May 31, 2013
Dietary Decisions
And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of the princes; Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans. And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king's meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king. Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abed-nego. 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. Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs. And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king. 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. 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.
Daniel 1:3-15
“Obedience is in a way the mother of all virtues.”
- St, Augustine
Daniel and the Three Hebrew Children, would have probably enjoyed feasting on the fajita’s, Big Mac’s and other culinary succulents of their day, yet they under Daniels leadership: resisted indulgence and stuck to God’s plan for them and in the end they were better off than those who needed the Tums, Rolaids and other such antacids of the day.
They were stronger, fairer, and more alert and sharp than the other young lads who feasted on the fair offered them by the King.
How like us as Christians; who if we would only feast on the dietary offerings of God’s provision, like His word and prayer, loving each other, obedience and the like: rather than indulging in or supplementing our spiritual diets with the offerings of this world such as socialism and political correctness and self awareness, and egocentric motivations: then we too might be more healthy both physically and spiritually.
Often the smorgasbord the world would offer seems more tantalizing than God’s menu: but in the end if we truly want to have good spiritual health and optimal spiritual development; we need to follow His plan, His path and His way.
If we do: in the end we will be healthier, stronger and better fit for His service.
Prayer:
Father, though I might like the savory flavors that the world might offer: may I have enough restraint to keep myself from indulging in anything that is not on the buffet of your bountiful supply.
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