SCRIPTURE: Daniel 1:1-10

OBSERVATION:
God allows Jerusalem to be defeated, the king (and others) to be exiled, and the temple relics to be brought into the temple of Babylon’s god. The God of Israel has been defeated, or so it appears. But God is still in charge, and Daniel and his friends represent all those who remain loyal to God despite appearances.

APPLICATION:
In many ways Christ-followers today are in exile. We are enticed by the delights of this world and must decide what loyalty to Jesus will mean. Do we trust that our King is still in charge, despite appearances? Will we follow His ways, even if it puts us at odds with society, even if it means forgoing the pleasures of Babylon? Though we are not under the Law of Moses, the ways of Jesus demand our obedience.

PRAYER:
Lord, remind me again what following You involves. I want to follow You, but in many ways I have watered down my loyalty to You. Amen.