TUESDAY, APRIL 3
Daniel 1:3-4
Proverbs 20:11

“Even a child is known
by his doings …”

BY OUR FRUITS WE ARE KNOWN

The chief court official, Ashpenaz, was told by Nebuchadnezzar to search for top quality young men – the cream of the crop of Israelite prisoners – and to train them to serve in his court. To be sure, the experience of leaving their own culture, country and kin was traumatic. At the same time these youths could easily have become proud because of being selected by the king.

The requirements for selection were high. They were to be of noble birth, without defect, attractive in appearance, highly intelligent and mentally alert to learn to both speak and write the difficult Chaldean language. Daniel was only about fifteen years old when he was deported from his home by the Babylonians. Once he was away from those who knew and loved him, he could have decided “to do his own thing.” Neither parents nor close friends would be likely to find out. He could have reasoned that since he had been chosen on such high merits, he could do as he pleased. But Daniel decided that he would not sin. He remained faithful and true to God.

God greatly rewarded Daniel for living for Him. God has promised that He will reward and care for any and all who put their trust in Him and seek to do His will. “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself ” (John 7:17). “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matt 6:33). But this is purely by His initiative and grace, not our merit. He is the One who had planned and provided to make us what we are – sinners saved by grace through faith (Eph 2:8-10). That is the only way we can effectively serve our God.

THOUGHT: Daniel was the product of God through faithful parents.
PRAYER: Teach me, Lord, to honour and to obey Thee and to teach my children to do the same.