◆“Faith in a Foreign Culture” (Daniel 1) August 17, 2025

The story begins in the third year of King Jehoiakim of Judah, when King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon besieged Jerusalem, plundered the treasures of the temple, and took some of the nobles into captivity. This was in 605 B.C., the event known as the first Babylonian exile. Among those taken were young men named Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. For them, this was a life-changing event. Though they were of noble birth, they became captives.

They were taken from a culture that knew the true God, the Creator of heaven and earth, into a completely different culture. The most symbolic sign of this was the changing of their names.
Daniel means “God is my Judge,” Hananiah means “The Lord is gracious,” Mishael means “Who is like God,” and Azariah means “The Lord helps.” They had grown up cherishing these names, living with the knowledge that the true God judges, is gracious, and helps His people.

But their names were changed. Daniel became Belteshazzar, meaning “May the god Bel protect his life.” Hananiah became Shadrach, “Command of the moon god.” Mishael became Meshach, “Who is like Aku (the moon god).” And Azariah became Abed-Nego, “Servant of Nebo,” the son of the god Bel. Their names were forcibly changed into something completely contrary to their identity. This was an attempt to strip away their identity itself. King Nebuchadnezzar sought to make them cease to be Jews. And of course, he aimed to strip them of their faith as well, to assimilate them into Babylonian religion and culture.

Isn’t this the same challenge Christians face today?
Christians are called out of the world, set apart as God’s people, belonging not to the world but to God.

This world has its own values. Simply put, it honors having more—more wealth, more education, more knowledge, more talent. From birth, people are measured and valued by these standards.

We even hear the modern phrase “parent gacha.” It reflects the idea that the child’s future is determined by how much the parents possess of what the world considers valuable. Like a capsule toy machine: you put in a coin, turn the handle, and you never know what comes out. If it’s what you wanted, you’re lucky; if not, you’re unlucky. In the same way, you can’t choose the parents you are born to. Some are considered “winners,” others “losers.” It’s a dreadful expression.

But to believe in God and follow Him—to walk toward heaven—means to live by a different standard from the world’s. Every person is precious to God. By the world’s standards there may be ranks, but walking with God blows all that away.

Thus, when we refuse to make “having more” our purpose, when we avoid gossip, rowdy indulgence, or shallow amusements, we may encounter cultural clashes.

When I became a Christian, my supervisors and colleagues at work worried about me. They said, “With a Christian lifestyle, you may not be able to survive in this company. At the very least, it may harm your chances for promotion.” After all, sharing drinks after hours was a way to bond, to vent frustrations, to complain about bosses or coworkers. Not doing so seemed disadvantageous. And indeed, such situations came.

So what should we do? We can learn from Daniel and his friends.
In verse 8 it says, “But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine.” At first glance, it looks as though he stubbornly refused the meals offered. But in verse 12 he respectfully requested, “Please test your servants for ten days.” He did not proudly declare, “Christians don’t eat such things!” No. But he did “resolve in his heart.” He resolved to trust and obey God, even in a foreign culture. That was the key.

In my own work life, I once told my boss that I wanted to attend Wednesday prayer meetings, and so I asked not to be assigned overtime on that day. I promised I would gladly do extra work on other days if necessary. My boss respected my request. Had I compromised even once, I would surely have been told, “You worked late last Wednesday, so you can skip prayer this week.”

You, too, faithfully guard the Lord’s Day worship. Sometimes, community meetings may conflict with the time. After such meetings, people may linger over tea and snacks. To excuse yourself and leave for worship may take courage. Yet when you consistently choose to guard worship, people come to understand. I myself experienced this during neighborhood cleanups, when eventually people would say, “You must be heading to worship. Go ahead—it’s finished.”

When you refuse to compromise with the world’s standards, yet live with respect and humility before others while following the Lord, blessings will surely come.
Verse 9 says, “Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel.” This compassion was God’s response to Daniel’s decision to obey Him no matter what. Such compassion and mercy are unknown to the compromising Christian. If we do not put God first, yet still expect His mercy, we are missing the point.

Later, in verse 17, we read, “To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning.” It was given by God—not merely their natural talents. And Daniel was given the ability to interpret visions and dreams. God enabled them to serve even in the court of the Babylonian king without compromising their faith. God rewards the faithful.

Today we live in a world very much like Babylon. Things other than God are worshiped. A big house, a luxury car, high social status—these are considered life’s goals. Those who achieve them are admired as winners; those who do not are despised, even losing their own sense of worth.

But what is required of us is to “resolve in our hearts.” The question is: where will we set our hearts? On worldly success, which will eventually fade? Or on walking with God, embracing His purpose for our lives—to rejoice in Him, to seek His blessings, even through trials, but blessings that are sure and eternal?

As Matthew 6:33 says: “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.”
And as Matthew 6:19–21 warns: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… But store up treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
And as Colossians 3:1–2 exhorts: “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above… Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

We must not set our hearts on earthly values, but on eternal ones—values that truly give life and lead us into real living.

So today, let us decide, and decide again, and walk our earthly lives with hearts set on God.

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Sermon script modified based on proofreading and translation with ChatGPT.