JULY 3, 2025 – GOD GIVES

READ: Dan. 1:17-21: … ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers …

God gives the four boys “knowledge and skill in all kinds of literature and wisdom”. God does not take them out of the world—they remain in Babylon—but they are not of the world. In the midst of a godless society, they serve the LORD. For this purpose, He gives them the necessary nourishment. As a blessing on their covenant loyalty, God also gives them special gifts.

These gifts consist of knowledge and understanding: a faithful discernment in the sciences of that time. In addition, Daniel receives the gift to be God’s prophet with “understanding in all visions and dreams”—a prophet of the Most High in a foreign and heathen land, also for the preservation of God’s people.

The LORD also ensures that after the three years of training, they are found to be ten times better than all the other young men! Yes, the LORD shows His work in them. They excel above all their future colleagues and surpass all other scholars and enchanters. In this way, the LORD ties His blessing upon them to the purpose He has with them.

It is not Satan who molds these young men through Nebuchadnezzar for his service, but the LORD equips them with His gifts for His church-gathering work during the exile.

This history teaches us that the LORD preserves His church even under extreme circumstances of judgment and temptation. He never abandons what His hand has begun. He will bless and continue to guide all who remain faithful to Him.

The LORD also demands dependence and faithfulness from His children under heavy circumstances. We can never say it’s too much, the Lord is asking for more than I can give. No, He gives strength and deliverance.

The LORD makes the antithesis very clear to us. So important for our time! Especially now, the devil is more cunning than ever. He can even appear as an angel of light. Let us pray that we hold firmly in our hearts the resolution not to be defiled. For God’s glory.

How can we allow ourselves to be “defiled”?

Sing: Ps. 111:5