Escape...
That’s what I would have done, or at least that’s what I thought I would have done, until I understood there was more going on than some power hungry king taking people captive.
Daniel, a young man from the land of Judah didn’t try to escape the clutches of a foreign king. Why?
He was content to serve God exactly where God had placed him. In fact, Daniel was obeying God’s order to stay in the land of Babylon. God’s people as a nation had been walking on thin ice for quite a few years. The prophet Jeremiah warned the nation of Israel that judgment was coming for their sin. They were specifically warned not to run away when it happened.
So what did Daniel do? He obeyed.
Years passed and kings came and went and Daniel remained faithful in that foreign land. He served God and gave God all the praise and glory. Through the years, there were numerous death threats on Daniel’s life and the life of his friends, whether from an irate king or jealous men.
But in the midst of all the craziness, Daniel remained steadfast, content with where God had placed him. Did that mean Daniel sat back and had a fatalist attitude when threatened with death? No. I don’t believe that’s what it means to be content. Daniel prayed. He grabbed his three buddies and they held a prayer meeting on more than one occasion.
The Bible says, “Then Daniel went to his house, and made the decision known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions that they might seek mercies from the God of heaven concerning this secret, so that Daniel and his companions might not perish with the rest of the wise men of Bablyon.” (Daniel 2:16,17)
It’s interesting to note that by the time Daniel faces a den of hungry lions, Daniel is no longer a young man, in fact he’s quite old.
The Bible says, “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 6:10)
“As was his custom.” I’d say Daniel had developed some good habits. He prayed, even when Daniel knew a decree had been signed that said he would be put to death. He obeyed God and he was content.
Let’s face it, not many of us are faced with death on a daily basis. But who knows, with the way America is going, one day we or our children might be. No matter what happens, we can learn to be content in the Lord. We can learn what it means to pray.
Nothing is out of God’s control. Daniel believed God. What about you? What about me? Will we like Daniel pray and thank God for His goodness? Will we come to the Lord and humbly admit our willful, sinful ways and ask for forgiveness? Will we like Daniel plead God’s mercy?
“For we do not present our supplications before You because of our righteous deeds, but because of Your great mercies.” (Daniel 9:18)
Oh Lord, help us like Daniel to understand Your truth. Help us to read Your Holy Word and cry out to you. May we like Your beloved Daniel learn what it means to serve You and be content, knowing you hold all things in Your Almighty hand. May we like Daniel plead Your everlasting mercies. You are good oh Lord. You are righteous. In Christ’s righteousness we stand secure. In Jesus’ holy name I pray it, Amen.
