Set Apart
Wednesday, September 2, 2026 | Kelley Bachtel
Daniel 1-3
We knew it was coming. We had heard the warnings of the prophets, and now Judah is besieged by King Nebuchadnezzar. Among those taken into captivity are Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. These young men are thrown into rapid-fire training in Babylonian culture. They are given the best food, drink, and education Babylon has to offer. To top it all off, they are assigned new names in an attempt to erase their connection to Yahweh.
Daniel 1:8 reads, “But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank.” Daniel firmly decided to remain undefiled by the king’s food. Every day, as those around him looked more and more like the Babylonians, Daniel set his mind, will, and heart to remain steadfast. Each meal served was another reminder of his decision to remain faithful to God and his convictions.
Even the chief of staff recognized Daniel’s faithful devotion to the Lord, and God gave Daniel favor and respect. After a ten-day testing period, the young men were more impressive in appearance and wisdom than those who had eaten the king’s food. Even King Nebuchadnezzar recognized that there was something different about them.
We are called to live lives that are different. Although that difference may not involve a vegetable-and-water diet, it will likely involve refraining from things that those around us are freely participating in. Romans 12:2 instructs, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.”
We are called to live faithful lives that bring God glory and allow His power to be displayed through us. Daniel’s circumstances most likely weren’t what he would have chosen, yet even as a young man, he refused to conform to the world around him.
Just like Daniel, we are instructed, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
Daniel’s faithful obedience allowed others to see that there was a God greater than Babylon. Guess what? Your faithful obedience can do the same!