Daniel 6
The older that I’ve become, I have grown more and more into a double-checker of everything. Door locks, light switches, alarms, and even ovens. The burden to not make mistakes during growing up years has led to this constant second-checking. As an adult, I’ve always thought, if something bad were to happen, I can’t let it be my fault, especially because I forgot to make sure something simple was done. I bet you that if we could invite King Darius for a short interview, he would know what I was talking about. If it weren’t for a dumb mistake, he would have never let Daniel go through that ordeal with the lions.
A thoughtless moment of arrogance led King Darius to be duped by schemers out to get Daniel killed. They used the classic “arrogance of the king” trope to get Darius to sign a decree that would allow them to trap Daniel, despite how clear it was already that Darius cared for him. Darius knew he messed up. He also knew that Daniel’s God had the power to deliver him and hoped for that. Once Daniel got out the next morning, Darius returned the favor on the schemers and declared that all people in his kingdom will fear God. Darius learned his lesson, but only after Daniel showed him what it meant to willingly give up that control over his life.
Daniel Chooses Service (READ DANIEL 6:1-3)
I love to see here that Daniel, even after everything, is still willing to serve, now in Darius’ administration. Remember, this is after the 40 or so years with Nebuchadnezzar and then after Belshazzar. How many more will keep dragging him to serve? We know at least one more after Darius. He is simply there when needed and asked. How quick are we when asked? No matter how tired I was, when I saw the next-door neighbors moving in after getting home from church late and being soaked from the rain, I knew I had to help. However, helping is often the last thing we want to do…but is often the most important.
Daniel Chooses Faithfulness (READ DANIEL 6:10-13)
Daniel was fully aware of the document that was meant to trap him. Yet, he didn’t stop, hide, or change a thing, but continued his prayers. Daniel never forced God on anyone, but there is no doubt that God was above and beyond the most important thing in his life. And when a person is truly following God, adventure is right outside your door. I think a lot of us are more like Bilbo Baggins than we think. He certainly didn’t want to go out on an adventure, but once he got pushed out the door, it changed his life. We all want the adventure, but when it arrives, we struggle mightily to not go out the door. In other words, we say we want it, but when it comes upon us, we fight against us.
Daniel Chooses Exile (READ DANIEL 6:25-28)
Daniel’s influence over Darius led to his decree for all to fear God and helped turn the tide towards the return of Jerusalem. The hearts of leadership softened around Daniel – we see that in multiple people. Instead of creating a barrier to separate from others, Daniel drew them in, cared for them and ultimately disarmed them. One of the best ways to stop a bully is to compliment them. Instead of fighting back, if you reply with kindness, they won’t know what to do and you can disarm the situation.
With Daniel and his influence continuing to prosper, Cyrus, the next king after Darius decreed in his first year that the Jews could return to Jerusalem. Daniel was still in Babylon during Cyrus’ third year, working and prophesying. Daniel choose to stay and chose to continue working. Thanks to some notes in later chapters (9-10) we know his life in exile would continue until his death – he saw the mission and kept working – the rest of the book are visions Daniel had during those times.
Next Steps
It’s certainly easier to lean into this world and see these purple mountains as our real home, but God wants to show us so much more; we just have to let go of our own control and choose Him. Some questions to ponder today to help us consider what it really means to follow God on His adventure.
- How willing are you to say yes? There is always a reason to say no – but can you let yourself say yes?
- Are you willing to trust in God and face the consequences of faithfulness? It will be an adventure!
- Will you, like Paul, choose difficulty for the sake of others? Paul was clearly ready to go home and be with God, but knew there was more work for him, so he pressed on. Will you choose to live as the loyal subversive in exile?
Today’s challenge is ultimately a “let go and let God” request. We like to control so much of our lives, making sure to follow God, but only insomuch as it doesn’t interfere with the rest of our lives. Daniel’s life – and loyal subversive’s life is the opposite. They walk out the door and stop double-checking the lock. Live only for God and let His adventure be your life.
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