TEXT: DANIEL 1:8-20
Jerusalem was besieged; people and articles were taken to
Babylon. Among those that were taken were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and
Azariah, there names were changed to Belteshazzer, Shadrach, Meshach, and
Abednego. These boys were to be fed well so that they can be useful and fit for
the king’s service. The king ordered that they must be fed with royal food and
wine for them to look good as “royal servants.”
Daniel and his friends refused to defile themselves with
the royal food, so they told the guards to be giving them vegetables
and water (Daniel 1:8-14). They were tested for ten days eating only vegetables
and water. After ten day they came out more nourished and healthier than those
that ate the royal food and wine.
These boys deprived themselves because of the love and
respect they have for God. They did not stop loving God because of the
situation they were in. some people would have given up on God saying “why
should God allow me to be taken into captivity in a strange land?” their
faithfulness earned them what nobody in the nation had. “To these four men God
gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning.” (V:
17) these boys were not the only people taken to Babylon, but because they
stood their ground in the lord and refused to defile themselves, God endowed
them with an exceptional knowledge and understanding that singled them out for
promotion. “At the end of the time set by the king to bring them in, the chief
official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar. The king talked with them and he
found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, so they entered the
king’s service.” (V: 18-19)
The price they paid made them to become household name in
the bible, the rest of the people that ate the royal food have long been
forgotten, and their names were not even known. If you pay any price because of
God; He will reward you bountifully.
Nobody will walk with God and have nothing to show for it,
if you deprive yourself from any “unhealthy enjoyment” because you don’t want
to sin against God, He will reward you in return. People may think you are not
being sensible by refusing that “royal offer” Don’t worry stand your ground and
see God blessing you. Daniel and his friends did it and till today we are still
talking about them. The heaven will celebrate you as you refuse
to defile yourself in Jesus name. Amen.
Image-Google Image
No comments:
Post a Comment