Bible Ballistics: BBs #476 Where’s Your Purpose???
“But Daniel
purposed in his heart
that he would not defile himself
with the portion of the king’s meat,
nor with the wine which he drank:
therefore he requested
of the prince of the eunuchs
that he might not defile himself.
9 Now God had brought Daniel
into favour
and tender love
with the prince of the eunuchs.” Daniel 1:8-9
We’ve been looking at Daniel recently, and I just can’t get away from the commitment of this young man, a young man taken into captivity—far away from home, family—yet he was determined to be faithful to his God. Daniel could have done whatever he wanted (so to speak) because there were no parents to scold or direct his choices, but he already had a relationship with his God and he committed to do whatever it took to maintain his walk with his God!
Daniel had no control over his circumstances, but he did have control over his responses—and he chose to not do anything to “defile himself”—and if you’ll notice this is mentioned twice in these two verses! Daniel was totally determined to be faithful before The Lord God Almighty.
And because of Daniel’s commitment, God had already been acting on his behalf—he had brought Daniel into favor with those over him—the sovereign will of God at work, but not without the cooperation of a godly character and the humble ways of this young man. Daniel responded with respect toward those over him, and wisdom toward each situation, a way of life that we can learn a lot from in this arrogant and self-willed culture in which we live.
We can determine the purpose that we will pursue, but basically it boils down this: pursuing God and His ways, or pursuing self! I pray that we will choose to stand with Job, clearly knowing that our God reigns and is our eternal hope, no matter our circumstances or season of life.
“For I know
that my redeemer liveth,
and that he shall stand
at the latter day
upon the earth:
26 And though after my skin worms destroy
this body,
yet in my flesh
shall I see God:
27 Whom I shall see for myself,
and mine eyes shall behold,
and not another;
though my reins be consumed
within me.” Job 19:25-27
Our God reigns and we can be sure of His coming for us—and we too, like Job, can be assured that “in my flesh shall I see God”! Amen. So no matter your circumstances today, won’t you join me and determine to fix “our eyes on Jesus” trusting the order of things to HIM! He is trustworthy, so let’s live like it!
“Though he slay me,
yet will I trust in him:
but I will maintain mine own ways
before him.” Job 13:15
Amen and Amen!
