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People, Politics & Prayer

by John Tilton on September 20, 2021

Scripture

Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.  Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help.  So, they went to the king and spoke to him about his royal decree: ‘Did you not publish a decree that during the next thirty days anyone who prays to any god or human being except to you, Your Majesty, would be thrown into the lions’ den?’  The king answered, ‘The decree stands—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.’  Then they said to the king, ‘Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, Your Majesty, or to the decree you put in writing. He still prays three times a day.’  When the king heard this, he was greatly distressed; he was determined to rescue Daniel and made every effort until sundown to save him.  Then the men went as a group to King Darius and said to him, ‘Remember, Your Majesty, that according to the law of the Medes and Persians no decree or edict that the king issues can be changed.’  So, the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, ‘May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!' " (Daniel 6:10-16)

Observation

In spite of Daniel’s good, God-fearing and devoted intentions and actions, he was still unwillingly entrapped by the people politics of the times.  Whether it was jealousy or contemp, the administrators and satraps found a way to position Daniel to be in conflict with King Darius’ decree, therefore breaking the law in order to stay faithful to God.  Daniel’s faith in God prompted him to turn to the Lord for help, but persevering in his faith, even if it meant being killed in the lions’ den.  How do we respond when we have to choose between our faith in God and trying to find a way out of a dire situation on our own?

Application

Isn’t it so true that we find ourselves in the midst of government and community situations where we have to make a choice of God’s way and will, or the ways of the World?  We see it with politics, government, and COVID.  Daniel’s witness and example of holding true to our faith in God, and praying to Him in ALL things is our resolve and stand to take, even in the midst of adversity.

Thus, I hold on to the lesson from Daniel that we should also do our best to stay in God’s will and way, seeking Him in prayer and staying the course.  I love the adage that “I will do and abide by what I am able to, and leave the rest in the faithful trustworthy hands of the Lord, knowing that He has by best interest in mind and that whatever I need to walk through, that I will do it by His word, His Power, His faithfulness and in His promises.”

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you for the life-lesson of what my response and actions need to be when faced with your ways or the world’s ways.  May I not capitulate to the ways of the world, but instead, get on my knees in prayer and faith to stand on who you are and my faith in you that your plans for me are good and not to harm me, or let me be harmed.

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