Feasting and Fasting

February 1, 2015 Background Scripture: Daniel 1; Matthew 6; 9:9 – 17 Lesson Passage: Daniel 1:5, 8 – 17; Matthew 6:16 – 18 What God offers us is better than what the world has to offer. Many will attest to this statement but few are willing to stand on this statement as a principle. Even worse, many believe they can have both—the best that God has to offer and the best that the world has to offer. Sadly, this is not being promoted by people in the world but by leaders of many Christian congregations. God’s word is clear: to be friends with the world is to be an enemy of God. The gospel is a constant entreaty to people to trust God’s promises and His provisions and turn from the world. The history of Daniel’s initial treatment in Babylon is an example of four young men who were willing to trust God’s provision rather than become drunk on the world’s wine. In this history we are reminded that Christians should be leery whenever the world offers us what is “supposed to be” its best. Daniel and his three friends were handpicked as youth to become part of the king of Babylon’s entourage of consultants and wise men. As part of the package, they were offered the finest the king of Babylon had to offer while they were still children. They would eat the same food being served at the king’s table and they would drink the same “refined” wine that the king had with his meals. Supposedly, this would allow them to grow up healthy and well-nourished young men. Sometimes things just feel wrong. Even though we may not have the benefit of a logical argument, some things just don’t fit. This was the case with this special offer. They were promised that they would be feasting even as the king himself would be feasting. They were in captivity in the land of Babylon yet they were being offered the “lap of luxury” that many citizens of Babylon were not receiving. Daniel knew that this was not for him and his three friends concurred. But how could four young men who were still in their youth turn down the king’s commandment and generous offer? Their answer was trust God. Daniel and his friends did not lead a hunger strike or protest their captivity for this would surely have led to them being moved into the slave quarters with many of their other compatriots. Rather, Daniel made a counter-offer to their overseer. He requested only vegetables and water for the four of them for ten days and asked that their physical wellbeing be compared to the other children who were eating and drinking from the king’s table at the end of the ten days. Daniel and his three friends prayed to God while they fasted on the vegetables and water. After the ten days were over, their overseer noted that Daniel and his friends appeared healthier than the other children and therefore they were allowed to continue their requested diet. While they fasted from the king’s table, they were feasting on their fellowship and communion with God in prayer. God caused their health to prosper and for them to continue to gain favor with the prince of the eunuchs. They were offered the opportunity to feast from the king’s table but they rejected it in favor of fasting and feasting before the Lord. Robert C. Hudson January 16, 2015