Bible Reading: 1 Kings 19; 1 Thessalonians 2; Daniel 1; Psalm 105
Daniel 1:9 Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.
Even in a pagan land, God can do amazing things! Daniel and his friends were among the captives from Judah who were brought to Babylon. These young men were of royal lineage in Judah and Nebuchadnezzar requested that they be taught all the language and learning of the Chaldeans. Daniel and his friends were determined not to defile themselves by eating the meat or drinking the wine that the king appointed for them. So Daniel asked Ashpenaz if they could only eat vegetables and drink water. The Word tells us that God brought Daniel into favor and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs. The Hebrew behind these words means that Ashpenaz was kind and compassionate toward Daniel.
Even in a Pagan land and basically taken against his will, God was with Daniel and was actively working on his behalf to have the keeper of these boys show him favor. This is not the only time God has done this. During Joseph’s time in prison the Bible says:
Genesis 39:21 But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.
Just think of the mighty power of our God who can work in the hearts of men in such a way that they will favor his people! Both of these young men were men of faith and integrity. They were both placed in high positions in heathen governments. They were both interpreters of dreams. They were both providentially and miraculously protected by God. They both died in heathen lands but were responsible for saving the lives of many people.
Could God make someone favorable toward you? Of course he can. Are you a person of faith and integrity like these young men were? The Bible says:
Proverbs 16:7 When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Daniel was a man of prayer who was determined not to defile himself with meat that had been sacrificed to idols or with wine. Joseph was a man of integrity who feared God and fled when Potiphar’s wife tried to lie with him. Are you a person whose ways please the Lord? Do you fear God and flee sinning against him? There is no end to what he can do on behalf of the person of faith!
In Christ,
Rody
