Part 1: Daniel forced into exile (Dn 1: 1-7) published 7/9/1999

The wickedness and rebellion of generations of God's people eventually led to judgment and in the third year of Jehoiakim's reign punishment came. Jerusalem was captured, its inhabitants either killed or taken into captivity, and even a selection of the articles of worship taken away to be exhibited in a heathen temple. The strange thing about this story is that Nebuchadnezzar is described not only as a king appointed by God (Dn 2:37) but also as the servant of God(Jer 25:9)!

Q Can members of the group think of occasions when a non-Christian or non-Christian influence has ever been ued by God for some purpose of His?

Among those taken captive was Daniel about whom we know nothing previously. From among the captives a number were selected for special training to serve in Babylon. The country was one moving from war to peace, one blessed with properity and a land full of possibilities. Yet it was also a land riddled with paganism. Daniel and his three friends were young males of perceived noble birth and were among those picked out. Although they wanted no favours in this pagan land they were prepared to grasp any opportunities to serve God in this hostile environment.

Q Are we ready to serve God wherever He places us? It is quite clear from what follows that the four are only there because they had been taken there against their will. Do we sometimes have to dig in and realise that we have to serve even in areas that we don't want to? Discuss this.

The four had special qualities which made them good choices to serve in the palace of Babylon. They were well informed young men who were ready to learn.

Q What qualities can we bring to the service of God, including those which may not yet be fully developed?

Q It took 3 years for Daniel and his friends to become fully trained. Are we prepared to put that sort of time into being equipped to serve, if necessary?