Then the king arose at dawn, at the break of day, and went in haste to the lions’ den. When he had come near the den to Daniel, he cried out with a troubled voice. The king spoke and said to Daniel, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you constantly serve, been able to deliver you from the lions?” Then Daniel spoke to the king, “O king, live forever! My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths and they have not harmed me, inasmuch as I was found innocent before Him; and also toward you, O king, I have committed no crime.” Daniel 6:19-22
God will have you serve leaders who lead in the courts of places like Babylon, whether they be in private, business, or governmental sectors. Have you ever had a supervisor who was so protective of you that when you were in danger, they got into action? This is exactly what happened when King Darius leaned how manipulative leaders had set Daniel up to spend the night in the lion’s den. Even King Darius could not sleep the night Daniel spend with hungry lions.
Loyalty for life can be communicated, tell someone today how you feel about them. There are relationships that show up in the Bible whereby God knits the hearts of people together in ways that form loyalty for life. Ruth to Naomi, Jonathan to David, Timothy to Paul, and in Daniel’s case, foreign leaders to himself and his cause. Daniel was known for his loyalty, courage, conviction to his beliefs, and steadfastness. A lifetime of these qualities filled the courts of Babylon making a reputation for Daniel. Kings from one regime to the next looked to Daniel as a trusted advisor and even a friend. When people are loyal you know it. When people can be trusted you know it. And the opposite is true. The higher a leader goes, the more those above them look for ‘Daniel’s’ they can turn to for counsel that lacks self interest.
REFLECT TO CONNECT
- Who can you communicate your trust and loyalty to today?
- Is there someone who has your back no matter what?
- Why is loyalty and steadfastness important to God?
Principle: Reputation goes before you as it parades your past acts of loyalty and steadfastness to a world looking for both.
