In Light of what you see...

So here's the deal... I'm sure I've read this passage over and over again.  I know this story how it begins and how it ends. But I wanted to read this with some new eyes.  I want to not just read the story as if it was for my kids' bedtime story, but I wanted to hear it as it was written, for me... to challenge and change me.

This must be a confusing situation to be in... your homeland, invaded and conquered; and you, your family, and friends are taken into slavery.

Then you are taken out of captivity and placed under the king's care.  What are you thinking at this time? Awesome - I'm under the care of the king.... or who is this guy, he took me & my gang out of our homes and now he wants us to be under his care!  I'd have mixed feelings and emotions.  The reality that these guys had, that I'm not sure I cling to enough is the fact they already had a king... one they were already under the care of!

This may have seemed like a rescue for some - maybe even a "salvation" for others.  But for Daniel and his peeps, it was a change in location, not a change in regiem.  They still served the same king, and were looking for his provision.

And as they were offered amazing food - FROM THE KING - Daniel and his crew, turned it down.  How often does a great deal seem like it turns up in our favor, and all we have to do is one "little" thing, that we know would be the end of the world, but wouldn't be the thing of highest integrity! So we forsake it for the glory of the temporary!

And what happens to Daniel - the world doesn't understand... and why would they.  If God is God, then why would we think he should be understood, make sense, do things logically, in our way... if that is our god, then we have someone that is no greater than you or I.  I need a God that doesn't think like me, but has it all under control.  If what I do always makes sense to those around me... I'm living in comfort, not in faith!

So the king's servant questions Daniel's request to not eat what the earthly king has given him.  Daniel instead relies on the sustaining power of what he knows God can do for him ... and here is the kicker -
vs12-13 Daniel makes a simple suggestion ... "Test us...then make your decision in light of what you see".

When we rely on what God gives us, when I place my faith in him and turn away from the simple pleasures of the world... the just this once!  it's no big deal! God will forgive me! it'll put me in a better place to do more for God.... when we have to rationalize it away... we know that there is a WISER path to take.... and when we take that path - PEOPLE CAN SEE THE DIFFERENCE!

What do people see in me that's different?  or am I just on of the captives eating at the table of the king... and what he provides instead of eating from the hand of the KING and what he requires?


Challenge:  for me 10days - it was what Daniel put out there, so for me for 10 days, I'm going to pray with my wife, spend time in the word and journal, lead my family, and to the best of my ability depend on God's provision for me and my family and my ministry!