Daniel 6:19 - 26
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King Darius reigned after king Belshazzar. During his reign he divided his kingdom up into
120 provinces with specific rulers over them. Over these 120 rulers he placed three
presidents, so that the 120 rulers could give account to them. However, Daniel excelled in
his work and behaviour above them all, inasmuch that the king thought of appointing him
chief president. Daniel's life and work was simply of a far superior standard than all the
rest, because of God's spirit in him.
People around us notice what spirit is within us. The way we do
our work reflect the spirit that is within us. If the wrong spirit is in you, it will not
matter what work is assigned to you, and what your position is, you will still make a mess
of it
When the other rulers and presidents saw that Daniel excelled
above them, they became jealous and sought for mistakes in his work and behaviour. They
could find none. He was faithful. Such ought our lives to be too. We must live victorious
and upright lives, such that the enemy can point no finger at us.
Regarding financial matters, your record must be clear. God cannot bless you with
spiritual blessings if you are not faithful with earthly mammon.
Daniel's enemies eventually realised that they cannot find fault
with him, except it be with his faith. So they went to the king and flattered him with a
new proposed law, that all the rulers and presidents have agreed that no one may worship
or ask a petition from any god or man, except king Darius, for 30 days (Even this was a
lie, for had Daniel had any say in the matter, he would not have agreed. They either
decided it when he was not present, or they overruled him). King Darius was so
short-sighted and flattered that he agreed to the new law and signed it (how would he ever
survive that 30 days, if every child and person in his kingdom should first come to him
for any request. This revealed his utter blindness in the matter).
We also have many people that are just as short-sighted today. People dying from AIDS
because of their immorality never thought much further than their noses when they agreed
to the sin.
After Daniel heard of the decree, he continued, as he was used to
do, to open his window towards Jerusalem and pour out his heart before God, three times a
day.
When we pray we must be sure that the window is open towards God - that there be nothing
that hinders our prayer, so that God will hear us.
As soon as Daniel's enemies knew that he continued to pray to God,
they reported it to the king. Suddenly the king's eyes were opened and he sought with all
his might a way to deliver Daniel. However, Daniel's enemies continued to pressurise the
king, until he commanded that Daniel be thrown into the lion's den (Ironically, in their
zeal to get Daniel into the lion's den, these rulers and presidents were also
short-sighted. They didn't realise that the next day it will be their turn).
King Darius regretted his short-sightedness and he fasted that night. Neither did he want
any royal entertainment. Knowing how faithful Daniel served God and how upright and
faithful Daniel was, the king trusted that Daniel's God would deliver him. The next
morning early he went to the den and cried out to Daniel, if God delivered him. Daniel
answered, "King, live forever. My God has sent His angel and shut the lion's
mouth." (God is with His children in their trials).
When the king heard that, he did not consult anyone anymore, but
simply gave commands. He ordered Daniel to be pulled up and all his accusers to be thrown
into the den, together with their wives and children. Why? Because their wives were
accessory to their crime. They encouraged their husbands in their evil way and did not
stop them. Such are the end of all who do not live for God.
God's kingdom and work cannot be destroyed, though all the hosts
of darkness and evil might fight against it, as we read in verse 25. Darius learned that
the beginning of wisdom is to fear God, and he commanded all to do the same. Those who sin
will stop sinning when they fear God.
