December 2, 2022

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

Yesterday we read that Daniel had purposed in his heart not to eat and drink according to the Babylonian culture (Daniel 1:8). Of course, the Babylonians sincerely believed that their rich food and wine was best. In the very next verse we see a blessing of God on Daniel’s life, a result of the desire of his heart to honor God’s standards:

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 young 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 such humiliation. Because of their personal devotion to God, perhaps they were unaware of the disobedience that was prevalent among the Jews, God’s chosen nation of messengers of the gospel to the world. 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 is priceless!

Here they were: teens thrust into a materialistic, morally jaded, thrill-seeking, sex-crazed society. Does this not describe today’s world? As Daniel presented his request for vegetables and water to the chief of the eunuchs, how refreshing it 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 not his way to take credit for himself (see Daniel 2:28). We can be certain that Daniel was grateful for this up-close evidence of God at work on behalf of himself and his three friends. We know now that it was 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 Gentile visitors as only “three kings” due to the list of valuable gifts they presented to Him—gold, frankincense, and myrrh; these being understood as God’s provision for the holy family for their flight to Egypt, and for the duration of their time there (see Matthew 2:10-15). It is highly likely that there were more than three kings . . . 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