Daniel was an exiled boy in a foreign land, who made a change in his generation, trusting his God Yahweh. This God was his life giver, provider, and protector. He was a descendant of king Hezekiah (2 kings 2017-18; Isaiah 39:6-7) and was of noble character, and upper class family from Jerusalem,who believed, feared and pleased the one true God.
When we read the 1st chapter in the book of Daniel we see that he found favour with the authorities of the nation of Babylon (Daniel 1:9). Even though he was given prominence, in the king’s palace and amongst the Chaldeans, Daniel purposed in his heart that he will not sin against his God in any aspect of his life. The chief eunuch selected Daniel and his friends because he of his good looks, wisdom, great understanding. He was to be trained in the Babylonian system, this would change his mindset from the way he had been grown up from childhood.
Therefore Daniel decided not to give into the ways of the Chaldeans, and won the heart of the chief eunuch so he hearkened to Daniel’s voice (Daniel 1:8-9). In his heart he purposefully refused to eat the delicacies of the king, instead of rebelling or making it a big issue he made a humble request to the chief eunuch (Daniel 1:8). Daniel resolved not to defile himself because Babylonians was pagan worshipers, by naming him after their god and teaching their language, culture and literature they would have expected him to follow their lifestyle contradicting the Word of God and all His Righteous principals.
Daniel was a very God fearing lad, and he had a good relationship with the God he worshiped, read and meditated His Word daily. (Joshua 1:8-9). And nothing could separate him from the love and passion he had for God. The food may have been offered to idols, to eat such food would be disobeying God’s laws which he has been taught by his forefathers. So he made up his mind not to defile himself, he didn’t compromise with his convictions even if he had to starve to death (Deuteronomy 6:7).
We know we are in the world, but not of the world, as a church or a believer of the Most High God do we give in to the ways of the world? Do we eat food offered to idols or do we take part in pagan worship festivals and enjoy their delicacies? Are we saying no to those pagan practices or getting entangled with them? In other words are we compromising with our Godly convictions? (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)
Daniel had an excellent spirit, that is because he feared God and lived a godly life impacting his friends. Whatever he said and did was backed up by God. God honoured him in everything and turned people’s hearts in favour towards him. (Daniel 1:9). Because he was a God pleaser he was able to challenge the eunuch to give him 10 days to check his countenance, he proved to the chief eunuch that it was not food that kept him alive and good looking but the God he served (Daniel 1:14). He was able to change even the king’s decision because trusted the God of Israel (Daniel 1:5, 16).
Today do we display excellent spirits and live godly lives? Are we receiving the heavenly back up in all we do and say? Can we challenge the people around us and can we change decisions of the leaders in our land?
Those who remain faithful to God will be given the strength to stand firm in the midst of all temptations, while people who don’t decide to live faithfully for God, fall into temptations because they compromise with the word of God. If we are striving to be faithful to God and follow His ways, God will give us grace to accomplish His will in our lives in a fallen world. (Daniel 1:5; Genesis 39:7-15)
Because Daniel was committed to the One True God, God Himself helped the boy in all he did and said, and Daniel was able to stand within the magicians and enchanters with Ten times more wisdom than them. He overcame the Babylonians wisdom with God’s Wisdom (Daniel 1:17, 20). When we are committed to serve Him through everything His favour will be upon us in all we do and say(Job 12:13; Colossians 1:9; James 1:5; Genesis 41:8; 1Kings 4:30; Esther 2:15; Ezekiel 28:3)
From all these we understand one just thing, that had Daniel purposed in his heart not to sin against his God where ever he may have lived. He was not ready to exchange his soul for anything under the sun. It is so easy to get involved in pagan practices when you are a slave in a place that does not belong to you, are you ready to swim across the current waters, or will you get into the water and flow with the crowds and sell your eternal soul for the pleasure of the world. (Matthew 16:26).THINK
