Daniel 6:3 “Soon Daniel distinguished himself above all the other presidents and satraps because an excellent spirit was in him, and the king planned to appoint him over the whole kingdom.”

Have you heard of a teacher’s pet?

I am not talking about the guinea pig that the kids help take care of or the frogs that reside waiting for further examination.  I mean the student that stands out as the favorite, the one who seems to know all the answers and gets special attention from the teacher because they excel. 

When I read this passage of Daniel, I could easily see how Daniel might be viewed as the “teacher’s pet”.  This exiled Jew comes in and begins making a name for himself in the king’s palace.  He quickly moves up the ranks and before we know it he is being considered as ruler over the whole kingdom.

I never plotted to ruin the favorite students but I know I wished for that special attention.  It feels good to be acknowledged and to feel special.  These men were jealous of the attention Daniel received so they plotted against him.  In the end Daniel is redeemed and the conspirators are given the punishment they dreamed up for Daniel.  Whether you are distinguished among peers or not so much, let us all remember that God puts people in place for his purpose and we can trust in him to do what is right.

Lord,

Give us sight to see what our purpose is in the place you have us right now.  Keep our eyes and hearts focused on you and not on the doings of others in the world around us.  You give us all the praise and accolades we need so help our works be for your purpose and glory so we work to please only you.  No human reward can compare with the rewards you give us.  Amen.