Daniel 1:1-21 – Purposed In Heart is a story of four young men who are purposed in heart to walk in obedience with God even after being abducted and taken captive to Babylon. Daniel 1:1-21 – Purposed In Heart portrays king Nebuchadnezzar ‘s plan and purpose for selecting Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah who were young men from the tribe of Judah. He tried convert them to the Babylonian culture by re-naming them to Belteshazzar; Shadrach, Meschach and Abed-Nego. They endure the spiritual assault of the enemy by staying purposed in heart. Although these four teenagers are far from home, community and temple worship their hearts are fixed on God, which make them resolved to stand firm.
Watch the video: Daniel 1 – Purposed In Heart
The Apostle Paul says: “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. ” (Ephesians 6:10-13, NKJV)
https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/eph/6/10-13/s_1103010
The temptations of Babylon were abounding for Daniel and his friends and the enemy in our own lives attacks our spiritual disciplines, culture and knowledge and identity. Daniel purposed in heart not to defile himself with the king’s food. Daniel’s obedience reveals a heart fixed on God’s glory and not our own.
Purposed in heart stems from a heart fixed on God focused on God’s Word. Daniel and his friends discover that a heart fixed on God produces an abundant life. Daniel and his three friends fight a spiritual battle through obedience and wisdom found in God’s Word. God’s faithfulness leads Daniel and his friend to an abundant life evident to all. As followers of Jesus we are called to be purposed in heart as we live a sanctified life in Christ.