Nougat 5

In Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean, back to school is well underway. Or is just beginning. For some, this is not about going up a grade level, many are determining whether to continue with tertiary education, or enter the world of work. What happens if you find yourself caught between systems … due to migration or other factors?

Consider Today’s Holy Nougat

“Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, his chief of staff, to bring to the palace some of the young men of Judah’s royal family and other noble families, who had been brought to Babylon as captives. “Select only strong, healthy, and good-looking young men,” he said. “Make sure they are well versed in every branch of learning, are gifted with knowledge and good judgment, and are suited to serve in the royal palace. Train these young men in the language and literature of Babylon.”” ‭‭

Daniel‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Pressed Into Service

I recall hearing that in some countries, it is expected that one takes a gap year after high school before undertaking college. Others press for civil service, usually in the military – in some instances mandatory, but for others, not so. I’m not sure whether this was the ‘mandatory civil service’ of the day; but even if it were, it was restricted to the elites.

Nebuchadnezzar, the kind of Babylon at the time of this conscription, was a mighty king. A creative and a warrior, it is rumored that he ordered the Hanging Gardens of Babylon built for his bride, Amytis the Persian princess. As a creative, Nebuchadnezzar – whom I usually refer to as ‘Buc’ or ‘Bucky’ – would have needed an army’s worth of skilled and educated persons to resource his kingdom. Hence, it is not surprising that he requested (read ‘demanded’) strong, healthy, and good-looking young men, … well versed in every branch of learning, are gifted with knowledge and good judgment … to serve in his royal palace.

It is worth remembering, that these workers were not there by choice, but comprised: young men of Judah’s royal family and other noble families, … brought to Babylon as captives. They were to some extent, prisoners of war. And yet they were not, because at this point, they were also subjects of the Babylonian empire, as their countries had been taken over in war.

Siblings, for us, the war is still being waged. And until Christ returns, it is as though the Prince of this World reigns supreme. The prince being the enemy of our souls. And like Bucky, the Prince of this World is seeking to expand territory; like Bucky, the Prince of this World is a creative warrior. His aim is to ‘press us into service,’ selecting us royals (don’t forget – Peter affirms that we are a royal priesthood) with diverse skills and knowledge to live and work in his kingdom.

And one key device, is to ensure that we speak the language of his kingdom.

It is incumbent on us to know our identity and to be aware of the laws and customs of our nationality. As Heaven’s citizens (see Philippians 3:20-21), we ought to be aware that though we live in this World, we are Not Of This World (see John 17:11,14-15). Thus although we render to Caesar – and, by extension, the Prince of the World – we give priority to giving to YHWH the glory due to God’s name (see Matthew 22:21; and Psalm 29:1).

So whether we’re changing levels of education, at the same level, shifting employment, retired, or are unemployed; I pray we remember that we are God’s, covered in prayer by Y’shua. We therefore answer firstly to God, and then to others who may be placed over us while we’re still inhabitants in this World.

God bless us all.

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May all we seek be found in Christ