A Ten Day Diet

 O. T. #1969  "A Ten Day Diet "

June 23, 2021

Daniel 1-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

But the LORD is my defense; and my God is the rock of my refuge. (Psalm 94:22)

For the LORD will not cast off His people ; neither will He forsake His inheritance. (verse 14)

The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity. Blessed is the man whom Thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of Thy law.  (verses 11- 12)

Do we run to God when trouble hits? When we need defending, to whom do we go?

LET IT GO

I recall following the Nazarite diet when our church was building a new sanctuary. I was praying and fasting for the work to be continued and finished. ( I did not cut my hear, drink wine, and not touch dead bodies, as Samson followed it.) He honored it, and the building was completed without problems or arguments. Have you ever done that? Today's 4 guys did. Read on to find out the results.

God had brought Daniel into favor and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs. (verse 9) Apparently, they became good friends. Therefore, Daniel felt confident in making his request of not eating the king's meat and drinking his wine. (Perhaps the meat had been offered to idols, and Levitical law forbade Jews to eat it. (Exodus 34:15, Lev. 11)

Remember, Daniel had purposed in his heart to not to defile himself with the king's delicacies. The rich foods would not have been as nourishing as the menu Daniel proposed. He desired to take care of his body. No doubt Daniel used tat and a pleasing manner to make his request. He was a gentleman and did not demand his way. 

Daniel's request could have meant off with the head of the head eunuch. The request involved a ten-day trial with only eating vegetables and drinking water. It was certainly a skimpy, but wholesome diet, don't you think? Something I noticed, Daniel was not alone following this diet. His three friends must have joined him, for verse 12 says "us."

So the test was on: if the 4 lads appeared they were not weakened, then the guys could continue, but if not, then they would not do it. What was the end result after the 10 day diet?

They appeared healthier than all the young men who were eating the king's food. (verse 15) Round 1: Daniel and his friends won.

God honored their faithfulness. He blessed them and rewarded them for being true to their God, even in a pagan society. God stands ready to bless His people when they obey and trust Him. Sometimes we are challenged to reject the world's way and follow God's way, offering divine alternatives. 

Is our faith that strong? Will we meet the challenge of our faith head on? Is our allegiance to God or those around us?

LET IT GO

Follow God by faith and He will bless.

Stay true to our King Jesus, and He stays true to us.