Today's passage begins the story of Daniel, a captive in Babylon who comes into King Nebuchadnezzar's service. From the first chapter, we may see that God has anointed His servants with special abilities and talents that endear them to the king: "In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom."
Daniel's life and service speaks of the excellence with which God may anoint His children. Each person has special gifts and abilities that come together within the Body of Christ, the church universal, in order to make a complete team. Have you ever reflected on your special gifts and abilities? Do you sometimes belittle your own talents while looking up to the talents of others?
Daniel makes every effort to point Nebuchadnezzar and the others observing his life toward the Giver of all good gifts (James 1:17). Danielle and I are presently accompanying her brother Kurt and sister Victoria on a college tour. We visited an excellent barbecue restaurant, Rudy's in Springfield, Ohio, for lunch today whose motto read: "To God be the glory!" What a great attitude! I imagine that the owners of the restaurant have a different perspective in their preparation of the food and their interaction with their customers as a result of this motto. Daniel lived such a life. I would encourage us all to take such a view of the talents and abilities with which God has blessed us. Whether we are gifted in food preparation, hospitality, making business deals, caring for young children, counseling young people, programming computers, sharing the Gospel, or encouraging other believers, all these gifts and talents have come from the Lord, belong to the Lord, and bring Him glory. This perspective helps to raise what we might otherwise consider drudgery to a holy task in which our faith plays the chief part.
Furthermore, like Daniel, we may offer testimony concerning God's handiwork in us. Please consider Daniel's praise (and prophecy) after hearing about the king's challenging dream. Daniel stood ready to proclaim this "God sighting" for all in the king's hearing!
"Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;
wisdom and power are his.
He changes times and seasons;
he sets up kings and deposes them.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.
He reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what lies in darkness,
and light dwells with him.
I thank and praise you, O God of my father:
You have given me wisdom and power,
You have made known to me what we asked of you,
you have made known to us the dream of the king."
Daniel's example therefore shows us two key lessons: 1) use our talents and abilities to bring glory to God and 2) praise Him and fully acknowledge the work of His hand in your life. May we all seek to follow Daniel's life.
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