March 27, 2002

Reading: Daniel 1:1-21

 

“Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself” (8)

 

Don’t you love the “grit” and conviction of this teenager from Judah? His home land had been demolished along with his way of life and everything he held dear. Taken captive by a hated enemy, he found himself surrounded by unfamiliar customs and people who worshipped gods of the sun, earth and fire. Babylon had so many gods people could pick their favorite and worship it. Whenever society needed it, the king could create a new god and mandate his people to bow down before it. It was into this environment that Daniel was taken captive. It was in the providence of Jehovah that he was among the young men chosen to serve the king in his palace. The king showered favors on this group of young men and “appointed for them a daily provision of the king’s delicacies and of the wine which he drank” (7). They would receive special training, all this so they might “serve the king.”

“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank.” The application to us is obvious. We have an enemy whose sole purpose is to tantalize us with delicacies and tempt us away from our commitment to God. The devil is not particular – he tried his skill on Jesus. After Jesus had fasted forty days, the devil offered Him bread. After God announced, “This is My beloved Son,” he wanted Him to prove it. The Jews were looking for a king, he offered Him a kingdom. But he failed! Jesus was tempted but He did not yield to the “wiles of the devil.”

No child of God, however insignificant he or she may believe they are, is excluded from the devils subtle temptations. What was wrong with Daniel eating the delicacies of the king? What could it hurt? He could still worship Jehovah in his heart, and in the meantime be strengthened physically by the kings delicacies. Satan has not changed in all the years that have passed since the time of Daniel, has he? He still tempts us with subtlety and cunning. Many things the world considers inconsequential and fun are sin to those who love Jesus Christ. It is with these “things” that the devil tempts us both in action and thought. What does it matter if no one gets hurt? It matters because it dishonors God every time we participate in these “delicacies.” It matters because they create a blockage between God and us. It is impossible to worship God while participating in the delicacies of the world.

How we all need the resolve of Daniel not to defile ourselves. Paul wrote, “Abstain from all appearance of evil” 1 Thess 5:23 – KJV. It may seem insignificant, but it can be drastic in its consequences. Daniel requested a diet of vegetables and water (12) and the result was amazing – he was healthier after ten days than those who ate the kings delicacies! The meat he refused was also offered to the gods he refused to acknowledge. Eating meat was not wrong in itself, but its association with idol worship would give the “appearance of evil.” Daniel purposed in his heart not to defile himself by refusing anything that could be associated with sin, and God blessed him for it.

To the Ephesian Christians Paul wrote, “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil … and having done all, to stand” Eph 6:11, 13.