Choices and consequences

"And Daniel dwelt in his heart, that he should not defile himself by the king's delicate food, and by the wine that he drank ; And he asked the prince of the eunuchs to permit him not to defile himself. And God gave Daniel favor and favor to the prince of the eunuchs." Daniel 1: 8, 9

At the first siege of Jerusalem in 606 BC, J. C., Nebuchadnezzar brings booty and prisoners back to Babylon. He asks that the elite of the capital be chosen for him. The selection criteria are social status, physical appearance, intellectual and psychological abilities and education received. Its aim is to train them to integrate them into the royal court. He shows them a certain kindness during their period of formation. To encourage their loyalty, he grants them the favor of eating the same refined dishes and drinking the same wines as him !

But one of these young prisoners, Daniel, and three of his companions refuse this honor. How brave ! They do not want to give up respecting what the Law of God says about pure and unclean foods. Even in this foreign environment, they want to show their priority attachment to God. It is not a refusal of order, but a request full of wisdom, respect and humility that Daniel makes to the prince of the eunuchs ! Embarrassed, he said neither yes nor no.

At the same time, Daniel addresses the junior officer who takes care of them and offers him a 10-day food test. The proposal was accepted.

The first consequence of this desire to remain faithful to the divine precepts is that these young deportees meet with the favor of their hierarchical superiors ; The second is that, even when fed exclusively with vegetables and water, they pass the examination with success : "After ten days their faces looked better and were more fat than those of all the young men who ate the food Delicates of the king" (Dan 1. 15). God always appreciates the attitude of his children when they make a good decision, the one that is taken for him. And he honors their fidelity : the desired dispensation is granted.

Wonderful testimony of these young prisoners who, at the risk of their lives, have wanted to remain faithful to God ! They were not ashamed of their sovereign. Let us inspire ourselves with their witness and solidarity !

Source (To pleasing the Lord)