There are certain values of great importance in one’s life that are established, fixed and not subject to compromise. That is the mindset that has motivated thousands of citizens throughout the history of this nation to stand firm for liberty and freedom. Though the ultimate cost for some was the sacrifice of their lives, others survived the battles fought, to become a generation that would carry the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world.

God always has His Word go forth even in times of great difficulty. History records such an example with the fall of the Southern Kingdom of Israel to the Babylonians. The enemy first rendered the nation powerless by destroying its leadership. Thus, Babylon, prior to taking the general population captive in 586 AD, invaded Judah and deported its future leaders. “Among these were some from Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego” (Dan 1:6-7 NIV).

Note the initial technique of inculcating these young captives into the Babylonian culture was that of changing their names. Their old identity, previous associations, relationships and ways of thinking had to change. Even the enemy understood the biblical principle … “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he” (Prov 23:7 NKJV). If these Jewish men refused to change their thinking about themselves and disregard their spiritual heritage, they would be useless in God’s service. Only the Word of God secure in their soul and spirit could provide a sure defense against the schemes of evil.

Some six centuries later, the Apostle Paul admonished believers in Christ to … “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Eph 6:10-13 NKJV).

Scripture records the spiritual stability, fervor, and resolve of these four young men. The values instilled in them by their parents, and their steadfastness in following the God of Israel, the pre-incarnate Christ, would carry them in the time of adversity and give them the courage to remain faithful to their God. They knew to … “Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday” (Ps 37:5 NKJV).

Babylon initiated its indoctrination plan … “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself” (Dan 1:8 NKJV). Having stated his request, the matter was now in the Lord’s hands to work in the life of the chief eunuch. Daniel and his companions rested by faith and God worked. The answer to their request had already been divinely provided. “Now God had brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs” (Dan 1:9 NKJV).

Therefore, they voiced their request … “Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then let our appearance be examined before you, and the appearance of the young men who eat the portion of the king’s delicacies; and as you see fit, so deal with your servants” (Dan 1:12-13 NKJV). These men become God’s witness in a heathen nation … “and in all matters of wisdom and understanding about which the king examined them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in all his realm” (Dan 1:20 NKJV).