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The development of the soul and spirit is essential for a full life.
Daniel - What a Man Of God Does in a Time of
Crisis. Dan. 6:1-12
We
all need a hero, someone to admire. We
all have an impact on someone’s life and they will think of you when they
are in a crisis or a bad circumstance, when they do not know what to do in
their life. When they think of
you and the way you dealt with a problem, or people, with heartache, it
helps make them stand tall, to face the difficulty, it gives them courage,
and hope. Your honesty and authenticity encourages them.
They have integrity, they have no duplicity, no deviousness, not
pretending, not hypocrisy, nothing to hide nothing to fear. When they are
wrong they admit it, when they le they deal with it. They have seen a
genuine person even though genuine believers have their failures and sin
they live right before God. They give you hope. The church need such people
today.
Darius the Mede
Dan.
5:31 Belshazzar died the night Babylon fell to the Medo-Persian military.
Forces. Darius the Mede received the Babylonian kingdom “at about the age
62.” Darius was subordinate under the Persian monarch Cyrus the great. He
was governor over Babylonia. He
was given the rule by someone greater than himself (9:1,10:1, 11:1). Daniel
never refers to him as a king but a viceroy given authority by king Cyrus.
Jeremiah prophesied the fact that the Medes and Persians played an important
role in the downfall of the Chaldean Empire (Jer. 50:1). This would include
not only the army of Cyrus, but the armies of the Median king Astages and
Croesus of Lydia, whom Cyrus defeated. Jeremiah 51:11 “The Lord has raised
up the spirit of the kings of the Medes: for his device is against Babylon,
to destroy it….” Yet Isaiah
45:1 confirms that Cyrus is the Lords anointed, to whom god said, “whose
right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him.”
The Scripture accurately prophesied historical facts long before they
occurred, the Chaldean Empire was conquered by the Medes and Persians. The
army that captured Babylon was led by Globryas, a Persian general under
Cyrus, while eh man who assumed the rulership of the Chaldean Empire was
Darius, a Mede.
The Political Situation
Vs 1-2. Darius was pleased to see the new administration of the kingdom. He “set over the kingdom 120 satraps (watchers guardians) over the Babylonian kingdom.” These were Persian officials ruling over a large province or a small group of people.
Vs
2
Responsibility for administration was further delegated by him appointing
three presidents or commissioners to oversee the satraps (three groups of
40) so “that the king might not suffer loss.” This brilliant plan
ensured the effective management of the far-flung Persian domain and
safeguarded the financial well-being of the nation. When people get power
they become tempted to take what does not belong to them, they abuse
political power and they have to be observed in their dealings. The king
reorganised the empire.
Age Does Not Hinder Success
Vs
2-3
“Of whom Daniel who was preferred (was first) above the presidents
and princes” He was a genius. He
surpassed those around him and conquered himself, the self life. Twenty
three years had passed since the death of Nebuchnazzar. Daniel was content
to live in obscurity after enjoyed being in the limelight.
He had devoted most of these years the study of Scriptures e.g.
Jeremiah in chapter ten of Daniel. During the time he had other visions came
to him (Chapters 7-8). he knew
God had a plan for the nations Daniel was the only high ranking survivor of
Belshzzars empire. God had seen
fit to protect him the night Belshazzar was slain, although history records
that Cyrus spared the life of Nabonidus. Daniel not Nabonidus was appointed
one of the three presidents. Darius
chose 60 but Daniel was 82-year-old, In God’s service age does not hinder
success. You don’t retire you just get new treads on. “They shall bring
forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing
(have blessing” Daniel to be one of the three commissioners.
He was a Hebrew not a Mede or a Persian but he could be trusted, he
had a testimony of integrity. He was experienced and qualified, honest and
trustworthy. Daniel was
different from the others he, “began distinguishing himself among the
commissioners and satraps because he possessed an extraordinary spirit.”
Daniels accomplishments and spiritual status was recognised. Cyrus
considered him an important asset to his administrative chain of command.
Daniels elevation to high rank, his appointments first by Nebuchadnezzar,
then Belshazzar, the Cyrus and Darius showed his remarkable success in
administration. But without divine promotion Daniel would not have
succeeded. Ability. God promotes his people, “Promotion comes not from the
east or the west but from the Lord.” Daniel saw life form God’s
viewpoint. He took his problems
to God for a solution.
