by Freddie Williams
It’s amazing, while the vast majority of us will not even consider skipping a meal, we will with no hesitation abstain from the word of God for protracted periods of time. The Old Testament patriarch, Job, made a profound statement when he said, “I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food”. Job 23:12. Food is indeed a necessary nutrition for the body. However, the word of God should be esteemed above physical nutrition and over our physical appetites. God’s word should be given more weight and significance in our lives. Did not Yeshua say that “man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God”? Matthew 4:4 and Deuteronomy 8:3
I use a bit of conjecture with this, but I believe that Daniel and his brethren knew the word of the Lord far more intimately than their contemporaries. For it says in the book of Proverbs (which Daniel and his brethren had) that the ruler’s delicacies are deceitful meat. Proverbs 23:1-3; and goes further in verses 6-7 to say, “not to desire his delicacies, for while he says eat and drink, his heart is not with you.” The Word does not just give us insight, but foresight into matters that have yet to arise. I believe the young men of God heard this passage in their hearts; and abstained. This same Word is applicable today.
The world is constantly devising and offering delicacies from the “king’s” table that will inevitably detract from, distract, and derail God’s elect people. To my original point, I encourage you, as a child of the Most High, to spend time consuming God’s word. Lay your plate aside from time to time and sit in His presence; hear from Him. Get in the Word, read it, and let it marinate within you. And as such, know that God’s word will nourish and strengthen your spirit man. Immerse yourself in God’s Word and it will recalibrate, redirect, and renew your life and vision as you pursue God’s will.