2022-01-13 20:19:19
Daniel 1:8-9
Daniel’s Faithfulness
[8] But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself. [9] And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs,
“But Daniel resolved…” those three words have hung on my heart for the past three days. Three little words carrying so much meaning. When we arrive at the opening chapter of Daniel, we are thrust into the midst of the Babylonian captivity of Jerusalem and unless you have been studying all of the prophets leading up to this event, the massive destruction and devastation could be lost on you.
The judgment of Almighty God brought about by the absolute wickedness of the people and their refusal to repent and turn from their wickedness is something that I pray we never have to endure.
It’s in the midst of all of this horrible chaos that we are introduced to four young men (14-17 years old), Daniel and his three friends. They had been ripped from their homes, brought to the palace of Nebuchadnezzar where they would endure 3 years of brainwashing before they would serve the king. The first step of their brainwashing involved changing their Hebrew names, names that signified devotion to the One True God, to names that tied them to local, false gods. The next step was changing their diet, allowing them portions from the king’s own table. No doubt the best of the best foods one could find in that day, some would have considered it a privilege, especially considering the circumstances they had been brought out of.
“But Daniel resolved…” another version says it this way: “But Daniel made up his mind…” Daniel had seen the wickedness of Nebuchadnezzar, he knew what he was capable of, but not just that, he also saw all of the delicious food that everyone else, even other Hebrew young men, were eating. He could have easily thought: “well…while in Babylon, eat like a Babylonian…” He could have looked at his Hebrew friends and thought “well…everyone else is doing it, it must not be that bad…”, “he could have been afraid of what Nebuchadnezzar would do to him for not following instructions…
“But Daniel resolved”, he “made up his mind” that he would not be defiled, that he would not dishonor God!
How about you and me? Have we resolved in our hearts that we will not dishonor God? Even if what He is calling us to do seems small, or simple? Are we remaining steadfast? Resolved in our conviction to glorify Him and Him alone? Does this principle seep into our every action, our every thought and intention? How is God calling each of us to serve Him today? What is God leading you to resolve in your heart today?
Can we go a little deeper? Where is my faith? Do I trust God…is my confidence in Him and Him alone? In regards to whatever comes about in my life…am I confident in His provision…His direction…His wisdom…His Word!
Do I trust Him enough to remain steadfast, even when things just don’t seem to make sense…when I’m thrown into the trenches and I feel like I’m caught in an endless whirlwind that just won’t stop…when it seems the flaming arrows are starting to pierce my armor…where do I run? Am I resolved?
Let each of us rest in Him today, knowing who it is that we serve. He is faithful! He still holds all things together!
Colossians 1:15-17
The Preeminence of Christ
[15] He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. [16] For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. [17] And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
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