Fit for a King
Commit to be Fit
One of the familiar Christmas images, often portrayed in Christmas dramas, is that of three men who take the initiative to leave their normal routine and travel to take gifts to Jesus as an act of their worship for Him. In the story the men are often described as bringing gifts, “fit for a king.”
Seeing this story portrayed recently reminded me again of this saying in light of our commitment in MD5 to be men who are “fit.” It reminded me of another story of three men with a commitment to be fit.
A King’s Plan
In 605 B.C., Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, attacked and conquered Judah. Following his victory, Nebuchadnezzar ordered that the best and brightest young men of Judah be deported to Babylon. His plan was to train these young men for three years and then given some of them positions in the royal court. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were among this group.
Brainwash Attempt
The three years of training in Babylon was really an attempt to brainwash the Jewish captives. Nebuchadnezzar wanted Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, and the others to become so indoctrinated in Babylonian culture that at the end of their training they would think and act like Babylonians.
Even the names of the young men were changed. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s original names were Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Their Jewish names honored the Lord, but their new names honored the gods of the Babylonians.
Focus Over Food
As a part of the kings training regimen for the men, the men were offered “royal food and wine,” which they declined in lieu of vegetables and water in order not to “defame themselves.”
After a ten-day trial period the Hebrew men were healthier and more fit than the other young men. So much so, that the king’s trainers changed the diets of all the young men to follow their example.
What does it mean to be “fit?”
Fit in our Diet
The holidays can be a real test of our commitment to keep our bodies healthy. Too much food and too much of the wrong food can wreck our Life Plan to maintain healthy bodies.
How did you do this year?
Fit in our Discipline
The Hebrew men showed great personal discipline in requesting a diet that rejected what had been prescribed and was considered less preferred. Discipline in our diet is often an indicator of discipline in other areas of our life.
Fit in our Devotion
If you remember this story from Daniel Chapter 1, you’ll remember that this test would be followed by a much greater test two chapters later. Our devotion to be fit is more than having healthy bodies, although we’re called to do so. Fitness for our King is multi-element and includes a commitment to be fit in all aspects of our life.
Larry Martin
MD5 Lab Facilitator