Faithful Living as an Outsider

What was an occasion in your life when you felt like you were totally out of place? Where were you? What did you do? How did you feel?

Read Jeremiah 29:1-11

How would you summarize Yahweh’s instruction to His exiled people in this passage? What stands out to you from this passage?

Read Daniel 1:1-7

What emotions would you experience if you were in the same position as Daniel and his friends?

Read Daniel 1:8-16 Why do you think the Babylonian officials gave these Israelites the best food? In what ways do you feel compelled to compromise with the “best food” of your culture? Why do you think Daniel and his friends refused it? What parts of your culture do you feel compelled to reject? Is this tension difficult?

Read Daniel 1:17-21

What irony do you see in this passage?

What can you learn from this ancient story that you can apply to your world today? What choices are you facing that will test your nerve in your loyalty to God?