Pastor Frank DeFusco
In his book, Discovering Daniel, apologist Amir Sarfati wondered if the question “why” had crossed Daniel’s mind, as to why God had allowed a heathen nation, Babylon, to invade and enslave His “Chosen People.” Especially during what could be called their “Death March” from Jerusalem to Babylon. One of the most recent of these, “The Bataan Death March,” occurred in the Philippines during WWII, in April 1942. There, 66,000 Filipinos and 10,000 American prisoners of war were forced to trek 66 miles through horrific conditions. Those who fell by the wayside were beaten, impaled, or shot, with only 54,000 of the 76,000 surviving. As violent and cruel as that was, think of how bad the forced journey of the Jews was, which covered 550 miles, if it were straight across, which it wasn’t. For they had to go north to avoid the vast Arabian Desert, from which they had to arc over to the area called the “Fertile Crescent,” then southward to Babylon. Some who did the math say it would have taken over five months to complete. Once there they were met by a strange culture, language, and government structure, with no idea where they would live, or even if they were to survive. Daniel and his three companions were then separated from their own people and expected to assimilate into this foreign world, losing their own identities and names in the process. They were allowed to believe in their own gods if it didn’t cause conflict or interfere with Babylon’s ways.
Daniel and company were raised in what they call today a privileged environment. They were young, and of noble blood, good looking, and without blemish. They were also smart, which is why they were chosen amongst all the rest to serve in the king’s court. And as teenagers you would likely believe that they would be easily influenced to adopt the worldly customs and belief systems of Babylonian culture with its temptations. But by the grace of God and their Godly upbringing, they didn’t give in to the carnal pleasures offered to them. So, after having experienced the cruel hardships endured during their arduous trek, Daniel’s three companions became fireproof, and Daniel, a pit-bull, because their faith was “Rock” solid. Life’s trials can either make or break you. The apostle Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:2: “Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” Paul went through constant persecution, but was comforted when God reminded him, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” From which Paul replied, “Most gladly thereof will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” How we handle our infirmities will define us in the eyes of those who are watching us. Will we receive an approval, or an approach? Be approved, “for when we are weak, so too we are strong.”
Blessings and love.
Pastor Frank teaches Bible Study on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. in the Pima/Toltec Rooms, Sports Club. Call 610-428-7244 if you have any questions.