12/3/2015 Thursday
Daniel 6
Daniel’s
Life is Threatened
This chapter
lifts up the familiar image and story about Daniel in the lion’s den. Yet,
while this story is very familiar, it is not often that we read the entire
episode and what led up to it. The story’s focus is on Daniel’s disobedience to
the law of the land (only paying homage to the Persian king) as he obeyed the
law of his faith. Through jealousy and trickery, King Darius is set up so that
Daniel is punished, though Darius had great respect for him.
What I found
interesting in re-reading this story is actually the role and faith of Darius. Though
he is “forced” by the law to punish Daniel, he does all he can to forestall
this act. Then when that doesn’t work, he offers words of blessing before the
den is sealed, “May your God, whom you
faithfully serve, deliver you!” After the den is closed, Darius spends a
sleepless night fasting. Darius, though a foreign king, prayerfully intercedes
for Daniel. He is a different model of faith than one would expect.
So often in
scripture, we find that God works in the least likely people and in the most
unlikely places. While we may see many of these biblical figures as heroes,
they are still less than perfect and very human. Yet God works in wonderful and
marvelous ways where we least expect it.
Who have been
unexpected examples of faith in your life?
Where have you seen God at work in unexpected
places?
Prayer: O
come, though long expected Jesus in unexpected ways. Open our hearts and eyes
to see you in new ways. Move our lives in ways beyond the conventions of the
day so that Your gracious love may rise unexpectedly through your people. In
Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.
Pastor Jennifer Boyd
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