Dan 6 — Daniel and the Lion’s Den
Thoughts about serving others
This link includes a list of posts about Serving the Least, the Lost, and the Lonely.
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Let the Word evoke words. May your life encourage lives.
What a concept, one of the top administrators that governed an empire was truly exceptional, “they could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent” (Daniel 6:4). This was Daniel, one who so “distinguished himself among administrators…the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom” (6:3). Apparently, the kings of Babylonia, Medes and Persia don’t read their own history, for just a few years ago, chapter 3 for us, a similar incident occurred. Jealous men attempt to trap a leader from the exiled, God-followers, with similar results. And once again we’re reminded that God didn’t save Daniel FROM the lions’ den, he saved him IN the lions’ den. So the king tosses those who falsely accused Daniel into the lions’ den and issues a decree that “people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel” (6:26). This decree is tacked onto the long list of rules the kings have no doubt issued (scenes from Monty Python come to mind).
The key distinction here that Darius does not diminish any other gods of the people (nor himself), he simply adds another to the list. Darius endorses God, but does not say he is the only God, rather, he says, “in every part of my kingdom” (6:26). This makes it clear that Darius is still the ultimate power, but allows people to worship God.
This may be a prophetic example of our own country, or at least I can see that happening here, the day when our government (satraps and administrators) moves beyond removing God to making him equal to all others, thus avoiding any political issues. If the trend continues, we will find ourselves as the remnant, the spiritually exiled, the fools that think there is only one way to an eternal relationship with the One True God. Lord help me to hold on as our “great minds” continue to remove you from society. May we be those people who pray constantly and trust always in you above all others. May we distinguish ourselves for your glory and not our own and may your will be done here on earth–even this day.