May the Christians in America stand steadfast as Daniel did in the days of Babylon, remembering that our hope comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.
No matter the candidate chosen in America, the average events and attitudes of the day are strikingly similar to those of the days of Babylon-arrogant, me-centered, and without compassion for most "other" people.
Hardly a person truly ponders, "how can I please God?" But rather, "How can I please me? How can I get what is best for me?"
Contrastingly, Daniel from the Bible gives the example of how Christians can hold to their convictions and honor God in a world that doesn't. Daniel abstained from the King's choice food in order to please God as a young man. He continued to study the scriptures (Jeremiah-Daniel 9:2) for his own comfort. As he grew older, he became the sought after man to interpret dreams, all of which he credited to God. By the time Daniel was in his 80s
his character was known to be so upright and full of integrity, that his enemy's had a hard time finding fault with him. There wasn't anything that his enemies could trap him in, cause him to misstep, or even a hint of a scandal (Daniel 6:4).
Daniel was not a church leader. The temple in Jerusalem had not even been rebuilt. Furthermore, he was still captive, unable to return to his home to worship freely. Yet, everyone in Babylon knew Daniel's devotion to his God.
May we be like Daniel, being known for faithfully praying instead of spouting opinions and judgement.
It's also remarkable to note that Daniel served 4 kings while in Babylon, none of which were regimes that honored or acknowledged God. He was a minority in his faith. Yet, Daniel lead a life faithful to his one true King.
In the days, months, and new year to come with new leadership in our country, may we be like Daniel and resolve NOT to keep our eyes on who sits at the top of capital hill, but instead on the One who sits on throne.
Lastly, dear believers, God doesn't need us to fight for Him. He doesn't even need us to be faithful. Our Lord is so much bigger than our political systems and sovereign states.
But even while He doesn't need our faithfulness in order to carry out His will, because of His great love for us, He does desire it.
Oh, may He find me and you, dear believer, ever so faithful.
May we be Daniels in the days of Babylon.
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