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The blessings of godly Character!

Scripture reading for August 30th: Daniel 1-3

Have you ever moved into a strange neighborhood or gone on a mission trip and lived for a short time out of your comfortable culture with people who spoke another language?  These kinds of experiences would help us to understand what Daniel and his three young friends experienced in their 800 mile trip across deserts from Jerusalem to Babylon.  They were probably teenagers and were the best and brightest of the Jewish people of God.  They were taken into the culture to be re-programed in the prestigious “University of Babylon” and given a rich diet from the king’s personal chef. (Daniel 1:1-6)

As young men, they would have memorized the Pentateuch (Books of Moses) by the time they were thirteen.  They would have read the prophets and would have begun an apprenticeship for a trade. They also had dietary laws that were given to keep them healthy and set them apart so they might be a testimony to the nations.  As they were taken into captivity their godly character helped them to walk with integrity and reap God’s blessing.

Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the food that was not allowed by God’s law.  He appealed to the one in authority over him to have a different diet.  Notice that he didn’t demand his rights !  (Daniel 1:6-14)  These wise ways came from godly character through the Word of God.  The result was God’s blessing and favor. (Psalm 5:11-12)  They looked better with the diet of vegetables  and water than the rest who had the rich food and wine! (Daniel 1:15-16)  God gave them wisdom and understanding in all kinds of literature and learning in this wicked university.  They excelled above all others and no equals were found!  They were “10 times better” than all the others in the kingdom.  (Daniel 1:18-20)

It pays to live a godly life and not defile yourself with things God forbids!  We see that those who enjoyed the temporary pleasures of the rich food and wine did not profit as did the  Jews who ate according to God’s instructions.  Take time today and allow God to show you how to live separated lives in this culture.  Remember the blessings of godly character and living by faith!   The righteous live by their faith!