When The Scouts Come, What Will They Find Among Us?

I am astonished with the work and writings of Daniel. So much in fact that I have decided to do this in 4 parts, simply because it helps me sort out in my brain and articulately express the (1) Historical account of the Children of Israel in captivity and the circumstances surrounding such and; (2) Critically engage a deeper dialogue of what Daniel was actually doing in Persia and then; (3) Compare the visions and revelations presented to Daniel as w/the writings of Luke and John the Beloved on the Isle of Patmos in the Book of Revelations, and finally; (4) Determine what present day revelations we find that can be utilized in our lives as we pursue spiritual growth and perfection. So, I begin with a brief backdrop of where Daniel is and why. Keep in mind Daniel picks up where Ezekiel left off. Ezekiel spoke of what was to come: The downfall of the kingdom and what happened in the former years. Daniel picks the story up from there and speaks of the captivity in the latter years and what was to come. This was done so the Children of Israel would know God had not totally cast them off. The same is a witness to us when we sin and transgress the law of God. He sends warnings, signs, and messengers who continually beckon and reason with us to turn from our sins and acknowledge our Righteous King. The old folks used to say: He would seek the prayer hounds on you. Meaning, He would allow certain things to happen which cause YOU to pray and keep praying. Because the Children of Israel continually sinned they were led captive into Babylon first during the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar, then Kings Cyrus and Darius. We are familiar with the accounts of the three Hebrew boys: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and the fiery furnace and of course Daniel in the den of lions. But there were many more accounts of testimony to the people of God embedded in the scriptures throughout. First, it's a worthy account to take note as to how the aforementioned even ended up in the king's court. The king (Nebuchadnezzar) sent out scouts looking for those among the captives that were (1) Royalty (of the king's seed), handsome, educated, and capable of teaching and being culturally diverse: "Those that will come and 'teach' us the sciences and mathematics." (Paraphrase Daniel 1:3-4) Note: Your gift(s) will make room for you. There is so much embedded here it's worth mentioning. Notice the specifications whereby the king placed on who was brought into the palace. When you are called by the King of Kings to do a work for him, He in no wise wants his children looking like a bunch of vagabonds coming in from the sewer to represent him. That ain't God and don't say it is. God has always required sanctification both naturally and spiritually. In Exodus He tells Moses to tell the Israelites to sanctify yourselves before coming before me. In I Thessalonians the Apostle writes of the very God of peace sanctifying you wholly. Clean up yourself. There are some things we can do for ourselves. Somethings we just 'stop' doing. Then it is important to pursue knowledge. God would not have us ignorant. Hosea 4:6a "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." Because as Hosea states they rejected it. There is so much information available for us today, that it is ridiculous to NOT utilize the information highways readily at our disposal. Excuses no longer suffice. Our actions are passed from generation to generation. If our children never see us reading or pursuing knowledge, we will witness them doing the same...Not pursuing anything fundamental. Just think of the number of family and friends you know whose households posssess 'Xbox's? And what is your child's GPA? Better still, what's yours? Ever heard of personal development? Okay, I digress. The king demanded that specific criteria be met when looking for counsellors in his chambers. The same is being required of us today from our King. He has not changed...We have! Those capable of teaching and being taught.Your gift works for you in the church and out of the church. The saint and sinner alike know the name Shirley Caesar. Her gift ministers to the church body as well as sells recordings whereby she has financially prospered and has catapulted to fame. So then the same for you and I. If you're articulate and a great speaker ministering thus to the body of Christ, that same gift operates in political courts, academic circles, and on social platforms where policies are made and wars begin or end. When the gifts are working according to their 'PURPOSED' plan, scouts seek you out!!! But Daniel. Daniel the beloved. He had great favor with God and all the kings because he didn't get to Babylon and forget God and the ordinances of God. He kept relationship with God. Prayed three times a day. He was in constant communication with God. Who was more intimately acquainted with the mind of God than Daniel, a courtier, a statesman, and a man of business? So then in this brief historical backdrop we have several key points that we must continue to contemplate, consider and exercise in our daily lives. We cannot continue in complacency nor ignorantly, wandering here and there. We must now be guided toward 'purpose.' Actionable existence. Now we must become the Kings kids that will not bow down, but stand up and stand out. Now the question becomes: What do we bring to the kings court? As the scouts approach, what knowledge and truths will they find among us? Stay tuned....