January 23, 2009

Remain Steadfast, Appeal First

“8 ¶ But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. 9 Now God had brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs. 10 And the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, "I fear my lord the king, who has appointed your food and drink. For why should he see your faces looking worse than the young men who [are] your age? Then you would endanger my head before the king." 11 So Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 "Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 "Then let our appearance be examined before you, and the appearance of the young men who eat the portion of the king’s delicacies; and as you see fit, [so] deal with your servants." 14 So he consented with them in this matter, and tested them ten days. 15 And at the end of ten days their features appeared better and fatter in flesh than all the young men who ate the portion of the king’s delicacies. 16 Thus the steward took away their portion of delicacies and the wine that they were to drink, and gave them vegetables.” (Daniel 1:8-16 NKJV)

Daniel was a wonderful example of courage and faithfulness. When you think of his life, you might get goose bumps recounting all of his heroics and God’s faithfulness. Don’t you want to walk faithfully as he did?

Well, while Daniel was truly a man of great courage and faith, he was no fool. Notice how he appeals to the chief eunuch. First, it is remarkable that he had found favor with his captors. He didn’t do this by being hateful and antagonistic. Likely he was easy to control. That doesn’t mean he had yielded to their vile practices, but he didn’t cause trouble just because he was upset. His soft answers gave him an opportunity with the chief eunuch. He was able to make a successful appeal.

Had he not been able to make this appeal, it is likely God would have needed to rescue him from another peril for Daniel had already purposed not to defile himself with the king’s delicacies.

Here is a lesson for all of us: “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” (Matthew 10:16 NKJV) Do not make yourself a threat unnecessarily. Be harmless as much as is possible. Isn’t that what Jesus said?

“Pursue peace with all . . . .” (Hebrews 12:14 NKJV) “By long forbearance a ruler is persuaded, And a gentle tongue breaks a bone.” (Proverbs 25:15 NKJV) Always remain true to your calling, never compromise your faith, but be gentle that you may continue to have opportunity to serve the King. Amen.