A Prayer

As I bring my study of Daniel to a close (I am not studying his prophecies currently) I end with Daniel's prayer for his nation. He cries out to God, begging forgiveness and mercy for himself and his people. It's a long passage, but a powerful one. I think it's time that I prayed for God's people the way Daniel did. I think it's time we poured out our hearts before God and got things right. I think it's time we broke free from the captivity of sin and rebuilt the body of Christ. It's time for change.

³ Then I set my face toward the Lord God to make request by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes. ⁴ And I prayed to the LORD my God, and made confession, and said, “O Lord, great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and mercy with those who love Him, and with those who keep His commandments, ⁵ we have sinned and committed iniquity, we have done wickedly and rebelled, even by departing from Your precepts and Your judgments. ⁶ Neither have we heeded Your servants the prophets, who spoke in Your name to our kings and our princes, to our fathers and all the people of the land. ⁷ O Lord, righteousness belongs to You, but to us shame of face, as it is this day—to the men of Judah, to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and all Israel, those near and those far off in all the countries to which You have driven them, because of the unfaithfulness which they have committed against You.
⁸ “O Lord, to us belongs shame of face, to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, because we have sinned against You. ⁹ To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against Him. ¹⁰ We have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in His laws, which He set before us by His servants the prophets. ¹¹ Yes, all Israel has transgressed Your law, and has departed so as not to obey Your voice; therefore the curse and the oath written in the Law of Moses the servant of God have been poured out on us, because we have sinned against Him. ¹² And He has confirmed His words, which He spoke against us and against our judges who judged us, by bringing upon us a great disaster; for under the whole heaven such has never been done as what has been done to Jerusalem.
¹³ “As it is written in the Law of Moses, all this disaster has come upon us; yet we have not made our prayer before the LORD our God, that we might turn from our iniquities and understand Your truth. ¹⁴ Therefore the LORD has kept the disaster in mind, and brought it upon us; for the LORD our God is righteous in all the works which He does, though we have not obeyed His voice. ¹⁵ And now, O Lord our God, who brought Your people out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and made Yourself a name, as it is this day—we have sinned, we have done wickedly!
¹⁶ “O Lord, according to all Your righteousness, I pray, let Your anger and Your fury be turned away from Your city Jerusalem, Your holy mountain; because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and Your people are a reproach to all those around us. ¹⁷ Now therefore, our God, hear the prayer of Your servant, and his supplications, and for the Lord’s sake cause Your face to shine on Your sanctuary, which is desolate. ¹⁸ O my God, incline Your ear and hear; open Your eyes and see our desolations, and the city which is called by Your name; for we do not present our supplications before You because of our righteous deeds, but because of Your great mercies. ¹⁹ O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, listen and act! Do not delay for Your own sake, my God, for Your city and Your people are called by Your name.”

Faith of the Faithless

So the king gave the command, and they brought Daniel and cast him into the den of lions. But the king spoke, saying to Daniel, “Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you.” - Daniel 6:16

     As I've studied the life of Daniel the Lord has convicted me, challenged me, and humbled me. Daniel was such an amazing servant of God! His faith in God and his faithfulness to God present an example for any Christian to follow. But what about King Darius? I don't usually think much about the king since I am so busy looking at Daniel's life. I'm not completely sure of Darius' spiritual status throughout this chapter. He doesn't seem to worship the Lord or claim to be a Christian. The end of chapter six finds him making a decree to follow Jehovah. The language used in the decree seems representative of a possible faith in God, but we still don't have any real proof. Regardless of his beliefs and spiritual condition, today's verse shows that he had faith in God's ability to rescue Daniel. This is the point I want to emphasize today. The faith of the faithless. Sounds backwards and confusing, I know, but there is a powerful lesson here. So often I become complacent and apathetic. I presume upon God's goodness and forget about His true nature. Unfortunately I think many unbelievers often have a better view of God than Christians. Even when the unsaved are mocking us, they often show what they expect our God to do. Do I expect Him to do the same things? I am reminded of those who mocked Jesus on the cross. They said that if He really was God that He would come down from the cross and save Himself. Were the disciples expecting Him to come down? They were focused on their errant ideas for the Messiah, and were busy weeping and thinking all hope was lost. Perhaps the mockers understood the Savior's true abilities more than His disciples at this moment. I know in my life I have students make simple comments like, "Couldn't God just do..." Fill in the blank with whatever miraculous action you choose. Most of my students aren't Christians, but they have learned enough to know that the God I teach them about is able to do what He wills. Unfortunately I think I forget this fact too often. I'm busy complaining or whining or deciding what God cannot do. It is humbling to think that even people who curse the name of God may often expect greater things from Him than I do. Sure, they may not have any real "faith" in the Lord, but they have realistic expectations of the Creator of the universe. Why do I limit God? Why do I put Him into a neat little box? Why do I refuse to expect amazing things from Him? Even King Darius knew that God was able to save Daniel from the lions. I wonder how many of Daniel's fellow captives truly believed that God was able to shut the lion's mouths. The faith of the faithless is a humbling thing, but it is also a powerful reminder. A reminder that I serve a God Who is so mighty that even the lost know of His strength!

