As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. At the end of the time, when the king had commanded that they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. And the king spoke with them, and among all of them none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Therefore they stood before the king. And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom. And Daniel was there until the first year of King Cyrus.
(Daniel 1:17-21 ESV)
Daniel and his comrades had been put to the test. They received training, a food allowance, housing, and everything else necessary. Why? To see if they were worthy of serving in the king's court. They rose to the top. They studied hard, held to their convictions, and ate only what they knew would please God. What really catches me is this last sentence: "And Daniel was there until the first year of King Cyrus." He was there a long time; he was, in a sense, a lifetime politician. We have a lot of those, which is not always a good thing. But some are worthy. We should not necessarily "throw all the bums out," though some should never have gotten in. May we be discerning about what people bring to the office in terms of training, character, and experience. May we find some Daniels.
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