Joshua
and Caleb
were other men whom age did not hinder. Caleb was 85 years old when he won a
tremendous military victory over the Anakims and claimed his portion of the
Promised Land (Jos. 14:6-14). God rewarded their faithfulness.
For 40 long years Joshua was Moses ajutant, remaining in his shadow
until God advanced him to a place of prominence (Jos. 1:1-9).
Daniel
a Role Model – Spiritual Faithfulness and Integrity
1.
Daniel had “an excellent spirit.” He has an excellent attitude,
and a great enduring spirit. His soul was solidly fixed upon God. He knew
God, was filled with the Spirit and had God’s word in his soul. He did not
feel threatened by or jealousy of the other two commissioners.
Instead he maintained a positive, winsome teachable approach toward
his new responsibilities. As a
result, Darius planned to promote Daniel to a position of authority in
Babylonia second only to his and the hat of king Cyrus.
2.
He was trustworthy. He
could be trusted with responsibilities and position.
He did not have power lust. Here
he is a Jew of Royal lineage appointed head of the governmental organization
of the realm.
3.
He was a man of faith. Not once did he doubt God. He remained calm
and kept on trusting God. He could say “…It is the LORD, let him do want
seemeth good” (1 Saam. 3:18). He
knew hw to, “Trust in the LORD
with all thine heart and lean not on thy own understanding. In all thy ways
acknowledge him, he shall direct thy paths “ (Prov. 3:5-6).
4.
He was faithful. God
will reward faithfulness not success (Matt. 25:21). He had the right
attitude. Your attitude is important in your work, in college, in school in
the family. Are you resentful
envious or hold grudges? The
Lord wants us to have a good attitude to life, the family the job.
5.
We need people to be role models for us. People with integrity. Prov.
10:9; 11:3; 13:6; 20:6-7; These
proverbs are played out in real life with Daniel and the officials.
The
Plot Against Daniel – Jealousy Leads to Antagonism
Instead of the government officials admiring Daniels ability
and attitude they were jealous and despised him and set about to remove him.
They almost succeeded in their efforts. Success
in life is not without its problems. There
will always be someone who will react and try and cause others to react.
They were full of envy. We
should never let envy linger in our souls it will lead to misery and
maligning and dissatisfaction in our own souls.
It will turn to hate, anger and even murder.
Vs
4. Accusations. These
subordinates tried to find ground to accuse him. They were unhappy with the
royal choice of appointment. They saw Daniel as an outsider. They may have
reacted on two points, he was a Jew and he was now ruling the empire. Their
jealousy poisoned their souls and caused them to reject authority.
We see it all around us today, in the home, in school, in the work
place, in government. Not only were they poisoned but also they probably
poisoned the 120 satraps. The wanted him out of office. They did everything
they could to find fault with his performance on the job. However, they
could find no ground of accusation. Daniel was a humble man and submitted his life to God’s
gaze. Just like the Saviour in humbling himself he was exalted.
His job record was spotless, he remained faithful in his work, and he
kept himself from corruption. Such people are hard to find, even Christians
do not exemplify faithfulness on the job.
Some cannot be trusted. Some
are even con men. Not Daniel, he was upright and honest, he could be
trusted. You could believe every word he said.
He was dependable; He would have won the employee of the year.
The satraps even went into his personal life but discovered
“no negligence or corruption.” His
character was pure. He did not do one thing in public and another in home or
on the job. There is no accident; God’s providence is at work. All events
are in the hand of God.
Patience
in Adversity. Daniel showed patience in adversity. The hymn
writer wrote, “It is well with my soul” even though I have lost the four
precious daughters in my life.
A
Devious Plan to Destroy Daniel
Vs
5. Their envy was smouldering. They were tormented in their
soul. Envious people are always uptight.
They loose their sense of humour and can never relax. Their envy
turned into vengeance as it always does if it goes unchecked. It begins to
devise plans to harm those who you are envious with. Can you imagine every
day, they were checking him out, looking to find a fault, observing him in
the hope he would fail or be disloyal to the king. Devising plans to harm
Daniel, but their effort was futile.