Change the World

⁶ So these governors and satraps thronged before the king, and said thus to him: “King Darius, live forever! ⁷ All the governors of the kingdom, the administrators and satraps, the counselors and advisors, have consulted together to establish a royal statute and to make a firm decree, that whoever petitions any god or man for thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions. ⁸ Now, O king, establish the decree and sign the writing, so that it cannot be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which does not alter.” ⁹ Therefore King Darius signed the written decree.¹⁰ Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days. - Daniel 6:6-10 

     I think there is a valuable lesson to be learned from Daniel in this passage. I love how he receives word of the decree and then just continues his daily routine. The laws and schemes of men do not deter Daniel from his praise and worship of the Lord. Daniel is not running away to hide. Daniel is not freaking out and crying to God for help. Daniel is simply trusting that God will honor His promises as long as Daniel honors his. I also believe that there is a much deeper lesson to learn from this situation. Look again at Daniel's response. He simply continues following God's plan for his life. He keeps his faithful testimony and focuses on worshiping God and doing what he knows is right. Daniel does not go before the king and stage a protest. He doesn't start a heated debate with those responsible for the decree. He doesn't go into the streets and plead his innocence. Daniel actually does nothing to specifically address the situation. I feel that many Christians today have their priorities wrong. We spend so much time and energy trying to make our mark in politics. We stage protests of abortion and gay marriage and a hundred other social issues with which don't agree. We try to change the world from the outside-in, which is impossible. Daniel realized that King Darius and these governors were pagans who did not follow the law of the Lord. He did not expect them to act like Christians. Daniel knew that these men did not honor God and most likely expected persecution from them. Daniel just stayed true to God's plan. We need to focus on God's plan for the world around us. What is this plan? The plan is for Christians to be faithful and have their heart right before God and then to spread His Gospel throughout the world. We need to focus on our testimony and make it more like Daniel's. We need to remain faithful in our daily walk. We need to share the Word of God with the lost and dying world around us. Only the Lord can change the heart and only the heart can change a man's actions. If we want political and social change we must have politicians and citizens who have God in their lives. I cannot teach unbelievers to follow God's plan any more than I can teach a dolphin to climb a tree; it is not in their nature. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. He is a new creation "In Christ." Only after the power of Christ has done its work can we truly change the world for the better. We need to follow Daniel's example and attack the real root of the problems around us.

Like Daniel

³ Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm. ⁴ So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him. ⁵ Then these men said, “We shall not find any charge against this Daniel unless we find it against him concerning the law of his God.” - Daniel 6:3-5

     A lot has happened to Daniel in a relatively short time. He moved through the ranks of Nebuchadnezzar's officials and advisers because the Lord was with him. He interpreted dreams and gained favor in the sight of the king. He served Belshazzar long enough to interpret the demise of his rule. Daniel now finds himself under the reign of Darius, who has chosen to make Daniel a ruler in the land. Verse three tells us that Daniel was excelling in his new position as well. He had already distinguished himself from the other rulers and gained the respect of King Darius. This rapid rise to recognition and power created jealousy in those around Daniel. Today's passage finds the other governors and satraps trying to get Daniel in trouble. The amazing part is that they cannot figure out a way to do this. Verse four says that they can find no fault or error in Daniel's life. What a testimony! They are scrutinizing this man of God and cannot come up with a single charge against him. The Lord says that Daniel was faithful. He lived his daily life in such a way that these men had no reason to call him out. The greatest part of this passage is the statement that is made in verse five. After watching Daniel's every move, the other rulers give up and say that they will never find any fault with Daniel's life. The only way they will be able to trap him is through his loyalty to his God. Ashamedly, I cannot even imagine having a testimony this strong. To think that the people around me could only fault me for my faith in God. To think that my students could only define me by my faithfulness to the Lord. To think that the only complaint my neighbor could have would be that I serve God too much. Once again, I am humbled by Daniel's testimony and strength. We often only think of Daniel as the guy who got thrown in the lion's den. There is much, much more to the life of this man. David may have been a man after God's own heart, but I think Daniel is a man with the heart of God. One thing is certain, he is a man worth modeling my life after. His dedication to God is unrivaled.

No Compromise

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. - Daniel 1:8

     The past week has been busy and stressful. Obviously, by my lack of posting, I have been a little overwhelmed. When I do find some spare time, the last thing I want to do is write since that seems like work. In the middle of this craziness, I began reading about Daniel. The first seven verses of the book tell the tale of Babylon taking Judah captive. We learn that Nebuchadnezzar wants the best and brightest young men to be trained in his court. Daniel happens to be one of these young men. He is put into the king's training program and offered the highest level of education and the very same food that the king receives. Not a bad situation for someone who was just taken captive! However, Daniel faces a major problem. Surprisingly, the King of Babylon doesn't follow Jewish dietary laws and Daniel does not want to compromise his beliefs. He requests to have a different meal plan, and rejects the King's food. As I reflect on this well-known story, I'm ashamed. Here's a young man, a teenager, torn from his home and thrown into the service of a pagan nation. He has lost everything and everyone. Yet, when he is offered a meal that is against God's law, he stands up for what is right. My busy schedule and the minor stress I am under is nothing compared to becoming a slave. I cannot even begin to relate to Daniel's situation, yet I do not have his resolve. I have put aside my blog writing and studying because of a little bit heavier workload. I have compromised what I feel God wants me to do simply because I have a little less free time. Oh, to have a heart like Daniel. There is no situation in which compromise is the answer. God always expects us to obey, no matter the cost, no matter how we feel. As I begin looking at Daniel's life, I am already amazed at the heart of this young man. May we all find the strength to be a little more like Daniel.

