And Yet Undefiled

“Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it… Then the king commanded Ashpenaz to bring some of the people of Israel, both of the royal family and of the nobility, youths without blemish, of good appearance and skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning, and competent to stand in the king’s palace, and to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans. The king assigned them a daily portion of the food that the king ate, and of the wine that he drank. They were to be educated for three years, and at the end of that time they were to stand before the king…

“But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself. And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs…

“God gave learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams… In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired, he found [him] ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom.” Daniel 1:1,3-5,8-9,17,20

“I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.  They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.  Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.” John 17:15-18

Young, privileged, and capable, Daniel was removed from all that was familiar and placed into a heathen environment. Determined to remain true to his faith even in a strange land, Daniel boldly requested exceptions to the non-essentials while applying himself in the vital. As God graciously undertook for him with allowance, protection, and favor, Daniel honored Him in every way. (Daniel 2:12-23,47-48; 6:10-13)

Daily temptations and rabid cultures can pressure us into defiling ourselves in many ways. Even if the choices are not personally alluring, they might tease at self-worth, fear of acceptance, or want for approval or promotion. Where are we weak and prone to give in?

What gets us to the point of a strong, unshakable stance? What leads us to an unwavering commitment to follow Jesus at any cost? It’s the acknowledgment of who is truly King, and the determination to honor Him above all. Will I today stake my claim in His faultless, faithful favor?

“Other refuge have I none; 
hangs my helpless soul on thee; 
leave, ah! leave me not alone, 
still support and comfort me. 
All my trust on thee is stayed, 
all my help from thee I bring; 
cover my defenseless head 
with the shadow of thy wing. 

Plenteous grace with thee is found, 
grace to cover all my sin; 
let the healing streams abound; 
make and keep me pure within. 
Thou of life the fountain art; 
freely let me take of thee; 
spring thou up within my heart, 
rise to all eternity.” ~Charles Wesley (1740)

Lord, for Your sake and honor, fortify my faith so I boldly decide and make it known that I will not defile myself.