Eating from the king's table

Standing Firm in a Changing Culture

By: Pastor Doug

Introduction

My last blog was a lighter and more playful read, but today I feel an urgent need to share something heavy on my heart. While listening to a podcast about recent changes in New York following the election of Mayor Mamdani, I was deeply unsettled by what I heard. The news struck me so intensely that I felt a lump in my throat, and I realized how important it is for us, as Christians, to respond.

A Call to Spiritual Warfare

I am writing to encourage Christian men and women to get on our knees and engage in spiritual warfare for our children and fellow believers. The challenges we face require us to pray and act with conviction.

Learning from Daniel's Resolve

Consider Daniel 1:8: "But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself."

In Daniel chapter 1, we learn about four Hebrew boys—Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—who were taken captive in Babylon under King Nebuchadnezzar (let’s call him King Neb for simplicity). Unlike other captives, these young men were chosen for their strength and appearance. The king wanted to assimilate them into Babylonian culture through a three-year program: teaching them the Chaldean language, literature, astronomy, and religion, giving them new Babylonian names, and providing them with rich food from the king’s table. His goal was to unify his nation under one belief system and way of life.

These Hebrew boys, however, refused to compromise their faith. They would not eat the king’s food or bow to the golden statue. As a result, they faced threats like the fiery furnace and the lion’s den—yet God protected them. Their stories are inspiring and worth reading in full.

Concerns About Cultural Changes

Turning to present-day issues, I see parallels between what happened in Babylon and changes occurring in American communities. Reports suggest that in some New York neighborhoods, signs read "Arabic first and English maybe." Public school districts with a significant Muslim population are required to provide halal options for lunch, with no pork and no parental vote. There are changes to language, food, and authority figures in these communities.

In Minneapolis, schools are required to have Muslim prayer rooms, but chapels are prohibited. The call to prayer is broadcast five times a day over loudspeakers. In Dearborn, Michigan, the city council is reportedly dominated by Muslim officials, and controversy erupted when a street was named after a terrorist. Residents who objected were told they were unwelcome and threatened with further exclusion. Outdoor calls to prayer echo through the city, and those who complain face accusations of prejudice. In Texas, there are Muslim-only schools where religious instruction takes precedence over subjects like math.

A Christian Response

As Christians, we must respond thoughtfully and prayerfully. The story of Daniel and his friends reminds us not to compromise our beliefs, even when pressured by prevailing culture. Just as they refused to eat from the king's table and bow to false gods, we must stand firm in our faith and pray fervently for our nation.

Let us commit to living out our convictions, seeking God's guidance, and loving our neighbors while upholding our values. The challenges are great, but our faith and perseverance can make a difference.