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We are expected to live for the benefit of those around us, pouring our lives out for their sake (a living sacrifice) as our spiritual act of worship. With Jesus sending out the disciples on their initial missionary adventure, we get a glimpse of the adventure Jesus calls for His Loyal Subversives.
Darius learned his lesson, but only after Daniel showed him what it meant to willingly give up that control over his life.
This story shows how Daniel responded differently in different situation and gives us a few more characteristics of a loyally subversive servant of God.
Daniel’s willingness to seek the good of his new home while staying loyal to God over the long haul has led to Nebuchadnezzar’s salvation.
They weren’t afraid or angry, simply steadfast. They accepted their punishment and trusted in God’s plan.
Daniel had to learn that personally during the exile to Babylon, figuring out who he was going to be in this new, permanent situation. The life of an exile was his new normal.