December 5: GOOD PARENTING

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). The Babylonians probably believed that their rich food and aged wine was the best fare. But Daniel had been taught from God’s word. Note the blessing of God on Daniel’s life, a result of the desire of his heart to honor God with his lifestyle:

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

It is difficult to grasp what life must have been 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 to take the gospel to the world. In all likelihood, Daniel’s parents and the parents of his three friends had taught them God’s word according to the command (see Deuteronomy 6:5-7), as evidenced by their desire 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 his behalf and that of his three friends. We know now that it was not only for these faithful young men, 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*! How did these Gentiles know that the time was right for the King of the Jews to be born? It is evident that they carefully studied the Biblical prophecies that Daniel had shared centuries before. We tend to think of these Gentile visitors as “three kings” due to the famous list of valuable gifts they presented to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These gifts are 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 likely that there were more than three kings. Their entourage surely included many servants and camels—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