Romans1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
This passage of scripture tells us that there is nothing to be ashamed of, in acknowledging and standing firmly for the truth in the public arena. Jesus died publicly for our sins, and therefore we should be bold to stand up for righteousness in the public view, even though it is becoming more and more unpopular to do so. Many Christians are being intimidated by public sentiments and the popular demand for sinful behaviors, and as a result, the light that God intended to stand as a beacon in this benighted world, is growing strangely dim.
Daniel and his companions however, did not choose the easy, popular route when they were taken captive by king Nebuchadnezzar. As soon as they arrived in their new, foreign environment, they staked out their position on the issue of diet, even though many of the other Hebrew captives chose to do other wise. Under no circumstances were they going to be scared or bullied into eating unclean meats, or drinking the king's fermented wines, and this stance they took very early up in their experience in Babylon, so that everyone knew exactly where they stood on this issue. Let's read:
Daniel 1:5 And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king's meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king. 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. 14 So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days.
This public stand for the truth that was taken by Daniel and his companions may seem on the surface to go against the grain of conventional wisdom, for many would ridicule the idea that a simple issue as food should become an impediment to them, standing in the way of the king's favor, and their potential educational success and consequent promotion. However God's ways are not man's ways, and the Lord makes a solemn promise to those who stand firmly for the truth, that He will also stand firmly for them. Let's read:
1st Samuel 2:30 "For them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed".
This truth therefore became a living reality in the lives of Daniel and his companions, for, because of their firm, public stand for the right, God exalted them way above their fellows and imparted to them, very rare gifts. Let's read:
Daniel 1:15 And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat. 17 As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. 20 And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.
In our day there is a dire need of more Daniels, for too many Christians are hiding their faith in the face of popular undercurrents to the contrary. Too many politicians are becoming afraid to voice their support for right principles, for fear of losing the popular vote, and very many lay people are becoming numb to the rapid decline in morality, since to stand firmly for the truth, may cost them friends, family, or even their jobs.
The God of Daniel and his companions, is the very same God whom we serve today, and He would have us understand that His arm is not shortened that it cannot save, but that all we need to do is to diligently resist the incursions of satanic agencies against the truth in our lives, and then to stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture that reminds us of our sacred duty to stand firmly for the truth, both privately and publicly, so that the light of truth can radiate in and through us, to those we interact with. Let's read:
Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
May we be found faithful to the end, for the love of Christ constraineth us. God bless!