What are You Holding Back?

~~~ Daniel 1:1-6, 8-20 ~~~ Psalm...Daniel 3:52b ~~~ Luke 21:1-4 ~~~ 

 

Glory and praise for ever!

 

The lengthy reading from the prophet Daniel today seems

 to have been written just for committed vegetarians.

Not only was abstaining from meat healthy for Daniel and his three friends;

they also had really good dreams and visions.

 

All kidding aside these four men were able to stay true to their beliefs and

still they were able to serve the king well.

 

To these four young men God gave knowledge and proficiency
in all literature and science,
and to Daniel the understanding of all visions and dreams.

 

God gave them the gifts needed to best serve the king.

These four men were found worthy to serve the king without breaking

their observation of the Jewish food requirements.

These young men were able to find a way to serve God

above serving the reigning king.

 

For us the first decision must be to serve God.

If we have God first in our hearts then it is possible to be in service to others.

Daniel had a strong conviction to preserve his body for the Lord.

It is apparent that Daniel had a strong connection with God.

 

The king wanted these young men to be strong, healthy, and handsome.

He wanted them to be the picture perfect servants.

 

 

Daniel and his friends were given the same food and wine that the king

had for himself so that they would be as handsome and healthy as he was.

This certainly may have been flawed logic, but God took care.

 

Jesus, as our king, has given us something far better

than the same food and drink he had...

he gave us his own flesh and blood to consume.

 

God does not go out in search of the most handsome, the most healthy,

or for those who can interpret dreams.

God accepts all who come to him wanting to serve in his kingdom.

 

The poor widow came to serve by offering her two small coins.

God does not judge her as worthless because she has little to give;

 instead he praises her for generosity.

 

How we serve and what we contribute

 should always come from the heart that loves God.

 

If we truly want to serve God our King we should hold nothing back.

The true servant heart stands willing to give of themselves until the end.

 

God will bless us if we are dedicated to serving him

as the king and master of our heart.

We are called to serve our King to the best of our ability

with what has been given to us.