Vessels Of The House Of God

In the third year of the reign of King Jehoiakim of Judah, King Nebuchadnezzar of Bayblon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. The Lord let King Jehoiakim of Judah fall into his power, as well as some of the vessels of the house of God. These he brought to the land of Shinar, and placed the vessels in the treasury of his gods.

Then the king commanded his palace master Ashpenaz to bring some of the Israelites of the royal family and of the nobility, young men without physical defect and handsome, versed in every branch of wisdom, endowed with knowledge and insight, and competent to serve in the king’s palace; they were to be taught the literature and language of the Chaldeans. The king assigned them a daily portion of the royal rations of food and wine. They were to be educated for three years, so that at the end of that time they could be stationed in the king’s court. Among them were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, from the tribe of Judah.

Daniel 1:1-6

Ashpenaz was a high court official in ancient Babylon and was committed to banishing any testimony of Israel's God from his kingdom. His strategy focused on young leadership of the captive Hebrews. He gave the captives new names to honor the pagan gods of Babylon.

The life choices of those captives were a far more powerful witness than any label put on them. When faced with a literal trial by fire, the young men would not bow down and worship the golden idol. Instead, they accepted the punishment of being cast into the fiery furnace, confident in God's sovereignty and care. Do you know unbelievers who try to pressure you to fit into their lifestyle? It does not matter what others call us. How we live our lives before God does matter. What's important is that we always let our light shine.

A small light can dispel great darkness.

Our Daily Bread - February 26, 2006