Ten Times Better
Today’s Verse:
And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm. ~Daniel 1:20
We live in a highly technological age. Artificial intelligence and robotics keeps improving at an incalculable pace. Products are getting better and better. If you have driven a car for more than ten years and finally trade it in for a newer car, the newer car will have all of the updated features. You will find yourself saying, “This is much better than the old one.” The word “better” conveys the idea of superiority and preference. King Nebuchadnezzar said that Daniel and his three friends were ten times better than all of the magicians and astrologers in his kingdom. Imagine that description: they were ten times better.
We see the transplanted characters.
Four Hebrew young men had been taken as captives to Babylon. Their names all had spiritual meaning. Daniel means “God is my Judge.” Hananiah means “whom God favors.” Azariah means “whom God helps.” Mishael means “who is what God is.” “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor than silver or gold.” Let us remember that your name is what you are worth. Even though you are in the world, do not be like the world. Let your name as a Christian lift up the Lord Jesus Christ.
We see the truthful conviction.
The king wanted the young men to eat his meat and to drink his wine. The king wanted to conform them to Babylonian lifestyle. The devil desires to either defile us or to dilute us. Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king’s meat and wine. Daniel and his friends exercised convictions. A conviction is a belief that you are so strong about that you will not change it. A preference is belief that you will change. Daniel said, “Prove us ten days to see who is healthier.” Melzar allowed them to eat vegetables and water for these ten days. After the ten days, Melzar saw with his own eyes how much healthier Daniel and his friends were. Melzar did not change Daniel: Daniel changed Melzar!
We see a trusted consideration.
“As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.” God gave them gifts that He knew He could trust them with. Being in Babylon was for a purpose that would glorify God. God gives us gifts to serve Him and others. These gifts are for the purpose of edifying others, and not for our boastful pride. What are you doing with the gifts God has given you?
We see a tremendous conclusion.
“And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.” The king communed with them and found them ten times better than all of his advisors. They were better in their wisdom, discernment, intuitiveness, problem-solving, knowledge, and speech. They were ten times better! Are you able to show that the Bible is ten times better than the Koran, Book of Mormon, and other religious books? Are you able to show that the Lord Jesus Christ is ten times better than Buddha, Joseph Smith, Mohammed, Charles Taze Russell, and other founders of religion? Are you a better person after a trial? Are you a better person after you have sat under preaching? Are you a better Christian than you were a year ago this time? Can it be said that you are ten times better?
May God challenge us this morning to be ten times better in our testimony and lives. Let us approve things that are excellent.
Have an inspired God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Psalm 80-85