Day 1: Daniel Fast Journey 12 Day Devotional
DAY 1: Undefiled
READING: Daniel Chapter 1
KEY VERSE
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. - Daniel 1:8
Daniel and his friends had many choices to make about lifestyle, assimilation, and values when they were taken captive and brought to Babylon. Their lives were at stake. The choices were not about popularity or political correctness; the consequence could be death. But Daniel made a very important decision early on: he would not defile himself.
Verse 12 is the foundation for our modern “Daniel Fast”. This type of fast involves eating only plant-based foods and abstaining from meat and alcohol. Daniel doesn’t actually refer to this eating plan as a fast, however, but as a test.
This Hebrew word translated “test”, means to prove. What did Daniel set out to prove in this ten-day period? The purpose of this test was not about what happened externally, although he and his friends were to be judged by their appearance.
Daniel was driven by an internal conviction to remain holy and undefiled. His point was not that carrots and broccoli are holier than beef and milk. Jesus told the crowds it was not about what enters the mouth that defiles, but what proceeds out of the mouth (Mat 15:11).
Historians will say Daniel’s reasons for abstaining from this food were most likely related to concerns about the dynamics of idol worship and the meat he would be eating, drunkenness, and God’s explicit laws for consuming a kosher diet. Daniel was committed to the Lord, and confident that his obedience to God’s law was more important than potential consequences.
Sometimes defilement sneaks in very small ways. In fasting, we clear out distractions so we can focus on remaining true to God and living our lives to a holy standard.
ADDITIONAL READING
Colossians 3:1-2
Matthew 15:11
James 1:3
QUESTIONS
Can you recall a time you felt like an outsider, in a position where your values were in opposition to the culture around you?
Have you committed to not defile yourself with things of this world? How has this commitment been challenged?
Have you made small compromises in your standards? What do you do to stay holy and ensure you are obeying God’s design for your life?