Amazing Grace

² So Jeremiah the prophet said to all the people of Judah and to all those living in Jerusalem: ³ For twenty-three years—from the thirteenth year of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah until this very day—the word of the LORD has come to me and I have spoken to you again and again, but you have not listened. ⁴ And though the LORD has sent all his servants the prophets to you again and again, you have not listened or paid any attention. ⁵ They said, “Turn now, each of you, from your evil ways and your evil practices, and you can stay in the land the LORD gave to you and your fathers for ever and ever. ⁶ Do not follow other gods to serve and worship them; do not provoke me to anger with what your hands have made. Then I will not harm you.” ⁷ “But you did not listen to me,” declares the LORD, “and you have provoked me with what your hands have made, and you have brought harm to yourselves.” - Jeremiah 25:2-7

     God has been continuously reminding me of His mercy, grace, and patience lately. I don't want to keep stressing the same thoughts over and over, but God is stressing the same thoughts repeatedly in my life. I suppose if I need a continuous reminder, perhaps someone else does as well! Recently I've been encouraged by the Lord's patience and forgiveness with Jonah and the people of Ninevah. In Jeremiah his patience comes to an end with the nation of Judah, but not after a long span of mercy. Jeremiah himself says that he has been telling them to repent for twenty-three years. Twenty-three years! Jeremiah then says that other servants and prophets have warned them as well. Yet, Judah still refuses to turn back to God. Throughout this lengthy period of time Judah has not simply been ignoring God's voice. The people have been actively making and serving idols and false gods. Twenty-three years of blatant idol worship. An utter slap in the face the their true Lord and Creator. Constantly reminded of God's displeasure, Judah pushes forward in their defiance. How amazing is God's grace? Why would He allow such disrespect? I cannot fathom such patience. If I were God I wouldn't last a week! I would be so enraged by the utter lack of respect and concern I would probably strike them all dead. Thankfully I am not in control. God's intense love, His limitless grace, His tireless patience, leaves me speechless. What an amazing God we serve. A joyous thought and a welcome reminder.

Slow to Anger

² God is jealous, and the LORD avenges; the LORD avenges and is furious. The LORD will take vengeance on His adversaries, and He reserves wrath for His enemies; ³ The LORD is slow to anger and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked. - Nahum 1:2-3a

     At the end of the book of Jonah, we're kind of left hanging. We don't know what happens to Jonah and we don't really have an extended history of Ninevah after their repentance. However, in the book of Nahum, we find that Ninevah's devotion to God was short lived. The city has returned to their sinful, pagan ways. They have returned to their idols and to their oppression of Judah. Nahum speaks out God's judgement upon their city and it's inhabitants. In spite of the grand historical implications, the book of Nahum tells us more about God's nature and character than it does about the events about to take place. In verses two and three we learn some great truths about the Lord, and we find a couple of special promises. Verse two explains God's righteous anger. We learn that He is jealous and furious with His enemies. Why is He jealous? He is jealous because we sinfully give worship, honor, and devotion to things that He created and controls. He is the Creator and Master of all, and He is the only Being ever worthy of praise. We also learn that God becomes very angry with the unrighteous and stores up wrath for them. He is holy and just and cannot overlook sin. These are scary thoughts, until we learn the promises. The first is the most comforting. God is slow to anger. If not for this character trait, perhaps none of us would still be here. Each day we fail to meet God's holy standard. We don't do what we should do and we do what we should not. If God was quick to anger, how long would we last? Just as we saw with Jonah, God is merciful, patient, and forgiving. This is an unfathomable truth. To think that God would allow us to walk this earth full of sin and wickedness. We often forget that this promise works two ways. As a Christian, this promise is an amazing concept that fills my heart with joy. The problem arises when we realize that God is slow to anger with all who are wicked. This means the vilest criminal, our worst enemy, those we feel don't deserve mercy. We often cry out to God for punishment and vengeance. We often question God's judgement and ask how He could allow these people to keep polluting and hurting the world around them. We fail to step back and see that the very thing we are complaining about is what spares us from God's wrath ourselves. Our hope and resolve comes through the second promise in verse three. God may show mercy upon the wicked, but He will never acquit them of their wrongdoing. God is patient, but He is not blind. He sees the wicked and stores up His wrath until He is ready. Nothing other than the blood of Jesus can spare the evil from their fate. Praise God that He is slow to anger, and that He is not storing up wrath for me because I am His child, not His enemy.