The smell of delicious meats freshly cooked and the sweet smell of wine filled the room where Daniel and his friends sat down to dine. Israeli youths who sit around them seems to have started enjoying their new environment is. Daniel could not blame them. Because the temptation to enjoy all the luxuries provided it is difficult to resist because even though they come from the descendants of kings and nobles, they are prisoners who do not have another property.
While Daniel was quite satisfied with eating only vegetables. At first chief of the eunuchs assigned to take care of them reluctant to meet the demand of Daniel. But Daniel, who was then still a teenager gave him a very convincing reason, to challenge him: "Make trial for ten days; give it to me and my three friends just to eat vegetables. After ten days, if we look weaker than the youth who else , we will eat all meals provided. " Daniel 1:12-13. Because the will of God, accepted the challenge Itupun.
Daniel himself was surprised why the chief of the eunuchs, and would be kind enough to meet demand. Moreover, the palace officials, including one member of fighters who joined the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem, defeated nation and carrying Daniel and his friends as prisoners to Babylon. Not long after that, on the orders of the king, the youth of Israel who brought the best and brightest to the "school" of this Babylon, to be educated.
When it was Daniel and his friends stick to their faith and choice. In their hearts still burning God the One and True and there is no place for the gods of Babylon. The food provided is tempting, but the food was against the rules of holiness that has been established by God. How could he let her accept food that will 'poison' the body and the spirit of this?
When it was the ninth of the ten day trial, Daniel reflecting attitudes that have been taken. He was surrounded by debate and temptation. On the one hand, he saw how great the greatness and glory of the Babylonian empire. On the other hand, he saw friends leaving her childhood 'faith' and their God and replace it with wealth and opportunities offered by the ruler of Babylon. Daniel found himself caught between the temptations of the pleasures of life and the fact that the youth of Israel to compromise with things that are not holy to the Lord for getting pleasure and luxury.
Daniel reflect deeper, more realized he'd changed a few things lately. He did feel the pressure mounting inside her. From the depths of his heart, he heard a scream that says: why not? The screams were coming from the tongue and kedagingannya always missed and wanted to taste the delicious foods are served to all the 'prisoners' were. As if Daniel could see bits of the ideals behind the ruined their eyes. Daniel's always had the ability 'special'. And now it seems God was to sharpen the ability.
His mouth was mumbling, said a prayer and when that Daniel realized that the scream that came out of the inner comes from God filled with compassion for his friends who seem to have abandoned hope to be reunited to build Israel. But praise and gratitude, he still found three of her friends who are still loyal.
When the tenth day arrived, he and his three friends did not just look healthier and stronger than others, but their minds were far more clear and bright; the questions posed seemed so easy to answer and every problem presented to be so light to be solved.
Though must live in a culture that is filled with worship of the gods, Daniel and his three friends still feel the presence of God.
As dusk began to arrive, Daniel prepares the mind and heart on the next day. Will I pass? Will I be allowed to continue to follow the rules ordered food holiness of God? Or, will I be forced to eat food that has been offered to the gods? Every time the thought came, he prayed and gave it to God.
Every day, until late into the night Daniel continued to study hard. When going to bed, watched other friends was very tired. God really gave me and my friends the strength to get through the moment of this trial. The Bible records that Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were fine. When compared with the other boys, court officials had found no one can match the physical condition of Daniel and his companions were. They turned out to be healthier and more fit than others. Therefore, they are allowed to continue their meal menus to please God.
In addition, Daniel became very popular among his colleagues. Ability 'khusus'nya unrivaled. God opened his mind so he can understand the range of knowledge that is difficult even the ability to interpret dreams and visions, continues to grow tremendously. Everyone knows that the hand of God be with Daniel.
Actually, Daniel's determination to maintain holiness in terms of food according to the law has nothing to do with the food they eat. What Daniel did was give his life to glorify God through faith and devotion. By refusing to eat food that is not holy, and allow God to work in his life, Daniel perpetuating a life of undeniable truth. Daniel realized that that brings glory to God is the life she lived, not the food into his mouth.
In the midst of a world filled with selfishness and these idols, whether you believe in the importance of godly living as Daniel did? Ask yourself, if I was a Daniel? Or, do I like most other people who do not feel the need to care about God when getting the best out of this world? Be a Christian like Daniel! Give the best life for the Lord and do not be satisfied with mediocrity!