By“Now from among those of the sons of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. To them the chief of the eunuchs gave names: he gave Daniel the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abed-Nego.” — Daniel 1:6 - 7 NKJV
In the time of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, came to Jerusalem and besieged it (Daniel 1:1). That led the whole of Israel into exile in Babylon.
However, when they got there, King Nebuchadnezzar wanted some of the Israelites to serve in His palace. So he ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to appoint some people. Daniel, as well as Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, were chosen. But in addition to the special treatment the king’s official gave them, he also gave them new names. To Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and Azariah, Abednego (see Daniel 1:6). These names look good. Right? But it wasn’t godly.
Today, many people remember Daniel by name, but not Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. Numerous believers call the latter three by the new names they gave them: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. But the question is, “Even though they were firm believers, did you see them doing huge exploits in the book of Daniel after the miraculous survival in the burning furnace?” To me, no!
You may say Daniel wrote the book centred on himself. But the truth is that if those people did major exploits for God’s kingdom in Babylon, don’t you think Daniel would have featured them more in it? After all, weren’t they friends?
Dear believer, you may not be responsible for ending up in that workplace or environment you’re currently living in. It’s just like how Daniel and his friends didn’t plan to be in exile by that time of their lives, yet ended up there. Nevertheless, I want to minister grace to your life today. Don’t allow the world to rename you, even if they try. If you allow that, you’re indirectly submitting to their control systems, and that can affect your capacity for giving your best to the Lord by His influence in your life.
The world will always need the children of God, especially the mature ones, to do many things. Why? Because such have both the skill and character to work diligently, far better than unbelieving employees. Therefore, don’t be surprised when the job offers, contracts and recommendations come your way. Choose the ones God tells you to choose and don’t be in a rush.
Never allow the pressure from the world to affect your devotion to the Lord. For that is an attack on your true identity in Christ.
You’re a blessing.
Prayer:
Father, I choose to call myself by the name You’ve named me and not how worldly people know me to be. Today, I decree that I am free from the control of the world as I embrace whom You’ve called me to be by grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD – 2024 – 011
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