Daniel and the vegetables – 21 May 2007

This week we are going to look at 5 episodes from the life of Daniel. We start with Daniel’s introduction to the court of King Nebuchadnezzar, the famous king of Babylon who conquered Judah & Jerusalem and is credited with the construction of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon (one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world). Babylon was situated between the Euphrates and Tigris rivers – famous for being the approximate site of the Garden of Eden and nowadays in the middle of what we know as Iraq.

Daniel was one of the noble Israelites brought in for a three year “apprenticeship” to prepare them to serve the king. They were all…

“young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king's palace” Daniel 1:4a [NIV]

The king assigned food and wine from the royal table, which Daniel refused to accept because he considered he would defile himself with “unclean” food some of which had been offered to idols, and was not prepared in accordance with Israelite law (Deuteronomy 14). Nevertheless after 10 days on this vegetarian diet, Daniel and his friends…

“looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food.”
Daniel 1:15b [NIV]

After the end of the “apprenticeship” the king found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah.

What lessons can we learn from Daniel’s decision? – is it all about being vegetarian?
I don’t think so! However:
· Daniel stood firm against the sinful culture of the kingdom he was in
· Daniel obeyed God’s laws without worry about the consequences
· God rewarded Daniel’s righteousness with health and promotion
· God granted Daniel wisdom and understanding far above all the magicians and enchanters in the land

We face daily situations where we can remain holy (and visibly different as citizens of God’s kingdom) - or we can blend in with the sinful nature of our neighbours in the kingdom of earth. One is the right thing to do, the other is easy – take your choice!

Lord, help us to stand against the ways of the world whenever they conflict with your laws – give us the courage and faithfulness of Daniel, Amen.