Vs
6-7. They conniving leaders devised plan to pit Daniels
religious convictions against the Medo-Persian government.
The officials went to Darius and told him all the officials had
agreed to disallow the worship of anyone but him for 30 days.
This was a lie Daniel did not consent to this. They added that those
who violate this injunction would be executed by being thrown into the
lion’s den. The vengeful officials urged the king to sign the document
into law, and Darius complied.
The
Kings Decree
Vs
8-9-This made the injunction irrevocable according to Medo-Persian
policy. It was devised solely for the destruction of only one man.
All legislation should be designed to protect all the citizens but
these men did not care about the citizens, they were blinded by jealousy and
envy. Darius was deceived by their flattery that it was the best legislation
for the people. It was not
legal and bad administration. He was flattered that they wanted to worship him. He would
pose as a god or the incarnation of Ormuzd, according to the Zend religion
of the Parsees, his law was absolute. For thirty days all social, civil and
worship activity came to a halt and religious freedom was terminated. But
this blinded him and pushed him into a corner he could not get out off.
They entrapped him. He was an accessory to the fact. If Daniel had
been present he would have protested this action.
Daniel
Faithfulness and Stability in a Time of Crisis
Vs
10. His relationship with God was not crisis orientated.
He was not frightened or worried. He did not wait for a crisis to
occur in order to go to God we he went to God everyday.
Many of Gods people only call upon him when a crisis occurs and loose
the joy of a daily relationship with him. When Daniel knew the document was
signed, he entered his house; and he continued kneeling …three times a
day, praying and giving thanks before God, as he had been doing
previously.” Daniel had a place where he regularly met God; he manifested
and maintained a consistent walk with God. He did not hide his faith in God
he openly showed his commitment. He could have rationalised: It might be
wise for me to pray in secret for the next 30 days.
Besides if I am put to death I certainly cant witness for God.” But
Daniel knew the battle was the Lord’s.
His upstairs window was open toward Jerusalem during prayer times.
The reason for this was that the Jerusalem temple, though destroyed
by the Babylonians, was considered by the Hebrews to be the centre of
God’s earthly attention (2 Chron. 6:18-40; 7:11-16). He was following the
pattern f Psalm 55:17 and the instruction given when the Temple was
dedicated in 1 Kings 8.
Many of us move from one crisis to another, from test to
another, to one surprising incident to another, until one cuts our legs out
from under us. We react, become resentful, we complain as if God is not in
control. Daniel was not like that. He did not panic. Daniel committed the
problem to the Lord “Cast you burden on the LORD, and he shall sustain
you; he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved” (Ps. 55:22). He was
able to “Delight in thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give you the
desire of your heart. Commit your way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and
he shall bring it to pass” (Ps.37; 4-5).
What about you? Do
you meet God daily or only in emergencies? Is your relationship and prayer
to God given the priority? You need to draw closer to God to enjoy His
presence. Why not start a consistent walk with god and talk with God. Daniel
did not panic he lived a life of faith because he was in touch with God.
This helped him in times of persecution, when men spoke evil and
falsely against him, he had peace. The
reason for this is that he put God first in his life.
Your
Freedom and Law
What should you do when mans legislation is contrary to God?
All legislation should be to protect the people in the nation. If
such a conflict arises with God’s laws, divine law takes precedence. Peter
and John faced this dilemma when they were forbidden to declare the gospel
(Acts 4:17-19). They continued steadfastly in their mission. There must be no
compromise with apostasy. This
is precisely what Daniel did. Daniels prayer life was a private matter and
the government had no right to stop him praying. He should be free to
worship God. Privacy and
freedom go hand in hand. Freedom is based upon laws that are in harmony with
God’s law. Personal freedom is in the soul. Unless a citizen violates a
common law, no government has the right to interfere with his private life.
The government that over-rides the privacy of citizens also violates their
god-give freedom. We cannot let everyone have their own law that would bring
chaos. We need the law but we need good laws and legislation.
It is unethical, unscriptural or threatens the infrastructure of our
nation laws must be passed in order to protect a nation. We are not
autonomous; we are responsible to parents, employers, spiritual leaders,
thee state and God. We need to retain good laws and change bad ones, adding
to them right conduct, right standards and right ethics.
