Nov

26

Meeting God’s Expectations

November 26, 2007 |

Michelangelo - The Prophet Daniel

Imagine that you are the best at something - anything.  There is none better - you have no equal.  It may be something great - it may be something seemingly minor.  But nevertheless, you are the best at it.

And for each one of us - that something exists - and it’s not insignificant.  God made each one of us unique, with a special gift enjoyed by no other.  And it’s up to us to find that gift in ourselves and help others find their gift in themselves.

Today’s reading is from the beginning of the Book of the Prophet Daniel.  Most of us know Daniel as the guy who survived a night in the lion’s den unscathed.  But Daniel was also a very important person in the Babylonian king’s court - one of Nebuchadnezzar’s chief advisors - even though he was a Jew in captivity.

The following passage ilustrates the gifts enjoyed by Daniel and his three closest allies -

“To these four young men God gave knowledge and proficiency in all literature and science, and to Daniel the understanding of all visions and dreams.  At the end of the time the king had specified for their preparation, the chief chamberlain brought them before Nebuchadnezzar.  When the king had spoken with all of them, none was found equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; and so they entered the king’s service.  In any question of wisdom or prudence which the king put to them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his kingdom.”

What great gifts - “knowledge and proficiency in all literature and science” - “wisdom and prudence”.   

So what is our gift?  What is our talent?  What is our skill that sets us apart from every other person in the history of the world?  What do we bring to the table that no one else can?

Do we even care?  Have we given up on trying to find out?  Are we too complacent or discouraged to pursue our dreams and fulfill our gifts?

Daniel and his three friends didn’t let any excuses keep them from fulfilling the gifts given to them by God.  They worked and worked, and overcame great obstacles, to fulfill God’s will for their life?

Do we do the same? 

Today is Monday - it’s always a new start.  Next Sunday is the start of Advent - always a chance to be reborn.

Let’ s take a moment and talk to God about what he really wants us to do with our life.  What is our unique gift and how are we to use it?  Why were we created?  Are we justifying the sanctity of our individual and unique creation? 

There is no one like us.  So why does God have us here?  And are we living up to his expectations for us?

Now is the time to consider these questions - and to change our life consistent with what God tell us are the answers.

Let us be like Daniel and find our special gift - and use it.  And let us help others find their gifts and use them.  Then we will be meeting God’s expectations for us.

Painting: “The Prophet Daniel” in the Sistine Chapel - Michelangelo (1475-1564) 


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