How can we be leaders and learn to coach others in our work environment? In our church environment?
Biblical PerspectiveBiblical Perspective
Training and Development – Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah by Dr. Carol Kurkowski
Often times when faced with uncertain situations, we respond to God that we cannot do a certain task because we feel we are not equipped to do the task. In reality, it takes the surrender of your heart and personal will to allow God to use you–He will equip you for what He has called you to do. If you look at several characters in the Bible, they felt inadequate, but God used them for His purpose. Today let’s look at an unlikely group of teenagers that were certainly not ready for the task they were thrown into. You may know them by other names.
Daniel 1:6-7 (New International Version): 6 Among those who were chosen were some from Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. 7 The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego (NIV).
Now you know that I am talking about Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego; but let’s call them by their real names: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. They were exiled from their homes and thrown into a new lifestyle to be “trained” up in the Babylonian way of life. The most amazing thing is that their foundation was with the Lord, so their training started with God’s Word. They were able to follow God even with new indoctrination. The four teenagers were asked to eat foods that they disagreed with, God helped in the situation by causing the chief official to show favor to them.
Daniel 1:8-10 (NIV) 8 But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. 9 Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel.
The four teenagers listened and learned what the Babylonians were expecting of them, but they did not go against what God expected of them. It is so important that as followers of Christ, we continually learn. We must be “lifetime learners.” As lifetime learners, we should continue to learn, we don’t just arrive and know all there is to know. God also gives us wisdom and knowledge if we seek it and ask. God will equip us.
Daniel 1:17-20 (NIV) 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. 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.
Throughout the book of Daniel the four teenagers grow in their training, knowledge, and maturity as followers of God. Daniel finds himself having his life threatened numerous times. He interprets dreams. He even gets thrown into a lion’s den. These four young men utilized their training and overall development to stay strong.
Daniel 2:17-23 (NIV) 17 Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. 18 He urged them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. 19 During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven 20 and said:
“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;
wisdom and power are his.
21 He changes times and seasons;
he deposes kings and raises up others.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.
22 He reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what lies in darkness,
and light dwells with him.
23 I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors:
You have given me wisdom and power,
you have made known to me what we asked of you,
you have made known to us the dream of the king.”
Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah (or Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego) faced being thrown in the fiery furnace where their amazing growth, training, and knowledge in God allowed them to face the dangers and still profess God. Daniel 3, shares the adventure of the three men. They did not know how it was going to turn out, but they had been equipped and trained by God and they knew God would be there.
References
Holy Bible: New International Version. Public Domain. Retrieved September 9, 2016, from https://www.biblegateway.com
Kurkowski, C. (2016). “Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.” Colorado Christian University.
