Reading: Daniel 1:3-9
[3] Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring into the king’s service some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility… [5] The king assigned them a daily amount of food and wine from the king’s table. They were to be trained for three years…[8] But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. [9] Now God had caused the official to show favour and compassion to Daniel
Thought for Reflection: It would be easy to see this as Daniel going into slavery and having no choices or options but Daniel saw where the frontline was – not in rebellion but in faithfulness to his God. He resolved to be different in a small thing to show his allegiance to God by refusing the rich food and wine from the Kings table (the best the world could offer) and eating only simple vegetables and drinking water and trusting God to keep him healthy. Today we may have opportunity for small acts of faith but see how God honours those – “now God had caused…” – he was at work in Daniels life and he is at work in yours today!
Prayer: Lord Jesus, you are my King and I pray that today my allegiance to you will make a difference to my actions.
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