The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king’s service. (Dan. 1:19)
Expanded Passage: Daniel 1:18-20
In April 1994, Gary Haugen was lead investigator for the UN in Rwanda. More than 800,000 Tutsis and Hutus had been killed in only a hundred days. God broke Gary’s heart through this experience, which prompted him to ask the question, “Where is the church when everyday violence is happening?” This led him to start International Justice Mission, which today continues to bring rescue, restoration, and protection to hundreds of thousands of people around the world experiencing everyday violence. It all began with one person who was willing to say yes to God’s invitation to step into the darkest places, which desperately need the light of hope.
As we read about the life of Daniel, exiled to a place far from the comforts of home, we see someone determined to remain faithful to his God while also showing up, right where he was, with excellence, integrity, and hope. Daniel and his friends didn’t cower in fear or refuse to engage in their new culture. Rather, they stepped into the darkness, committed to reflect the character of God wherever they were sent. In this case, they entered the king’s service.
As Christians, we are to go as “sent ones” to the places that desperately need the light of hope. Like Daniel, we can step into the King’s service, knowing that he will equip and enable us. He is our hope.
Carry the light of hope wherever you are sent.
Jenn Petersen is an ordained minister in The Wesleyan Church, Director of Mobilization NYC for International Justice Mission, and co-founder/pastor of Resurrection Life NYC in Manhattan.
© 2023 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
