Resolving not to Defile Oneself
Daniel 1:8
Judah was exiled to Babylon because of her disobedience to God’s law. The first deportation including Daniel was in 605 BC, the second deportation including Ezekiel was in 597 BC and the 3rd deportation took place in 586 BC when Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem and the temple.
King Nebuchadnezzar ordered to select some of the best brains from the Jewish people for his royal service. Selection criteria was tough followed with 3 years of excellent training. Food and facilities offered were also royal.
Four of the new recruits under the leadership of Daniel resolved not to defile themselves with the food and wine from the Babylonian kings palace as the first portion of that food was offered to idols, and a portion of the wine was poured out on a pagan altar. Ceremonially unclean animals were used and were neither slaughtered nor prepared according to the regulation of the law.
An agreement was made with the chief official to test them for 10 days by giving them only vegetables and water.(Dan.1:8-14) In 10 days, they looked healthier and better nourished than all the others who were taking royal food. So they continued taking only vegetables and water for 3 years. Daniel 3:15,16.
God blessed them in every area and they were 10 times better than all others in wisdom and knowledge, in the whole country. Dan.3:18-20.
A. CRITERIA FOR SELECTION TO ROYAL SERVICE.
- Royal and noble family background. Daniel 1:3.
- Young men without any physical defects.1:4.
- Handsome people 1:4
- Intelligent with good knowledge. 1:4.
- Quick to understand any topic. 1:4.
- All qualifications for royal service. 1:4.
B. TRAINING FOR BABYLONIAN PALACE SERVICE(B.P.S)
- Language and literature/ subjects of all kinds of the Babylonians. 1:4,17.
- Visions and dreams of all kinds. 1:17
C. RESOLUTION OF THE NEW RECRUITS.
- Not to defile with the royal food and wine. 1:8.
- Request simple vegetables and only water.
D. HOW GOD HONOURED THEM.
Because of their faith in God,when they decided to say NO to royal food and wine.
- At the end of 10 days, they looked healthier and better nourished than all others. Daniel.1:15.
- God gave them knowledge and understanding of all kinds. 1:12.
- Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds. 1:12.
In the end of 3 years training. - In the interview and test conducted by the King, they were above others.( First 4 rank holders in B.P.S exam.)
- King found them 10 times better than all others in every matter of wisdom and understanding in the whole Kingdom. 1:20.
Daniel and friends chose just vegetables and water when they were offered the best food and wine in the country. As Christians, what are the areas in our life where we chose anything like this?
As Christians, are we willing to say NO to what this world offers if that is against God’s law?
I was offered name, money and facilities but God gave me grace to say YES to His plans. Decided to obey the Lord and became a fool in the eyes of many. 40 years of ministry and 29 years in a foreign country. No regrets. Experiencing His faithfulness. HE is nobody’s debtor. What a great privilege to be a fool for the Lord.
LET US BE A DANIEL FOR THE LORD.
Rev. C. V. Abraham.
🌹 God of Mysteries 🌹
A dream stole the sleep of Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon and troubled him. The king summoned his magicians, enchanters, sorcerers and astrologers. He wanted them to tell his dream and also interpret it for him.
The astrologers told that No king had ever before placed such a difficult task for his people. No one can reveal the mystery except the gods and they do not live among men (Dan 2:10).
The furious king ordered for all the wise men in his dominion to be executed immediately. Daniel and his friends were searched to be put to death. Daniel gained time from Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard.
Daniel then explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. He urged them to pray for him so that God would reveal the mystery. And God heard their prayers and revealed the mystery to Daniel that night in a vision.
If Daniel needed prayer support how much do we need the prayers of friends to uphold us in times of distress. Have genuine friends who would sincerely pray for you and at the same time safeguard your secrets.
Daniel praised and glorified God for revealing the mysterious dream of the king. The next day he stood before the king and told him there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He made it very clear that except God no one else can solve the difficult task of the king (Dan 2:27, 28).
He glorified God as the Revealer of Mysteries (Dan 2:29). He emphasized the fact that the dream was true and the interpretation was trustworthy. He told the king’s dream and interpreted it.
And the king fell prostate before Daniel and honored him. And ultimately God was glorified.
📖 The king said to Daniel, “Surely your God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, for you were able to reveal this mystery.” (Dan 2:47)
The threatening situation ended with honor and a promotion for Daniel and his friends. God blesses those who remain in the background upholding others in prayers. God never fails to bless the prayer partners.
Dear ones in Christ, God places His chosen ones in strategic locations with a great plan and for a specific reason. Wherever you are placed today, whatever be your difficultly, God is working for you and through you.
The exile failed to dampen the spirit of the four young men in Babylon. Instead of fuming and fretting they excelled in the land of exile. What a great inspiration for one and all! God exalted them to heights so that His name would be glorified through them.
Never lose hope by your locked up situation. Though it appears stagnant and a dead end, God will raise you up to greater heights. And His name would be glorified through you.
God bless us to be channels of blessings.
Mrs Sheela Jebakumar ✍️
January 19, 2021