Vegetarian Blessings?

~~~ Daniel 1:1-6, 8-20 ~~~ 

~~~ (Psalm) Daniel 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56 ~~~

~~~ Luke 21:1-4 ~~~

Glory and praise for ever!

The prophet Daniel, was the original vegetarian.

During his time of imprisonment he refused 

to consume the rich food sent from the king's table.

Eating food from the king's table might have included 

foods sacrificed to the false gods...idols.

The strict Jewish dietary laws were not honored.

Daniel proposed the food test to their guard.

He and his three friends were to eat

 only vegetables and water for ten days.

The king had plans to fashion Daniel and his companions

 into his personal servants.

Following the ten day diet of vegetables and water 

God graciously blessed them.

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.

Only these four were men were found out of the whole group

to be useful for service to the king.

Eventually Daniel and his friends fall out of favor with the king.

They find themselves thrown into a fiery furnace 

for refusing to worship idols.

...you should know, O king, that we will not serve your 

god or worship the golden statue which you set up.

The words used in the place of the psalm today 

are prayed in this fiery setting.

“Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers,

praiseworthy and exalted above all forever;

And blessed is your holy and glorious name,

praiseworthy and exalted above all for all ages.”

To what extreme would you be willing to praise the Lord?

How did these four find the courage to praise God 

as flames sought to devour them?

These four were not deterred

in the flames instead their faith saved them.

God sent his angel to protect them from the fires.

God is always willing to come to your rescue 

no matter the circumstances. 

The poor widow gave of her whole self;

represented in her offering of two coins.

What have you given of yourself to God recently?

Perhaps this week is a good time to make your decision.

You do not need to give your last two coins.

You do not need to become a vegetarian.

You will not be thrown into the furnace.

There is something that is a part of you 

that you can give to God.

The blessed Mother, Mary

gave her body to carry the infant Jesus.

Preparation Blessings.

What will you offer?

 ~~~Peace~~~