The world of politics is not for the faint of heart. Politicians (and their staffs) are constantly trying to gain the upper hand in situations. It is an ongoing battle –much of which takes place in the media. Many times political opponents will try to smear each others reputations with lies, leaks, and slander. Praise God for the Christian politicians who endure the madness in order to make a difference for God’s kingdom.
Daniel was thrust into this dangerous world of politics by the positions to which Nebuchadnezzar had appointed him. Like almost all politicians, Daniel had enemies who wanted to destroy his career so they could advance their own. That’s the situation that we find in Daniel chapter 6.
Daniel had risen to a position of prominence with the Babylonian King (remember how he interpreted Nebuchadnezzar’s dream in chapter 2?). God had blessed Daniel with a place of influence in the Babylonian government for a great purpose.
In chapter 6, some government officials who were jealous of Daniel convinced the new King, Darius, to decree it unlawful to pray to any god but the King. Offenders would be placed into a den of lions. It was clearly an attempt to trap Daniel and ruin his career. Isn’t it interesting that these men seemed to know that Daniel wouldn’t abandon his faith in God? He must have had a strong testimony.
The threat of death (especially by lions) would cause most to follow the new law. But not Daniel. His commitment to God was strong and he was determined to remain true. So he chose to disobey the King (who had given him a high position) in order to obey God. What would you do?
Daniel’s faithfulness in praying three times a day –even after it was outlawed- put him in the spotlight of the King as he was cast into the lion’s den. After God protected him from the lions, guess what the King proclaimed? “Then King Darius wrote to all the peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth: “Peace be multiplied to you. I make a decree, that in all my royal dominion people are to tremble and fear before the God of Daniel” (Daniel 6:23-28). God used government persecution of believers in order to broadcast His glory through a powerful king. Isn’t that just like God?