Then the king interviewed them, and among them all none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore they served before the king. And in all matters of wisdom and understanding about which the king examined them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in all his realm. Thus Daniel continued until the first year of King Cyrus.
Daniel 1:19-21
The enemies of God try to imitate His gifts. They try to exalt themselves and make sure that everyone thinks they are important. But God’s gifts are “ten time better” than all the others. Daniel continued as the undisputed leader of the “magicians” during the seventy years of exile Israel experienced as judgment for worshipping false gods. He never compromised his faith even though he was young when taken captive. He made up his mind to serve God alone. Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah stood with him as the leaders of the godly remnant of God’s people.
We need to set our hearts like these four young men did. Our hearts need to be set to follow Jesus alone. Our faith has to know that His gifts surpass any magic the demonic forces of this world can offer. These young men stood tall among their peers, becoming leaders of the nation that led the world. Time and time again they refused to bow to any but the One True God. In every way He showed Himself able to save and promote them. They continued until Cyrus proclaimed the rebuilding of God’s temple and released the Jews to begin returning home. Daniel looked like the greatest magician in the kingdom and was even put in charge of them. But he was far from what they were. He was trying to promote God’s kingdom not his own notoriety. Since he humbled himself to do God’s will, God promoted him over those demonic forces and their human hosts.
Lord, thank You for the favor You have given me among those I am in contact with. Let me use my influence to promote Your ways. Bless those around me by my ministry in Your Spirit. Reveal needs like You did for Daniel so that he could witness to the king he served. Let my witness to those around me be clear and personal like Daniel’s. Pour Your gifts into me so that I can demonstrate Your greatness to all those around me.
Ten Times Better With You,
Pastor Jason
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