And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom. (Daniel 1:20 ESV)
Fear Not… Then Be Reasonable
God’s commandments to His people do not have to make sense for us to obey, but they do. God’s expectations of His people do not have to lead us to success, but they do. God’s expressed desires for His people do not have to be reasonable, but they are.
Young Daniel and his friends believed God’s commands concerning their diet. We do not know exactly what foods the Babylonians were offering to the captured Israelites, but Daniel and company did not believe that they should consume them. Perhaps they had been offered to idols, and thus were expressly forbidden by God. Perhaps they were foods prohibited in the Law, and they knew that God forbade them. Perhaps they were merely unhealthy, and they knew that God wanted them to take care of themselves.
But their choice, made in faith, made trusting in God, made risking reputation, position, and perhaps even made risking their lives, led to physical health.
God’s ways are better for us than ways opposing God. God’s ways are more sensible than ways opposing God. God’s ways are more beneficial than ways opposing God. God’s ways are more reasonable than ways opposing God.
Because God’s ways are truth. Not just truth for us… but absolute truth.
Fear not, then be reasonable.