“During the third year of King Jehoiakim’s reign in Judah, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. 2 The Lord gave him victory over King Jehoiakim of Judah and permitted him to take some of the sacred objects from the Temple of God. So Nebuchadnezzar took them back to the land of Babylonia and placed them in the treasure-house of his god.”
Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, his chief of staff, to bring to the palace some of the young men of Judah’s royal family and other noble families, who had been brought to Babylon as captives. 4 “Select only strong, healthy, and good-looking young men,” he said. “Make sure they are well versed in every branch of learning, are gifted with knowledge and good judgment, and are suited to serve in the royal palace. Train these young men in the language and literature of Babylon 5 The king assigned them a daily ration of food and wine from his own kitchens. They were to be trained for three years, and then they would enter the royal service. 6 Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were four of the young men chosen, all from the tribe of Judah. 7 The chief of staff renamed them with these Babylonian names: Daniel was called Belteshazzar. Hananiah was called Shadrach. Mishael was called Meshach. Azariah was called Abednego.
8 But Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king. He asked the chief of staff for permission not to eat these unacceptable foods. 9 Now God had given the chief of staff both respect and affection for Daniel. 10 But he responded, “I am afraid of my lord the king, who has ordered that you eat this food and wine. If you become pale and thin compared to the other youths your age, I am afraid the king will have me beheaded.” 11 Daniel spoke with the attendant who had been appointed by the chief of staff to look after Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. 12 “Please test us for ten days on a diet of vegetables and water,” Daniel said. 13 “At the end of the ten days, see how we look compared to the other young men who are eating the king’s food. Then make your decision in light of what you see.”
Daniel 1:1-13 NLT
Lord God,
These young men were indeed wise. Knowing they had no choice, they made the best of it but kept their identities even though their names were changed. Many use this passage to promote becoming vegetarians or abstaining from alcohol. On pondering this Lord I tried to stand in Daniels shoes for a moment.
Daniel wanted to show they were followers of You, Yahweh, without seeming rebellious or self righteous. So they declined to eat meat which had been offered to Babylonian idols and not slaughtered as You God demanded. The drink may have also been dedicated to one of their idols or false gods. They showed that You, God were able to keep them healthy. And they could control their appetites and flourished.
There are times when You ask us to control our appetite (not just for food). And sin has no great and small, just bigger consequences? Thank You that you care enough to strive with us for good. The verse in Hebrews 5:8 says that Jesus Your Son, learned obedience from the things he suffered. He never sinned. If he needed to learn how much more do I.
As You God say, “My child, don’t make light of My discipline, and don’t give up when I, the Lord correct you. For I discipline those I love, and I punishes each one I accepts as My child.” (Hebrews 5:5b-6)
In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Worship Wednesday 20th August 2025
Two choices. One from 1909 and one from 1997. Both challenge me . . .
Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Thou art the potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after thy will,
while I am waiting, yielded and still.
2 Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Search me and try me, Master today!
Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now,
as in thy presence humbly I bow.
3 Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Wounded and weary, help me I pray!
Power, all power, surely is thine!
Touch me and heal me, Savior divine!
4 Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Hold o’er my being absolute sway.
Fill with thy Spirit till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me!
Lyrics: Adelaide A Pollard (1909)
Lyrics: Darlene Zschech