“And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king’s seed, and of the princes; Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.” Daniel 1:3-4
At fifteen years of age, I enrolled in Vocational School in Saint John to take Business classes. A couple of months later, my parents moved to pastor a different church, so I had to board away from home for the next three years. Fortunately, I was able to live with a Christian family and mostly went home on the weekends. Life certainly changed for me, and I had to grow up in a hurry.
In Daniel, we read about four teenagers who suddenly found themselves in a strange country, living a completely different life from what they had known. First, their names were changed, which would mean adjustments for them. Then they were told that they had to eat food to which they were not accustomed. They had to make a choice. Daniel was the spokesperson for them all, and he decided not to give in on this point.
Daniel 1:8 “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.”
He persuaded the steward to allow them vegetables, fruit, and water to drink for ten days. At the end of that period, if they were not healthier than the others, they would accept the food demanded.
These young men had a choice to make. Because they took their stand and made the right decisions, God blessed them. All of them were promoted to positions of honour in the country. Later, when tested, they stood strong in their convictions. The Lord delivered them from their enemies.
The world offers pleasures to our young people today. But thank the Lord, there are multitudes of young men and women who are committing themselves to the Lord and making the right choices.
Thought For Today: Pray for our Youth, that they will make right choices.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
