“Then the king instructed Ashpenaz, the master of his eunuchs, to bring some of the children of Israel and some of the king’s descendants and some of the nobles, 4 young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans. 5 And the king appointed for them a daily provision of the king’s delicacies and of the wine which he drank, and three years of training for them, so that at the end of that time they might serve before the king. 6 Now from among those of the sons of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. 7 To them the chief of the eunuchs gave names: he gave Daniel the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abed-Nego.” Daniel 1:1-7 NKJV
“So Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 “Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then let our appearance be examined before you, and the appearance of the young men who eat the portion of the king’s delicacies; and as you see fit, so deal with your servants.” 14 So he consented with them in this matter, and tested them ten days. 15 And at the end of ten days their features appeared better and fatter in flesh than all the young men who ate the portion of the king’s delicacies.” Daniel 1:11-15 NKJV
God of wisdom,
Perhaps it was not that they only ate vegetables . . . but they did not drink an abundance of wine, eat sweetmeats, over snack or indulge in fatty food? Daniel was a wise young man and wanted, with the other 4 young men to survive and thrive. We read later he did and certainly displayed his trust in You, the God of his fathers. And for the first year all went well (Daniel 1:21).
A good year. It is so encouraging when we have a good year. A good year for family or a good year for church or for our friends. It is easy to be complacent. But Daniel and his friends did not waste their time. They learned how to live and speak with the Chaldeans without becoming like them in their beliefs. They learned to be different and comfortable with it. They learned how to serve with dignity and yet conscientiously following You God.
So it is for us. We live amongst those who Jesus sent us to serve, to love, to invite into His Kingdom. And we are meant to look and behave differently. To be our best self with the help of Your Holy Spirit. Never under the control of anything else or anybody else. And content to serve where You would place us.
In Jesus name I pray, Amen
Worship Sunday 19th July 2026
Dug this one up from a couple of years ago. Love its challenge.
Standing by a purpose true,
Heeding God’s command,
Honour them, the faithful few!
All hail to Daniel’s band!
Dare to be a Daniel,
Dare to stand alone!
Dare to have a purpose firm!
Dare to make it known.
Many mighty men are lost,
Daring not to stand,
Who for God had been a host
By joining Daniel’s band.
Chorus
Many giants, great and tall,
Stalking through the land,
Headlong to the earth would fall,
If met by Daniel’s band.
Chorus
Hold the Gospel banner high!
On to vict’ry grand!
Satan and his hosts defy,
And shout for Daniel’s band.
Chorus
Lyrics: Philip Paul Bliss