Sometimes in life, we get warm treatment and appreciation from those in authority above us. Other times, we cannot seem to gain their approval or favor, no matter how hard we try.
Mostly these situations are just part of the ups and downs of a normal life. But there may also be occasions when we face unique circumstances, difficult or otherwise, which were placed there or permitted by God in order to achieve His divine purpose through us.
It is evident from the Bible that God likes to use people of faith as instruments to help reflect His power and glory to others. Two examples of this are the prophet Daniel, who served under King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon during the exile, and, much earlier, patriarch Jacob’s son Joseph, who served under Pharaoh, King of Egypt. Both youths were carried off from their homes as captives and placed into situations not of their own choosing. But God raised both to be in the king’s court, to provide a vital service to Him and the Lord’s (and the king’s) people.
God granted Daniel and his three friends great favor over the other exiles in terms comfort, intellectual learning, and even spiritual gifting. Like Joseph before him, Daniel would end up becoming the most trusted advisor to the king, as well as prophet and messenger from God.
17 And as for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and intelligence in every kind of literature and expertise; Daniel even understood all kinds of visions and dreams. Daniel 1:17 (NASB)
When it came time for the four youths to be presented before King Nebuchadnezzar, the hand of God was very much in evidence.
18 Then at the end of the days which the king had specified for presenting them, the commander of the officials presented them before Nebuchadnezzar. 19 And the king talked with them, and out of them all not one was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; so they entered the king’s personal service. 20 As for every matter of expertise and understanding about which the king consulted them, he found them ten times better than all the soothsayer priests and conjurers who were in all his realm. 21 And Daniel continued until the first year of Cyrus the king. Daniel 1:18-21 (NASB)
Daniel and his friends had made the critical decision to put God first in their lives, and as a result, they were used by Him to provide a great service. Their journey would not be an easy one, even though living in the king’s palace. There always seemed to be some enemy, opponent, or challenge coming against them, just as we often find in our lives, today.
Few of us are in the position of privilege to live in such a palace, or can make the claim of being “without blemish”, as these four youths were. Face it, most of us are quite blemished! But that is why Jesus Christ came to earth for us, to die as a loving sacrifice for our many blemishes, sins, and failures, and to be raised from the dead so that we, too, may enjoy newness of life, through faith.
As Daniel’s prophesies will point to in chapters to come, Jesus Christ will return to earth one day, this time to establish and reign over a global, eternal kingdom. This kingdom will replace the succession of four great world empires also discussed in Daniel’s writings, and their derivatives that are still found in our world today.
Like the four Hebrew youths in Nebuchadnezzar’s court, may the Lord grant us the strength to stay faithful to Him, no matter the trials we face today. May His hand of favor extend to us, to bless us, protect us, and deliver us from all of our troubles by His strength and unlimited power. He is the King whose favor we seek, and will receive, in Christ.
Reflection
Where do you need the Lord’s favor today?
Is there a thorn or challenge that is keeping you awake at night? Lord, bring us through to a place of peace and rest in You.
Lord, we are not without blemish without You in our lives. Forgive us for all of our sins and shortcomings, and by the blood of Christ, cleanse us to present us without spot before You, covered in Christ’s righteousness. Help us to better seek and follow You, walking as godly women and men of faith. Use us to shine Your divine light into a lost and hurting world, drawing many to salvation, healing, and peace with You. We ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Have a blessed and beautiful day today, walking under the blessing and protection of our eternal, loving King.
Daily Meditations from the Genealogy of Jesus 