Daniel the Scientist

Faith and science are described as adversaries, and in many cases, it is absolute truth. However, if we look closely there are instances where the two meet.

In Daniel 1, a dilemma arose that needed some attention. “But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore, he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself. And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs, having confidence the Lord.” (Daniel 1:8, 9)

Observation: There was conflict for the eunuch between allowing Daniel to eat as he wishes and keeping his appearance acceptable for the King.

Question: “and the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who assigned your food and your drink; for why should he see that you were in worse condition than the youths who are of your own age?” (vs10)

Hypothesis: “Test your servants for ten days; let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then let our appearance and the appearance of the youths who eat the king’s food be observed by you, and deal with your servants according to what you see.” (v13)

Experiment: “So he listened to them in this matter, and tested them for ten days.” (vs14)

Results: At the end of ten days, it was seen that they were better in appearance and fatter in flesh than all the youths who ate the king’s food. (vs15)

Conclusion: “So the steward took away their food and the wine they were to drink, and gave them vegetables. (vs16)” Daniel’s prediction was right his appearance was good, moreover he look better than the rest of the youth.

This story reveals the benefits of eating well and trusting in God in various crisis. In addition, it demonstrates a scientific methodology in a fundamental way; it also shows that that God is not an enemy of science, but in fact the author.  Juan Mendez serves full-time at America’s Keswick and is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy. You can write to Juan at jmendez@americaskeswick.org

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 13-14

Think About This: Timing is so important! If you are going to be successful in dance, you must be able to respond to rhythm and timing. It’s the same in the Spirit. People who don’t understand God’s timing can become spiritually spastic, trying to make the right things happen at the wrong time. They don’t get His rhythm – and everyone can tell they are out of step. They birth things prematurely, threatening the very lives of their God-given dreams. T D Jakes

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.  Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Ephesians 5:15-16