17 To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds. Daniel 1
We actually know someone who is graduating from university this very day after a period of intense study. God gave increased knowledge and understanding to the young Hebrew exiles and they came out top of their year.
18 At the end of the time set by the king to bring them into his service, the chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar. 19 The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king’s service. 20 In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, HE FOUND THEM TEN TIMES BETTER than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom. Daniel 1
These young Hebrew men had to undergo and pass a period of intense training before they could serve in an earthly administration. They had to prove themselves able for their chosen field, but unlike their peers they would also serve the heavenly King. Though they were outstanding in their field, it was the special gift of God to Daniel that would really cause him and them to excel.
17 To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. AND DANIEL COULD UNDERSTAND VISIONS AND DREAMS OF ALL KINDS.
While King Nebuchadnezzar slept God spoke to him through his dreams and he needed someone to interpret them for him. However, he introduced a condition which completely dumbfounded his wise men.
4 Then the astrologers answered the king in Aramaic, “Long live the king! Tell us the dream, and we will tell you what it means.”
5 But the king said to the astrologers, “This is what I have firmly decided: If you do not tell me what my dream was and interpret it, I will have you cut in pieces and your houses turned into piles of rubble. 6 But if you tell me the dream and explain it, you will receive gifts and rewards and great honour. So tell me the dream and interpret it for me” Daniel 2
God arranged a situation which only those connected with Him could resolve. The worldly wisdom of those in the King’s court was useless. The wisdom of this world will only take us so far and is often at odds with God’s solutions to the problems we face. For example, ministries facing a shortfall in their funding have been told by the Spirit to give resources to leaders who can’t afford to buy it. When they were obedient, their income increased and their needs were met. Hallelujah
It’s good to get knowledge and understanding, but like Daniel we need the Lord to give us His solutions to the situations we face.
8 ‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,’
declares the Lord.
9 ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.’ Isaiah 55
May the Lord bless and keep us today. Immanuel, God is with us.