Thursday, November 29

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2018

"Daniel answered, 'May the king live forever!  My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty." (Daniel 6:21,22)

In this sixth chapter of Daniel, we find him serving under his third king, now Darius the Mede.  At the end of Chapter 5, we understand that, according to the revelation God had given him, the Medes overtook the Babylonians immediately after the "writing on the wall."  Just prior to the Medes' raid, the Bablyonian king had elevated Daniel as a senior official, and it seems that he maintained a important role in the Medes' kingdom.

As with previous regimes, Daniel (like his friends) faces antagonism from other officials.  While we cannot pinpoint the source of this antagonism, it likely emerged from some jealousy towards Daniel rather than a true heart for justice or patriotism.  Politics and its associated power often bring forth corrupt behavior.

Despite the very present threats, Daniel maintains his resolve to seek and serve only the Lord God.  He demonstrates that corrupting our characters — and our witness — doesn't line up with the rightful place of God's sovereignty in our lives.  Daniel and his friends trusted God completely, and He carried them through.  In turn, their faithfulness fuels a widespread testimony of God's goodness through the Darius's kingdom-wide decree (Daniel 6:26,27). We then read that Daniel "prospered" during Darius's reign.

How may we follow Daniel's model in our lives today?  In what areas have you compromised to fit modern culture?  How could you reclaim these areas to be consistent with God's sovereignty over your life?

Lord God, thank You for showing us Daniel's tremendous example of faithfulness to Your Word.  Help us to rise above the corrupting influences of this world so that we may live fruitful lives devoted to You and Your Kingdom.  Change us from the inside out and bring to mind where we may be falling short.  Use us as light and salt in a culture that does not exalt You.  In Jesus's Name, amen.