Daniel's Test: Daniel 1:8-16

Nothing in this world is worth losing God over.  Nothing can bring joy like God can.  Nothing can bring love like God can.  Nothing can bring life like God can.  Without God, everything that matters suddenly diminishes.

When the children of the Hebrew nobles were gathered in Nebuchadnezzar’s palace, Nebuchadnezzar gave them food and drink.  This was not meant to be torture, this was meant to show these youths how to get along in the Neo-Babylonian kingdom.  It was supposed to be a pleasant lifestyle helping these young people learn to appreciate their position.  Therefore, the food would have been well-prepared and likely in lavish amounts.  Daniel and the rest of the children had a good life.

There was a problem with the provision.  Since it was from the king’s table, it was considered a blessing from the gods of the Babylonians.  The king served as the agent of the gods, therefore the food he ate was thought to be provided by the gods to help the king lead.  Daniel wanted no part in this food.

Daniel had a plan.  The problem, though, was with the supervisor of the youth.  The king expected the youths to enjoy the process while growing healthier.  Nebuchadnezzar would not tolerate any supervisor who let the health of these noble children decline.  It wouldn’t do much for the morale of the Hebrew people if their children looked sickly and miserable.  Daniel convinced his supervisor to test his plan for ten days.

Daniel knows something about God.  God’s vegetables and God’s water can do more in us than worldly food no matter how fine it is.  Daniel knows God’s ability to keep them healthy is greater than the plan of any supervisor or king.  Daniel stands up for his faith knowing God will protect Him and make Himself known.

In the end, Daniel is right.  The supervisor checks on Daniel after ten days and finds their health to be better than any of the other youth in his care.  God can sustain us better than the world.

There’s more to this story than God’s power, though.  This is a story of faithfulness.  God uses the opportunity Daniel opens to put Himself on display.  Because of Daniel’s faithfulness, God’s provision is demonstrated to Daniel’s supervisor.

Furthermore, notice that Daniel’s faithfulness leads him away from the ways of the world.  For Daniel to be faithful, he had to forfeit access to some things of the world that were quite enjoyable.  Daniel gave up the pleasant food of Nebuchadnezzar’s table so he could embody a closeness with God.  Daniel is willing to let go of the trappings of this world to experience God’s presence.

God is omnipotent and omniscient.  He can do anything and know everything.  Sometimes there is sacrifice required to know this God personally.  Daniels knows something we should also know.  Nothing in this world is worth losing God over.