Matthew Henry stated in his commentary of Daniel 1:8 that, "It is easier to keep temptation at a distance, than to resist it when near. And we cannot better improve our interest in any with whom we have found favour, than to use it to keep us from sin. People will not believe the benefit of avoiding excess, and of a spare diet, nor how much they contribute to the health of the body, unless they try. Conscientious temperance will always do more, even for the comfort of this life, than sinful indulgence."
Intentional living. Who accidentally eats too many cupcakes? Who unintentionally walks into a store and purchases a newer, bigger, better, flat screen tv ? When is the right time to smoke marijuana? Cupcakes, flat screen tvs, and (only if you have glaucoma) marijuana are not sinful in and of themselves. However, the purpose for their use can be. Filling voids. Ego boosting. Escaping. Self-focused thinking. This all comes from the world. It's frequently and gleefully displayed for us on a shiny silver plate, looking scrumptious and delectable, yet with so much potential for destruction.
What will I choose to take off that plate? Anything? One thing? Nothing? This is my chronicle (Session 1) of the Daniel study I blogged about earlier.
On a beautiful evening, just a few days ago, I chose to tarry among a few fellow believers in my living room to become a scholar of all things prophetic and historical. It was an intimate class. Windows were open, pouring in the remaining day's rays of light. Our classroom was divided equally into two comfortably padded couches. Introductions had been kept to simple hellos as we all knew each other.
As soon as the video began, I was captivated. Just as at a wedding feast, there were exciting sights and sounds. Anticipation of what was to be served held my attention. I felt like a dog under a table awaiting crumbs. Believing that something would fall within my vision, and trusting that I would sense God's offering of wisdom and knowledge, time seemed to both stand still and spiral speedily.
On the banquet table was a smorgasbord of truth. It refreshed me and nourished areas that had been neglected. I hadn't taken time to notice that I was even hungry for what had been prepared so carefully. Truths such as, "He (Satan) wants us to believe we haven't made any progress... our culture indoctrinates us into self-will, self-absorption, and overindulgence... knowing where to 'draw the line'; and determining not to eat from the world's table," satiated my appetite.
What a treat it was to consume God's word, and to fellowship with sweet grace, ending it all with a slice of cake. In my notes I have written that, "in Eastern standards, to share a meal was to commit oneself to friendship. It was of great significance."1
Jesus came and ate among some pretty detestable groups of people. He took interest in their lives because of his great love for them. Those moments of humility and grace filled empty spaces in hearts that were changed forever. May the dishes we serve be seasoned with love as the world takes in the aroma of a holy meal. May we honor God by honoring each other, as believers especially, but not forget to make allowance for those who really need to taste the goodness of the Lord.
Father, forgive us when we set our table according to the world, and more importantly when we set it according to our liking. Help me to select the proper place settings, an impeccable menu, and the perfect atmosphere so that it will be as you want it to be. Prepare my heart, strengthen it so that when I am faced with temptation to partake of things unholy, I will remain undefiled. I don't want to take anything that you don't want me to have. Paul said in his letter to the Romans that he struggles with not doing the good that he wants to, but still does those things that he doesn't want to do. We all struggle with something, Lord. Give us power to overcome! Thank you, Jesus, for your redeeming love!
But I thank God, who always leads us in victory because of Christ. Wherever we go, God uses us to make clear what it means to know Christ. It's like a fragrance that fills the air. 2 Corinthians 2:14 (GWT)
I feel more at ease at a table amid people I love having conversations with that are important to me. When we share a common interest, it makes for a very rewarding experience. In my imagination, it seems to me that there will be plenty of singing at the wedding banquet of Christ to his bride. Maybe we'll sound a bit like this...Take a moment, if you desire, to listen to this song, which I believe ties in beautifully with this part of the study. Aaron Keyes, "Psalm 62"
1. Joyce G. Baldwin, Daniel (Madison, WI, Inter-Varsity Press, 1978), 83.
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