Today’s reading:
Daniel 1:1-20
“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the kind’s delicacies, nor with the wine…” (v8)
It is common knowledge among people in all parts of the world that one can resolve to do or not to do something. To “Resolve” means: to take a firm decision; purpose in the heart to do or not to do or say or make something. It involves determination and intention.
An example in the scripture of one who resolved not to do something is found in our Today’s reading. Daniel, was a Jew by birth, but found himself among others who were in exile in Babylon. When the Jews (Israelites) disobeyed God, they were punished by being captured and taken into exile by the king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar. While in exile, the King instructed the master of his eunuchs to bring out those young men among the Jews, in whom there was no blemish, good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king’s palace. The intention was to teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans to them. Ultimately, Daniel and three other youths chosen became part of the wise men in Babylon, alongside the Chaldeans, magicians, astrologers and sorcerers who served the king (Dan. 2:2, 12-13).
As part of the process of grooming the selected men, they were to be fed with the King’s delicacies and wine for a period of time, after when the king himself would request for them to be brought in to him (v18). In our Today’s reading in v8, we read that Daniel purposed (resolved) in his heart that he would not defile himself with the King’s portion of delicacies and wine. Instead, he requested that he might not defile himself. To “defile” means: to corrupt or pollute; to befoul; to violate.
The question is, what did Daniel mean by his request?
As a Jew, Daniel remembered all the teachings from his background, of not eating from the hands and of the foods offered to the gods of the heathens or even non-Jews. Jews were chosen of God as his own special people, to be used as examples of his relationship and interaction with mankind, whom He created in his image and likeness. So, Daniel knew that anything relating to this powerful heathen king must necessarily be unclean, polluted, corrupted in one way or the other, therefore, will defile the consumers. This was indeed a great resolve on Daniel’s part, given that he was a young fellow, naturally expected to be attracted to and desiring delicious foods and wine. Consider the level of defilement to which today’s youths are known!
Therefore, in place of the king’s portion, the chef decided to feed Daniel and the other three Jewish youths with him, with vegetables and water (v16). It was a favour on Daniel’s part. At the end of the ten days, the period Daniel had requested that they be fed and subsequently tested, they were found in appearance to be better and fatter in flesh than all the other young men who ate the king’s delicacies and wine (v15). Ultimately, when they appeared before the king, Daniel and the three other Jews, when interviewed by him, it was found that none among all the others were like them. So they were appointed to serve before the King (v19). In fact, it is recorded in v20 that in all matters of wisdom and understanding about which the king examined them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers in all his realms. It is said in v17 that God had given Daniel and others knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom. Daniel even had additions, as he had understanding in all visions and dreams. It isn’t surprising therefore, that the scripture records the great exploits done by these young Jews in Babylon, many years after.
Some of the benefits that accrued to Daniel for resolving not to defile himself with the king’s portion, translating to his honouring the God of Israel and his ancestors include: favour with the servants of the king (v9), gifts of wisdom and understanding, elevation to very high positions in the Babylonian empire, honour, many great gifts, was made ruler over the whole province of Babylon and as chief administrator over all the wise men of Babylon. He sat in the court of the king (Dan. 2:48). Later he had divine protection and deliverance from the lion’s den. Overall, God was honoured by the king and people of Babylon. It was decreed that in every dominion of the kingdom, men must tremble and fear before the God of Daniel (Dan. 6:26). Daniel’s intimacy with God made him receive visions of the future, both for Babylon and the rest of the world.
Your resolve to receive Jesus as Lord and Saviour and to subsequently live for him in true obedience and service will bring many benefits to you and all yours, now and even till eternity. Resolve now! As a believer, resolve not to defile the God you serve.
CHRISTIE KUPOLUYI
To surrender Your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud: “Father, I acknowledge my sin against you. I repent and ask for forgiveness in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in your path of righteousness.
Thank you, Lord”. Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and meet the pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of salvation through your Son, Jesus Christ.
Precious Lord, we appreciate your sacrifice to reconcile us with you and the Father.
Oh Lord, help us to know you genuinely enough, so that we resolve to live for you.
Father, help the church to resolve to work, such that it dispels the darkness of this world.
Father, please bring revival to our nation and help each one to resolve to know and serve you in newness of heart, in Jesus’ name.
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