Brightest and Best

Reginald Heber, a hymn writing Church of England bishop, used a phrase in a hymn in 1811:

Brightest and best of the sons of the morning,
Dawn now our darkness, and lend us thine aid.

David Halberstam used a similar phrase for the title of his book on the origins of the war the United States fought in Vietnam: The Best and The Brightest.

More than 2,500 years ago, Nebuchadnezzar described the children he was looking for in quite similar terms:

And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of the princes; Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans. (Daniel 1:3-4 KJV)

Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: (Daniel 1:6 KJV)

Never heard of Hananiah? Mishael? Azariah? How about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego? If you enjoy jazz, check out Louis Armstrong’s rendition of the story.

We know of them, too, through Josephus’ Antiquities of the Jews, Book 10, Chapter 10, Section 1:

Now among these there were four of the family of Zedekiah, of most excellent dispositions, one of whom was called Daniel, another was called Ananias, another Misael, and the fourth Azarias; and the king of Babylon changed their names, and commanded that they should make use of other names. Daniel he called Baltasar; Ananias, Shadrach; Misael, Meshach; and Azarias, Abednego. These the king had in esteem, and continued to love, because of the very excellent temper they were of, and because of their application to learning, and the profess they had made in wisdom.

No blemish, skillful in wisdom, cunning in knowledge, understanding science – or as Josephus puts it, excellent temper, application to learning and professing wisdom. Laying aside the royalty bit, how many of us would have been considered worthy for the king’s court?

Right now all of us are considered worthy to live forever in the King of Kings’ court. We will not be carried away as captives, though, for we can refuse to participate. God has fewer requirements in coming to serve Him, and He offers greater rewards.

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28 KJV)

Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:30b-31 KJV)

Not only do we have God’s word as a written invitation, He sends ministers to tell us Christ’s words:

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. (Luke 19:10 KJV)