Monday, April 17, 2023

Today’s Scripture Reading
Daniel 1:1–21

In the third year of the reign of King Jehoiakim of Judah, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. The Lord let King Jehoiakim of Judah fall into his power, as well as some of the vessels of the house of God. These he brought to the land of Shinar, and placed the vessels in the treasury of his gods. Then the king commanded his palace master Ashpenaz to bring some of the Israelites of the royal family and of the nobility, young men without physical defect and handsome, versed in every branch of wisdom, endowed with knowledge and insight, and competent to serve in the king’s palace; they were to be taught the literature and language of the Chaldeans. The king assigned them a daily portion of the royal rations of food and wine. They were to be educated for three years, so that at the end of that time they could be stationed in the king’s court. Among them were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, from the tribe of Judah. The palace master gave them other names: Daniel he called Belteshazzar, Hananiah he called Shadrach, Mishael he called Meshach, and Azariah he called Abednego.

But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the royal rations of food and wine; so he asked the palace master to allow him not to defile himself. Now God allowed Daniel to receive favor and compassion from the palace master. The palace master said to Daniel, “I am afraid of my lord the king; he has appointed your food and your drink. If he should see you in poorer condition than the other young men of your own age, you would endanger my head with the king.” Then Daniel asked the guard whom the palace master had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: “Please test your servants for ten days. Let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink. You can then compare our appearance with the appearance of the young men who eat the royal rations, and deal with your servants according to what you observe.” So he agreed to this proposal and tested them for ten days. At the end of ten days it was observed that they appeared better and fatter than all the young men who had been eating the royal rations. So the guard continued to withdraw their royal rations and the wine they were to drink, and gave them vegetables.

To these four young men God gave knowledge and skill in every aspect of literature and wisdom; Daniel also had insight into all visions and dreams. At the end of the time that the king had set for them to be brought in, the palace master brought them into the presence of Nebuchadnezzar, and the king spoke with them. And among them all, no one was found to compare with Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore they were stationed in the king’s court. In every matter of wisdom and understanding concerning which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom. And Daniel continued there until the first year of King Cyrus. (NRSV)

Reflection

Like many Christians, if asked, I would have said I “knew” this Old Testament story. But as I contemplate these verses in our modern context, I’m inevitably blessed with new insights from an old tale.

Verses 1 and 2 speak to the kingdom of Judah being besieged and taken into captivity. As I survey the world around me, it seems to me that watchful Christians often feel “besieged” and assailed by the forces in this world that challenge our faith and commitment to living out the Gospel.

Verses 3 through 7 introduce us to four of the most memorable characters of the Old Testament: Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. In this story, these young men are forcibly removed from their homes and even given new names as a constant reminder that they are not where they want to be. Christians are often reminded that we are pilgrims in a world that is not our true home.

Yet even in captivity, these sojourners are challenged to be faithful to what they know is right, right down to the food they put in their mouths. One remarkable aspect of this story is that the faithfulness of Daniel and his companions results in the chief officer responsible for their training, and the guard responsible for their treatment in captivity, coming to show favor and compassion on them even though they are being held against their will — a clear indication that our faithfulness matters in every situation, and that God is with us even as we navigate difficult and threatening circumstances as we anticipate our “return” to a home we’ve never seen before.

Prayer

Lord, we pray that like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, our faithfulness to your word will keep us fit for service in your name as we journey through this world anticipating our true home with you. Amen.

Written by John Marr, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

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