Devotion - Monday, April 27

The Lectionary has moved past Daniel, but I wanted to make sure that we got a chance to note what is probably the most well known chapter.  Daniel does end up in a den of lions, and is spared.  This is the image or the story of Daniel most widely known.

He ends up there as a result of a decree of that is signed by King Darius (this is the third King who had ruled over Daniel.)  The decree was a trap.  It was written by those who were jealous of Daniel and were looking for some way to have Daniel removed from his position. King Darius signs, without thinking.  He signs without realizing that his actions will mean punishment for Daniel.

Let's finish the story, and I will come back to my thought for the day.......  King Darius is made aware that Daniel is not in accordance with the decree.  Punishment is to be thrown in the lion's den.  King Darius is greatly distressed, and looks for a way to circumvent the proscribed punishment, but cannot. So Daniel is placed in the den.  But, as we all know, the lions do not harm him.  He reports "My God sent his angels and shut the lions' mouths."

Daniel ends up in the den as a result of a decree that King Darius signs.  The decree was clear - anyone who bowed to another god was to be fed to the lions!  Darius knew this.  He just didn't think he knew anyone who would be affected by the decree.  He didn't stop to think that those who would be affected might have faces and names and be of value.

We are sometimes trapped by our "decrees."  They may not involve casting others into a den of lions, but they do include considering them less welcome or desirable or worthy.  One example was a few years back when CU students lobbied for a change in bus routes - making it possible for the buses to travel closer to the student apartment complexes.  This seemed fine.  But the changes meant the buses no longer came close to the homes of the lower income residents - folks who depend on the buses to go to the grocery store or to work.

Let me mention one more - one that might cause greater debate.  The deaths of an American by a drone attack has angered many.  But what of the dozens who are killed by drone attacks who are not holding a US passport?  We don't think about the decree to send them until it affects someone we hold nearer to our hearts.

Be aware of the decrees you sign.  Be thoughtful as to the effect of your rules and stipulations.  God protects Daniel, and God surely is with all those unjustly affected by the senseless decrees.  But would it not be more pleasing to God if His loyal followers were to apply sufficient wisdom as to avoid such needs for intervention?

Unfortunately, the Lectionary will not review the chapters of Daniel which serve as the model for the New Testament book of Revelation. But I encourage you to read it on you own.  See the parallels.  Understand that whether one is in ancient Persia or modern Rome, God's will cannot be overcome - even by the most ruthless or heartless or thoughtless power mongers.