The Resolve of the Ruthless
I’m glad this hospital visit was only 24 hours. I was able to come home at noon today. I have been continuing to rest and take it easy. I’m looking forward to the activities of this next week.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Daniel, one of the Judean exiles, has ignored you, the king, and the edict you signed, for he prays three times a day.” As soon as the king heard this, he was very displeased; he set his mind on rescuing Daniel and made every effort until sundown to deliver him.“ Daniel 6:13-14 HCSB
Because of the Lord’s favor, Daniel was in a favored position within the King of the Empire of the Medes and Persians. The other advisers to the King were jealous and sought to “set Daniel up.” They knew that best way to “bring him down” was to attack him at his most solid point of commitment, his faith in God and his dedication in prayer. They convinced the King that no one should pray to anyone else or any other deity but him.
The trap set for Daniel was also a trap for the King. The dilemma for Daniel became a dilemma for him. The King tried to think of a way around “the law” but there was no way out.
The parallel to Pilate in the gospels is interesting. We read when Pilate was questioning Jesus, Jesus told him, “You would have no authority over Me at all,” Jesus answered him, “if it hadn’t been given you from above. This is why the one who handed Me over to you has the greater sin.” This was Pilate’s response, “From that moment Pilate made every effort to release Him….” (John 19:11,12 HCSB)
Just like Daniel’s enemies, Pilate was being “played” by the religious leaders. As Pilate was looking for a way out, the religious leaders told him, “….If you release this man, you are not Caesar’s friend. Anyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar!” (John 19:12 HCSB)
Leaders regardless of their character can often find themselves in “no-win” situations. It is like there are those who delight in playing chess with their power and being able to say through their actions, “checkmate!” No way out, you lose regardless of your next move. That was the case for Darius, it was the case for Pilate, it is the case for many pastors and political and corporate leaders today.
In both of these accounts of Daniel and Jesus, they were both rescued by God. Daniel faced a figurative death in the lions den and was saved; Jesus experienced death on the cross, but then was raised from the dead. Paul in his message in Pisidian Antioch, referred to the fulfillment of Psalm 16 when he proclaimed Jesus resurrection, “God raised him from the dead so that he will never be subject to decay. As God has said….“ ’You will not let your holy one see decay.'” (Acts 13:34-35 NIV) Â
As Peter wrote of the Lord’s deliverance he proclaimed, “…the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.” (2 Peter 2:9 NIV) The Lord is able to deliver us in our “hour of need.” Through Christ we win! Even when it looks like we “lose” in the eyes of the world, we still “win” because of the future Christ has for us.
Darius was not able to save Daniel from the lions den, Pilate was not able to “save” Jesus from the religious leaders, but we see God stepping in both situations. As a result, God was glorified because true “salvation” from death comes from Him. The deliverance the Lord brings is a testimony to others of His power and might.
Prayer for today…Â “Lord, true salvation comes from You alone. I affirm with Paul, “if God be for us, who can be against us?” (Rom. 8:31) Human authority is limited, but You are all powerful. Help me remember that when I appeal to You to help, I can go no higher.”