The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Daniel 1:8, “But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s choice food or with the wine which he drank; so he sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself.”

Youth has courage that is all-too-often absent in adult life. Nebuchadnezar led two hostile invasions of
Palestine; and if our calculations are correct, Daniel was about 16 years old when he and his three
Hebrew friends, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. were carried away captive. In all, Daniel lived in
Babylon about 69 years.

It was Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who survived Nebuchadnezzar’s fiery furnace. It was
Daniel was delivered from the ions’ den.

Our verse above shows two basic, spiritual characteristics of young Daniel. Participation in the king’s
food and wine would have been tantamount to Daniel’s surrendering his spiritual values in favor of the
values of a pagan king. Thus, he determined not to defile himself through participation. There was no
compromise with Daniel. He held fast to the principles he had received from godly parents. Such was soon to be the determination of his three friends, also.

Where is such determination to be found today? Far too often, today’s youth compromise their values rather than be thought of as “different” in the face of their friends. True dedication to Christ, however,
is demonstrative of true spiritual character. Things determined in days of one’s youth, often carry through into adulthood and encourage strength and support in others, both young and old.

Physical military wars are not fought and won by wimps! –but, by men and women of determined courage! Spiritual matters also take courage. Dare to be a Daniel! Ignore the “cat-calls” of those too
wimpish– too afraid– of warfare –any warfare! The LORD Jesus Christ may return soon, It is to our
advantage to be ready. Are you ready? Give Him your heart and life today!

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom