Monday, November 25, 2013 [Mercy]
But Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and
wine given to them by the king. He asked the chief of staff for
permission not to eat these unacceptable foods. Now God had given the
chief of staff both respect and affection for Daniel. (Daniel 1:8-9)
What would you do if you lost everything: your home and possessions,
your family, and your sense of identity? I can only imagine what the
thought of exile must have been like for Judah; one day you believe
that you are the most favored people on earth and the next day you're
taken into captivity. It would be easy to feel abandoned by God. It
would be easy to feel resentment and turn away completely from the
Lord. Some did exactly that – they turned away. But, we have this
amazing example in Daniel.
Daniel was determined.
Even in exile, Daniel was determined to honor God.
Even in exile, God gave Daniel favor with the chief of staff.
Even in exile, God gave Daniel, and his friends, special gifts and
abilities so they could function in their bad situation. (1:17)
Even in exile, God heard their prayers and protected them from death. (2:17-19)
I don't know too many people who haven't felt abandoned by God at some
point in their lives. Some of us might not admit it, but most of us
have felt this way. We've experienced loss in our lives; we've felt
like we were out of place or even in exile (away from everything
familiar). But, this account of Daniel and his friends shows me the
character of God – that even when it seems as though everything has
fallen apart God is still working; that God's is as near as He's ever
been; and, that God is still listening to our prayers, protecting and
providing for us.
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Do not turn your back on me. Do not reject your servant in anger.
You have always been my helper. Don't leave me now; don't abandon me,
O God of my salvation! Even if my father and mother abandon me, the
Lord will hold me close. (Psalm 27:9-10)
--
"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you
and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give
you peace" (Numbers 6:24-26)
*Kenny Sullivan*
(201) 218-0751
שלום
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