December 2, 2021

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

Yesterday we saw that Daniel had made a decision (purposed in his heart) not to eat and drink according to the Babylonian king’s plan (Daniel 1:8). Of course, the Babylonians sincerely believed that their rich food and wine was the best. In the very next verse we see an immediate blessing of God on Daniel’s life:

Now God had brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs. (v.9)

It is difficult to fully grasp what life was like for Daniel and his three friends during those early days of Babylonian captivity. Ripped out of their culture, they must have wondered why God had allowed this humiliation. Perhaps they were unaware of the disobedience that was prevalent among the Jews, God’s chosen messengers of the gospel. Obviously, these teenagers had a good understanding and appreciation of the things of God. In all likelihood, their parents had taught them His word according to the command (see Deuteronomy 6:5-7), as evidenced by their determination to resist the pressure to conform. Good parenting pays off!

Here they were: teens thrust into a materialistic, morally jaded, thrill-seeking, sex-crazed society. It is uncanny how descriptive this is of today’s world. As Daniel presented his request for vegetables and water to the chief of the eunuchs, how refreshing the relief must have been to be received with favor! Daniel practiced gracious manners and surely possessed the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). It was definitely not his way to take credit for himself (see Daniel 2:28). We can be certain that he was awash with gratitude for this up-close evidence of God at work on his behalf; and not only on behalf of these young teens, but for the salvation of the world!

The wise men from the east who came to worship Jesus must have been a very impressive entourage*! We tend to think of these visitors as only “three kings” due to the list of valuable gifts they presented to Him—gold, frankincense, and myrrh: God’s provision for the holy family during their flight to Egypt and the time that they lived there (see Matthew 2:10-15). But, in all likelihood, it was many more than three . . . all to the glory of God.

*The Gentiles shall come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising . . . Then you shall see and become radiant, And your heart shall swell with joy . . . The wealth of the Gentiles shall come to you. The multitudes of camels shall cover your land . . . They shall bring gold and incense, And they shall proclaim the praises of the LORD. Isaiah 60:3,5,6