Daniel

July 24

Daniel 1:1-2, 18-19

Not on the Menu!

As Jeremiah had prophesied, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon attacked the city of Jerusalem, taking many Israelites to Babylon as slaves.

Daniel was one of those who were captured. Soon after he arrived in Babylon, King Nebuchadnezzar ordered his chief official to choose the cleverest and best looking men from Israel to serve in his royal court. Ashpenaz, the chief official, selected Daniel and his three friends for a training program to teach them the Babylonian language and way of life. They were offered the best food and wine—straight from the king’s kitchen.

Daniel made up his mind not to eat the rich, royal food or drink the wine offered to him. He said to the guard, “Test us for ten days. Give us only vegetables and water. Then compare us to the others who eat the royal food.”

The guard agreed, and after ten days, Daniel and his friends looked healthier and stronger than the others who had been eating the king’s special food. So from then on, the guard allowed them to eat only healthy food, and God blessed them.

Do I have to eat my vegetables?

Daniel and his friends were used to eating plain, healthy food. It is not surprising that they were so bright and healthy. Daniel knew that God, who created us, also provides us with all the natural food our bodies need. Daniel was determined to honor God by looking after his body. He also did not want to live a life of luxury while his fellow Israelites were suffering as slaves. Although Daniel’s diet of vegetables was a personal decision, we can see that God was pleased with Daniel and blessed him.

Yes, you do need to eat vegetables to be healthy. Look after your body and you will feel great. Also remember that your body is the Temple of the Lord—the place where His Spirit lives (1 Corinthians 6:16).

Verse for today 

Everything is permissible—but not everything is beneficial. 1 Corinthians 10:23