We must thank God for the freedom we have in our country to
worship God without being persecuted. We must thank God for the measure of
good laws and protection . However they are fading fast. We must pray for those in authority. We must pray that the introduction of ungodly laws may be
stopped.
Divine institution. God set up divine laws for the
establishment and perpetuation of the human race 1. Volition –free will
– basis for freedom); Marriage (stabilizer of the human race); 3. Family
(basis of orderly society). 4. Nationalism (basis for protection of rights,
privacy and freedom). Human government is designed by God, is to safeguard
the rights, the privacy, the property and the freedom of inviduals within a
national entity. Men are
not equal in intelligence and other areas and should be free to follow their
dreams in matters of religion, business, social life etc, so long as it does
not violate laws.
1.
Christ sets us free. We are free from condemnation (Rom. 8:1-4). True freedom
begins here. It comes from the new nature in Christ. We are free from the
judgment of God. The law of God
is no longer a threat to us. We
now stand fast in freedom (Gal.5: 1).
2.
Freedom
of conscience. It comes by faith in Christ within. Our desire
is now to please God. We have freedom of conscience. This is particularly true in questionable matters.
We are free to do certain things but if causes a brother to stumble
the law of love has us consider him and we do not do it. If our conscience
is offended we should not do it.
3.
Freedom of knowledge. “You
know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” You are free to pursue
an education. Free to develop your mind. Free to listen to music or learn
and instrument. Knowledge of the word of Truth frees us form misconceptions
in society and the law, from false teachers and doctrines. We should develop
our knowledge. As you get to know God more you will know more freedom.
The
Trap Sprung
Vs
11-15. “Then these men” men is GIBAR = “heros”
this is gods sanctified sarcasm. They were sneaky, sly weak individuals.
“Assembled”
they hurried to catch Daniel praying. They knew he was committed to God and
would not miss even one prayer session.
His open window was facing Jerusalem. The officials wasted no time in
discovering and exposing Daniels disobedience.
The officials reminded the king of the injunction he signed.
When the king heard this “he was deeply distressed and set his mind
on delivering Daniel; even until sunset he kept exerting himself to rescue
him.” But the governing
officials said, “Recognize, O king, that it is law of the Medes and
Persians that no injunction or statue which the king establishes may be
changed.”
Vs.
12 Notice how cleverly the plotters manipulated Darius. They
never mentioned Daniels name. After persuaded the king to make the decree
public they have him restate it. Had Darius not have been impressed with his
own importance, he might have realised something was going on.
His pride of position blinded him to the evils around him.
He will be held accountable.
Vs
13 “THAT Daniel” They had pretended to be courteous but now the
mask drops and they show their contempt for Daniel. They brought a charge
before the king about him.
“which
is of the children of captivity.” They
reminded the king that Daniel was a Jew and a foreigner.
They were casting doubt upon his patriotism.
But Daniel had proved his loyalty over 68 years since he was taken
captive from Jerusalem. He was appointed to the highest offices in the
Chaldean Empire wand was now the second in command of the Persian Empire
under Darius. None f this was mentioned only the fact he was a captured
hostage from the Land of the Jews. They distorted the events.
“regardeth
not thee.” The
sly innuendo became obvious. Daniel, the great Prime minister is shown as
being dangerous and disobedient to Darius. The unjust charges were supported
by a score of witnesses who eagerly swore that Daniel had in deed petitioned
his own God three times daily. They
watched him, maybe all day to see him praying three times. . They
congratulated themselves on the success of their efforts.
Daniel stood accused unfairly, yet justly, as stated under the
present contrived statute.
Conclusion
We have freedom to worship God now. Plan
to come out and worship him each Sunday.
Don’t allow anything to keep you from coming to Church. Unless it s
necessary for your job in hospital or somewhere else.
We are free to pray now. Don’t make excuses.
Have self control and turn off the TV and get out to pray.
We need to be in touch with our government and their
decisions and protest if we need to.
Be loyal to God first then the nation.
We are salt to preserve the nation.
Live right and do right..
Get to as many Bible studies as possible and get knowledge
of God, his ways and how to make right decisions.
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Robert Hunsdale (Pastor/Founder) e. mail roberthunsdale @yahoo.co.uk
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