人与他同行。
“决心”一词表明他心中已作出坚定不移的抉择。他没有观望时局或随波逐流，而是预先立定要尊荣神——无论代价如何。
🙌 忠心必蒙恩宠
但以理不仅立定心志，更以智慧谦卑行事。他先征得许可，未曾反抗或抱怨，而是以恩典回应，满怀对神的信心。神因此悦纳他。
“...神使但以理在太监长面前得着恩惠和同情”（第9节）
“过了十天，见他们的容貌比所有享用王的佳肴的年轻人，更加俊美健壮。”（第15节）
忠心未必立竿见影，但神看顾。但以理的案例中，神赐下智慧、恩宠与影响力。第17节更宣告：
“这四个年轻人在各种文字和学问上， 神都赐他们知识和聪明；但以理并且能明白一切异象和异梦。”
神不仅保护但以理——更将他安置在关键位置。在敌对的文化环境中，但以理成为光明、见证者，最终在君王宫廷中成为神的代言人。
🧭 核心要义
你或许不生活在巴比伦，却身处一个试图塑造你身份与价值观的世界。如同但以理，你被召唤要坚定信念，以智慧与恩典行事，并信靠上帝必尊荣那些尊荣祂的人。
你无需随波逐流才能发光。事实上，你的忠心正是让你成为见证者的独特印记。
🙏 祷告
主啊，求赐我但以理的勇气——一颗无论周遭压力如何都决心跟随祢的心。求助我既刚强又谦卑地前行，深信只要持守忠心，祢必赐我恩惠。在这试图塑造我的世界里，愿我唯被祢的话语与圣灵所塑造。奉耶稣的名求。阿们。
