Daniel and his friends have “drawn a line” in resolving not to eat the king’s food. But will they be allowed to do so? And what will the result be?
A question of appearance
Read Daniel 1:8
• What problem is raised in Daniel’s plan?
• Why do you think the official was worried about this?
Read Daniel 1:11
• What’s Daniel’s solution?
• What’s the outcome?
A question of wisdom
Read Daniel 1:17
• In what ways are Daniel and his friends superior to everyone else?
• Why (v 17)?
Daniel and co had won the “appearance” competition. Now they win the “cleverness” competition. Their test scores are 10 times better than everyone else’s! And all because “God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning”.
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APPLY
• What does this episode teach us about God?
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God honours faithfulness
The lesson is that God honours those who resolve to live for him. In this episode that is seen in how they ‘win’. In won’t always be like that. Later in the book, faithfulness will result in hardship and even death. But the point is still true—God loves it when his people are faithful: he notices it and will honour it.
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APPLY
• In what way does this encourage you in living for God?
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PRAY THRU
Dear Lord and Father,
Thank you that you delight in me when I stay faithful to you in the face of challenges and temptation to conform.
Thank you that you honour and use those who live for you.
Help me to see how and where I can live faithfully and differently as your follower. Please give me the privilege of being the way you show something of your power and goodness to others.
Amen.
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This devotional is taken from Explore—a daily Bible-reading devotional from the good book company which enables you to engage with Scripture and which will encourage, equip and inspire you to live for Christ. Explore features contributions from pastors such as Dr Timothy Keller, Mike McKinley and Tim Chester.
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