Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“And among them all, no one was found to compare with Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore they were stationed in the king’s court. In every matter of wisdom and understanding concerning which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.”
NL Daily Devotion for Wednesday, August 7, 2024
by R. M. Fergus, Clergy Stuff
Wisdom and understanding are better than magic. Nebuchadnezzar had all kinds of folks around him who could do neat tricks, and who probably spent a lot of time telling him what he wanted to hear. I imagine that when the king went to Daniel (whom he renamed Belshazzar) and Hanaiah, Mishael, and Azariah (whom he renamed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego) he heard some challenging truths. And I imagine we was blown away by how refreshing it was to hear real wisdom instead of the same old schtick.
I’m grateful to have good friends who know me and have my back—their wisdom is truly magical, and I learn so much from them. But sometimes I learn a whole lot more from that person I don’t particularly vibe with, if you know what I mean. I don’t like being told what I don’t want to hear any more than the next guy, and yet it’s important to me to have people in my life with whom I communicate at least somewhat regularly who I know don’t share my exact world view. If I ask God to help me listen with an open mind and heart, and set aside my ego, I might just learn something important that will add to my own wisdom and help me to grow.
Who in my life is unafraid to tell me what I don’t want to hear, but need to hear?
