Prophets and Kings - Chapter 44

nathan made this entry on December 3rd, 2006
Topic(s): Faithfulness

This chapter deals with Daniel in the lion's den. It shows that our faith in God shouldn't be be dependent on our circumstances or well being. Daniel was faithful to God initially and he was set in a high position. He didn't let this new position distract him from God, but he remained faithful. The evil princes and rulers were mad and jealous of Daniel and then tried to trap him into getting killed.

It wasn't just the evil princes who were upset though. White says that "In the conspiracy thus formed, Satan had played an important part. The prophet was high in command in the kingdom, and evil angels feared that his influence would weaken their control over its rulers." This shows that if we are promoted to high positions of authority we have considerable influence over everyone under us. Some people feel that Christians should not get caught up in the affairs of the world. Some also feel that Christians should only pursue careers in service ministries such as being doctors and teachers and missionaries. While these people are needed, there is also a need for Christians to be political leaders, CEO's of businesses and all areas of leadership. The influence we can have by being faithful to God while so many others view our conduct is greatly underestimated.

If we are faithful to God in these positions, rather than following the crowd in the usual ways of doing things we can be strong witnesses for God. Many leaders today are corrupt and think only of themselves. The enemies of Daniel, though, could find no fault in him. White says that "The experience of Daniel as a statesman in the kingdoms of Babylon and Medo-Persia reveals the truth that a businessman is not necessarily a designing, policy man, but that he may be a man instructed by God at every step. Daniel, the prime minister of the greatest of earthly kingdoms, was at the same time a prophet of God, receiving the light of heavenly inspiration. A man of like passions as ourselves, the pen of inspiration describes him as without fault. His business transactions, when subjected to the closest scrutiny of his enemies, were found to be without one flaw. He was an example of what every businessman may become when his heart is converted and consecrated, and when his motives are right in the sight of God."

For anyone in politics or business or any type of leadership, Daniel is an example of how we can and should be.

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