"But Daniel resolved..." Daniel 1:8
As Jet and I set our hearts to do a Daniel Fast for the next while, we'll be reading a chapter of Daniel a day. Today, the above verse jumped out.
"But..." Even though this word is but three letters, it speaks volumes to me.
Regardless of all that was going on. Despite what appeared to be the best way to harmoniously live. Undeterred by what everyone else was doing. In fact, in the FACE OF all that everyone else was doing... Daniel made a decision to go against the mainstream of his day and of his direct circumstances.
While he could have just remained silent and indifferently did was he was told, he chose to step out in direct opposition to the King's decree over his life.
Not not not for the sake of rebelling. (in fact, he submitted this "but" to the direct authority over his life in that hour...verse 13) Rather, for the sake of following the One who ruled the Unseen Realm, as well as his heart.
"...Daniel..." On his own. without the backing of a group of people. a posse of friends. or a partner in crime, so to speak. He, alone, decided to take a stand and stick with it.
Yes, it later mentions three additional friends that went along with Daniel's decision to abstain from the king's food. But whether they were drawn into it by Daniel's example or by his persuasion, it does not say. It does clearly state, though, that it was Daniel whose heart moved first.
Out of his relationship with God (not man!) Daniel was motivated to step out, taking a chance. He set his heart on what he knew was right, on what he knew he was called to. Apart from what anyone else was doing, he stood his ground.
First in his heart. Secondly by his actions.
"...Resolved" An unwavering decision to remain fixed and intent on a certain course of action. Resolute. Determined. Insistent. Not backing down. Not turning back. Not deviated from the original plan.
Though I'm sure Daniel knew it could cost him (at the very least) his comfort...he didn't let this impact his ultimate decision.
I mean Captives just didn't go around giving orders, or even suggestions. They did what they were told. period.
I don't know for sure, but I have to wonder if his even stepping out and asking such a thing could have brought severe consequences. Because the next verse in the Bible was:
"And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs." Daniel 1:9
Did that favor cut off what the next verse could have been? I have to wonder.
Only three words: "But Daniel resolved..." Yet I am very challenged.
In this day and age, where it appears to be best to sit down, shut up, and move within the realm of status quo, I am challenged by Daniel's resolute heart before God to do what is RIGHT.
Not what is popular or applauded or even easy, as I'm sure the King's food tasted pret-ty amazing.
Life today may be different than it used to be back in Daniel's time. Yet, there is still that force that threatens to keep men silent, usurping their inner strength, and coercing them to just go with what Majority deems right.
You know, of the "Majority" of which I speak? It's the one that doesn't hold it by conventional numbers, but by their deafening collective shouts. screaming that the unborn should be redefined. as well as marriage. and love. and entertainment. and dress. and ....
I can only pray that I will do what is right by God, and not be quiet about it. That my heart wouldn't be moved to go "against the flow" for the sake of being different. but for the sake of elevating Truth.
And maybe, just maybe, in hopes that an entire Kingdom can be impacted for Christ. Like it was in Daniel's day.
All because someone...a lone person...resolved himself to not be defiled.
