Observation - King Nebuchadnezzer has appoint his new captives with jobs in the kingdom. He wanted the best looking and the most intelligent to serve him and he picked Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah for service in his court. The interesting thing is that he didn't just pick them and let them start working. He had them trained for three years before they could begin their service. This training helped them understand the customs of Babylon, how to operate in the court, how to address the king, who the players on the team were going to be and what responsibilities they would have.
Application - Preparation for the King's service. To be trained to serve the king. It is interesting that the world has such a clear picture on preparation for service. King Nebuchadnezzer knew exactly what he wanted of these boys and how he wanted them to operate in the kingdom. They were from a foreign land and needed training to make the proper decisions and to serve correctly. Most often we accept training from the world with no problems or issues. We go through the process of learning our responsibilities and duties and never once complain about it. Being trained for Kingdom work is just as necessary. Many of the obstacles we face in life are preparation for Kingdom service. Things we learn in church and the training we get from our pastors, leaders, mentors and fellow Christians serve to prepare us for God's work. He understands that when we begin our relationship with Him we are from a foreign land and have operated our lives by different principles. He puts us in process to learn how to serve in the Kingdom work. I get so excited about what I am learning next. Everyday is training to enter the "Kings' service." While the Hebrew boys had three years to train, I get a life time.
Prayer - Thank you Lord for taking me through the process of learning how to serve you. I know that as I live my life there are things that don't fit and done the wrong way. I appreciate the opportunity to learn your Kingdom principles. I love that you have the patience to teach me how to live my life Your way. That you can take me to new places and new heights by learning what you have to teach. Keep teaching God and I will keep learning.
