Daniel & Friends (1): Determined To Follow God
- Teresa Allissa Citro
- Aug 15, 2017
- 4 min read
"But Daniel determined in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king's royal food, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself." -Daniel 1:8
The key words are "determined" and "defile."
Daniel had been captured and brought to Babylon. He was a slave and was told what to think, do, say, and eat! He wasn't going to have any of it. He had determined in his heart or as some of the other translations say, "purposed, made up his mind, or resolved." All of these words are considered action words. In other words, it wasn't just a thought. It was a thought that required an action. He wasn't going to be influenced to do what was wrong. In this case, he was a Jew, that followed specific dietary laws.
He, then, respectfully and humbly made the request of the person in charge. The Bible says, "he had found favor in the eyes of the prince." That prince wouldn't have shown favor if Daniel had an attitude problem and was rude. Quite frankly, who would blame him? He was taken captive, against his will, and they were going to retrain him in every way possible, including his religious believes. Daniel as young as he was, a teenager, wasn't going to have it. But he wasn't going to be rude about it, either. Admirable young man, wouldn't you say?
Apparently, his respectful and admirable personality and humble attitude won over the prince who was in charge of him.
The next word is, "defile!" Certainly there is no sin in eating rich foods, or having a glass of wine. It wasn't about that. It was all about the dietary laws that are within the Jewish religion. He requested vegetables and water. Foods the prince who was in charge thought would make them loose weight and his head, literally was on the line. Daniel, quickly asked for a ten day trial. We all know the ending, he and his three friends looked healthier, gaining weight even, and being picked out of the rest of the young men, probably, thousands, to serve on the royal courts.
It's not hard to see or understand where I'm going with this.
Like Daniel, we have to "determine" and take godly actions against thoughts, ideas, behaviors, trends, practices, and attitudes that go contrary to God, his laws and his word. Sometimes, we have to choose, determine, and make up our minds, we will not allow world points of views to infiltrate and defile our thinking. When our thinking is compromised we defile ourselves. There are many thoughts, actions, and ideas that in themselves might sound right, humble, caring, and loving. But, go directly against the word , laws, and deeds of God. There was nothing wrong in eating a piece of meat, and having a glass of wine right? What was wrong and sinful before God was how the animal was slaughtered, or which time of animal was severed, and who they offered the wine to for thanksgiving; Eating and drinking in that way would have defiled them.
I can identify myself with them, and so can you. The circumstances are different, but the ideas are the same. We must determine in our heart and mind we will not defile ourselves before a holy God. Then, we must take a stand in a respectful manner. Showcasing ourselves as men and women of honor, integrity, and show ourselves considerate towards others. We can then take our stand and know God will show us favor.
This doesn't end here for taking a stand. Next verse goes on to say, " Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel." God honored the desires of Daniel's heart because he had chosen to do what was right in the eyes of God. He made sure the official would do as Daniel asked. It didn't end there. The end of chapter says, "Thus Daniel continued until the first year of King Cyrus." Daniel lived a very long life, as a captive in a foreign and pagan land sort of speak. He was persecuted, thrown in a lions den, etc. But always had the respect of the King because the favor of God and man was on his life. God always used him, honored him, and gave him wisdom, knowledge, and great understanding. Winning him the favor of the prominent officials and the Kings themselves.
God honors those who determine not to defile themselves. The choice is ours. What we do determines what happens to us. I encourage you to choose wisely. Honor and respect God and all those you come in contact with you. Even in places of captivity God still holds the hearts of those who would do you harm.
I seriously wonder if we fully understand God holds the hearts of people in his hand. God still moves, still performs miracles, and still makes a way out in our life's situations and struggles. As we determine in our heart we will not defile ourselves in any way, form, or shape. It's your choice today. Remember, this chapter in the life of one amazing and godly man, Daniel.
Let it lead you to victory.
Komentarze