Scripture: But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself. And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs. Daniel 1:8-9
Observation: Daniel, a member of the royal household, has been taken into exile in Babylon, (implicitly) turned into a eunuch, and forced to serve in the king's court. However, he refuses to eat the food of the king's court - rich meat and choice wine - because it has been used in ceremonial offering to other gods. In other words, Daniel knew where to draw the line when it came to honorable living in the sight of God:
-- Live in a foreign land, no problem
-- Be physically denied a future family, okay
-- Perform a distasteful job, will-do
-- Break God's commands ... no way!
Application: This is an issue I have been mentally preparing myself for for some time now. I work for a government that was one of the first to license gay marriage. The surrounding area is not just unchurched, it is anti-Christian. I am prepared for the time when I have to make a choice, and I had better know where the line is drawn.
-- I can live in a place that is anti-Christian ... in fact, Christians are called to be a light in dark places.
-- I can moderate certain behavior in order to not alienate others ... in fact, Christians are called to speak gently to others in order to keep dialogue open.
-- I can work in a job where others actively perform tasks that I do not approve of ... in fact, Christians are called to bring justice and mercy to lost and hurting people.
-- However, I cannot do tasks that violate the commandments, I will never disavow God or Jesus, I will never engage in celebrating sin.
So I cling to Verse 9 of today's passage, and not just Verse 8 ... God gave Daniel favor and compassion, which included a way out of the situation without punishment.
Prayer: Lord, I know there will come a time when I will be presented with this line, and I will pray to you for strength and guidance, and you will absolutely provide me that strength through your amazing love. I also know you will give me a path through the situation. It may not be the one obvious to me, or even the easiest path, but it will be the best path, paved with your love, and leading to the narrow gate where Jesus calls me. I thank you now for this future provision and assistance in my life. Amen.
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