Propaganda - ExcellentSample

Conquer

In Scripture, the era I feel the most a kin to is the Babylonian captivity. Without getting too in depth, King Nebuchadnezzar’s controlling tactic was unheard of. He used “cultural decapitation” which basically allows the captured people to continue all their practices. It’s not submission by the sword. Instead, it takes the best and brightest young people, allures them with royal treatment, trains them in the ways of the captor’s culture, and puts them in management. Erasing cultural identity from within.

This is what is happening in the opening Daniels opening chapter. Daniel is given a Babylonian name, the royal treatment, and is being groomed for leadership.

I see such a parallel to our culture. No one is burning churches anymore, but we live in a God-hating world where our best and brightest are going off to be trained in Godless institutions and rewarded for every step they take away from our Christian distinctive. But I’m encouraged by Daniels posture. We don’t see him running away to build an ivory tower for his people to live in isolation! No, he stays there and learns everything they have to offer.

BUT “Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine”. And trusts the Lord to out perform the others. “The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel,...so they entered the king’s service. In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.”

Let’s not be afraid to exist in this culture!

The best part is a couple chapters later. God uses Daniel’s excellence as a witness to King Nebuchadnezzar in his eventual confession of faith! Stay in the game. “Dominate the arena like home court advantage don't even matter!”