September 14, 2020

Bible Reading – Daniel 1

Daniel 1:8 KJV
But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

The eighth verse found in the first chapter of Daniel is a very familiar one to most. How often have we heard that infamous phrase, “Daniel purposed in his heart…”? And as we preview the text, it is vitally important to understand the nature of his decision.
In verses one and two, we find that Daniel’s life is guided by God into what appears to be extreme turmoil beyond what any of us has ever known. What he had been taught his entire life was perhaps being brought into question, as he was taken from his family and home into a foreign land. The God he had been taught was Supreme did not protect His chosen people from a pagan king. Daniel, along with many others were taken captive. Verse two specifically states that the house of God was affected. Daniel had a decision to make. Would his faith in God waiver or even fail, or would he determine to be steadfast in his faith?
It was at this crossroad in Daniel’s life where he decided that he would not defile himself. Many around him were abandoning their faith to conform to the desires of a pagan king and his false gods. Daniel, however, realized that God was not only God during the prosperous times, but He was also God during the darkest days of life. And it is in the darkest day when the true heart is revealed. Daniel did not worship and serve God only on the good days just to receive the blessings of God. Perhaps that is how others treated God, but they abandoned Him when they felt He wasn’t strong enough or faithful enough. No, Daniel knew that God was worthy, no matter what happened In life, and he determined that no matter his present state, he would worship and serve only the true God, Who is worthy to be praised.
I’m so thankful to have examples like Daniel in Scripture. I’m also extremely grateful to have real life examples of faithfulness in those like Preacher Joe and Mrs. Dorcas, Brother Daniel and Mrs. Julie, and so many others. God is always good, and God is always worthy.

— Eli Faulds