"GOD GRANTED DANIEL FAVOR!"

Daniel 1:8-9                                     (NASB)
"But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s choice food or with the wine which he drank; so he sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself.  Now "GOD GRANTED DANIEL FAVOR"  and compassion in the sight of the commander of the officials."



There is no greater honor and privilege, I would offer, than being granted favor AND compassion by the GOD who Created the universes.  Can you fathom having the ONE who said "Let there be light" not only helping us in our lives, but literally guiding our steps (Proverbs 16:9)!  In Daniel 1:9 scripture indicates that "GOD GRANTED DANIEL FAVOR" and compassion in the sight of the commander of the officials.

Why do you think "GOD GRANTED DANIEL FAVOR" before the Babylonians?  The answer lies in the previous verse where it says "Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king's choice food".  King Nebuchadnezzar had given an edict that certain sons of Israel would follow his rules instead what GOD had directed Daniel to eat.  Daniel set his mind on serving the LORD rather than serving a human king.

Mankind can make laws and believers are to follow those laws (Romans 13).  However, when the laws of man call for us to openly defy the laws of GOD, a choice has to be made!  Will man's law trump the Laws of GOD?  Can GOD be GOD if a man can over rule HIM?  Are we saying that GOD's Law isn't that important, that man's law should supersede it?

"Daniel  made up his mind" that he would follow GOD's Law and "GOD GRANTED DANIEL FAVOR" for defying the king's orders.  Would I have the courage and integrity to trust GOD rather than do what an evil man-made law?  I am certain that IF we grasped how powerful and majestic GOD really is, we would consider it an honor and privilege to follow HIS laws rather than the laws of men.  "GOD GRANTED DANIEL FAVOR" and HE will do the same for you and me!!