Life Capsule for Today Date: 8th February 2024
Theme: Swimming against the tide (5)
Memory Verse: 2Co 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
Topic: The Four Hebrew Boys in Babylon
Bible Text:
Dan 1:8-12
8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. ……
10 And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king. ……….
12 Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.
Dan 1:18-19
18 Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.
19 And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king.
Words of the Ministry
Today we come to the account of four Hebrew boys who served as slaves in Babylon, their names were Daniel who was called Belteshazzar; Hananiah who was named Shadrach; Mishael who was named Meshach and Azariah who was named Abednego. The four of them were among the several Jews taken as slave into Babylon. On getting to Babylon, the King commanded that certain youths be set aside for daily nourishment and training in the Babylonian ways, art and secrets, these four men were included. The account said the king commanded those overseeing them to give them a certain portion of meal and wine exactly the same type the king eats and drink but these four young men said no, they rather fed on vegetables daily than defile themselves with the kings meal and drink which were food sacrificed to idols. After several days, the king invited the slaves and he noticed those four young men that denied themselves were not only looking better but they were 10 times better in matters of wisdom and understanding.
As we read through the case of these four young men, we should try to put ourselves in their shoes, we live in a fallen world and the god of this worldly system is the devil, our home is with our God but we are strangers and pilgrims here in this world. Many believers would consider the opportunity of making friends with the world and those in high places as a rare privilege, they see themselves as being fortunate as many others could have been chosen, as a result when the men of this world walking in the principles of Satan makes them an offer, they don’t say no, they even call it a break through, they immediately forget their allegiance to the Holy Spirit. They don’t want to suffer, they want to be close to those that matter in business, politics and economy, they have forgotten that promotion comes only from God, they like Esau trade their birthright for a pot of food, they don’t care about their integrity, they are more concerned about reputation, reverence, respect and affluence. When many go abroad, they immediately forget the bible lessons they have been taught, they mingle with foreigners for opportunities, some engage in crime, marry a second spouse or go into immorality.
Dear saints, we live in perilous times, the system of this world has been organized in such a way that if you can’t beat them you join them or be ready to be persecuted. The bible is clear on this matter, it says those that would live Godly would suffer persecution (2 Thim 3.12). An average believer today would get several offers to feast with the kings of this world; the only condition would be compromise. As much as you are ready to bend, the devil is happy with you. What many don’t realize is that what you eat is what you become, as we meditate on Christ we become like him, so likewise when we meditate on the world and its glory, we become like the world. Self denial is the way to go, we must be contended and be willing to suffer so as to enjoy with the king of Kings and get an eternal reward and promotion. May the Lord grant us light.
Bible in one year: Leviticus 20-22. For further fellowship send us an email on godmanvideos@gmail.com or visit our youtube channel: @godmanmedia. You can also interact with us by dropping your comments on our facebook page. Our physical meeting, Word feast comes up every Wednesday by 5pm and Prayer Gym every Saturday by 7am while PENIEL comes up once a month, every last Sunday of the month from 4pm to 6.30pm at Suite A10, Ahser Office Complex, beside Living Faith Church, Opposite Hassan Stores, Arab Road, Kubwa Abuja.