God's Able Minister

The Babylonians carried many Israelites into captivity—including a youth named Daniel. Daniel entered fully into life in Babylon because he obeyed the words of the prophet Jeremiah. When he did, God blessed him with a career that was long and varied.

Daniel actually served as an able minister of two empires. First Babylon. But when the Medes and Persians overran Babylon, Daniel survived to become a key figure within the Persian Empire. Scripture tell us Darius planned to set him over the whole kingdom. (Dan. 6:3b NIV)

This was too much for Daniel’s Persian contemporaries. They were jealous and wanted to get rid of him. But they could find nothing wrong with his work or his person when they tried to discredit him. They finally devised a scheme so Daniel would be found guilty—of prayer! In accordance with a silly law of the land, Darius was forced to sentence Daniel to death via the mouths of hungry lions.

Darius was loathe to lose his faithful servant. He did not sleep well the night after Daniel was thrown into the lion's den. In the morning he rose early to see what had happened.

In this story, we usually focus on the brave Daniel who would face death rather than deny his God. But what about Darius? He wanted Daniel to live—and he was foolish enough to think it might be possible. He called out, Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God . . . been able to rescue you? . . . (v. 20b)

The Lord did protect Daniel by sending an angel. When it was over, Darius wrote a decree saying everyone must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. (6:26b) God saved the minister who served a pagan king—and He touched the heart of the king as well.

Originally published November 12, 1882.

Forgiving

Great heroes of the Bible were able to forgive. Because they were able to forgive, they were able to pray. Daniel lived an exemplary life when he both forgave and identified with the people. While praying for his people he was able to say, “To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against Him.” (Dan. 9:9 NKJV)

It isn’t easy to forgive. Sometimes we feel victimized. When that’s the case, forgiving means yielding what is rightfully ours. That even offends our sense of justice. At other times we don’t want to forgive because we don’t want to admit we were wrong. Our self-image is at stake.

Whatever our reason, failure to forgive hinders prayer because it separates us from God. The consequence of not forgiving is severe. Jesus said, if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses. (Mk. 11:26 NKJV)

So we must forgive and we can. Like Daniel, we need to remember that forgiveness belongs to and comes from our God. We look to Jesus. His standards are high but His mercy is unlimited. He invites us to receive His Life—and the forgiveness resident within Him.

Originally published November 6, 1992.
Picture: Quilt and photo of quilt by Marlene, 2008.
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The Son of Man

Jesus called Himself the Son of Man. This may seem like an unremarkable title to us but it was laden with implications for Jesus’ audience.

Daniel had used the phrase originally. He saw four beasts (representing four successive world powers) in a dream. Then he saw the Ancient of Days surrounded by worshippers. Later, behold, One like the Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven . . . and there was given to Him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages, should serve Him. (Dan. 7:13b,14 KJV)
Imagine the son of a common carpenter from Nazareth using the term in reference to Himself. Shocking! But Jesus said, "as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (Jn. 3:14,15)

Originally published February 26, 1988.
Picture: Patty's Garden, 2008. Photo by Solveig.