In Part 2, we saw Daniel's determined response.
Here in Part 3, we see God's delightful blessing.
Daring to Stand (A Study of Daniel 1) Part 3
<Recommended Reading: Daniel 1>Verses 11-13. Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink. Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king's meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants.
This deal Daniel makes with Melzar could easily be overlooked, but there is a lesson in here for us. He was careful with his words for a reason, but made a request. “Prove thy servants...” Think about what he was asking. Melzar probably thought it was a crazy idea. What? You want to eat what? And you think you'll be healthier than the others by eating that stuff instead of all the bounty from the king’s table?
“Prove thy servants,” Daniel asks. Daniel was not asking Melzar to test him, but to test Daniel’s God. Think about it for a moment. 10 days is a short period of time to see results from any diet. Daniel, according to verse 3 was selected from “certain of the children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of the princes.” Daniel was part of the royal family of Israel. He wasn't used to eating a diet so unpalatable or meager, yet this is what he requests in order to keep himself pure.
How did Daniel know this would work? How did he know that he and Melzar wouldn't literally lose their heads? One word - FAITH. Daniel knew the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Daniel knew Him and His promises. Daniel knew that the God of Israel, who keeps covenant and mercy to a thousand generations, has promised to bless obedience. Daniel knew that his God would not forsake him.
Verses 14-16. So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days. And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat. Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.
Daniel’s request was granted and his faith rewarded. Daniel knew the same faithful God that Paul would come to know centuries later, the One “who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think (Eph. 3:20).”
God was faithful to Daniel and always will be to us. We CAN trust him to fulfill His Word and to keep His promises to us.
Verses 17-21. As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king. And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm. And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus.
We see further reward for the obedience of Daniel and his friends. God gave them wisdom and understanding and they outshined all the rest. Not only were they smarter and more capable than the other Jewish boys taken into captivity, the king “found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.” Notice that these 4 boys were not born geniuses. The understanding they had was a direct result of their obedience. AFTER they had made this important stand for the Lord, “God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom.” God does indeed bless obedience.
<Questions>
1. Have you ever found yourself in an oppressive situation? How did you respond?
2. Have you ever had to take a stand for what was right? How did God respond?
3. What does God require of us, even in the most difficult trials?
4. Have you ever been in a situation where God brought you some timely and much needed comfort?
5. Think about your life and circumstances today. Is there an area in which you need to, like Daniel in v8, purpose in your heart not to defile yourself?
6. God has made many promises to us, His people. Which promises do you treasure in times of difficulty?
Remember: God takes ordinary people, struggling with ordinary things, beyond the ordinary to do extraordinary things.
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