Daniel 6:5 |
|
Elder
Philip N. Conley |
Daniel 6:5 "Then said these
men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel,
except we find it against him concerning the law of his
God."
This morning, there are people suffering due to a number of
different causes and circumstances. Some people are
suffering due to their personal sins or the sins of others.
Some are suffering due to the nature of the sin curse, and
others are suffering the trials of life for the sake of
their Saviour Jesus Christ. While the suffering for sin is
something that we do not welcome, it should be a joyous
thing for us to suffer for the reproach of our Dear Saviour.
The brethren in Acts were glad that they were considered
worthy to suffer these things. Here, Daniel (a man with an
excellent spirit) is being conspired against by the other
rulers of the land. The Lord has blessed Daniel to increase
in favour with the king, and his wisdom far excels the
others of the empire. So, Daniel's colleagues (in
covetousness and jealousy) have determined to bring some
form of railing accusation to remove him from favour with
king Darius. However, Daniel is such a godly character that
they can find no fault with him unless they look to his
religious practices. Such should be the case with us today.
Our enemies are constantly seeking ways to find fault with
us so that we are not looked upon favourably by others. If
we are found breaking the law, living riotous lives, and
disturbing the peace of the community, then it will be very
easy for them to accuse us. However, if we are doing justly,
loving mercy, and walking humbly with our God, then they
cannot find any of these things. Their only resort is to
make a law that goes against the law of our God. Daniel kept
all the laws of the land (until this point), for they did
not contradict God's law. We should keep all the laws of the
land so long as they are in keeping with the perfect law of
the Lord. However, these wicked men convinced the king to
make a new law that went against the precepts of the
Almighty, and Daniel still remained faithful to pray
earnestly as he should no matter the consequence for his
course.
If this great nation we live in today (which has granted us
more liberty and freedom than the church has ever known)
starts making laws that conflict with the Holy Scriptures,
may we still earnestly contend for the faith once delivered
to the saints. If a law is written that outlaws prayer, may
we still ever pray without ceasing. If a law is written that
outlaws public worship, may we still not forsake the
assembling of ourselves together. If ministers are put in
prison for preaching the unsearchable riches of Christ, may
the ministers still preach in demonstration of the Spirit
and power to the churches, while the ones in the prison
still sing the Lord's praises until the midnight hour.
Daniel was eventually thrown into the den of lions for
continuing to pray to God. We may be thrown into the fires
of life for service to our glorified Lord. However, whether
we live or die in these persecutions, let us continue to
occupy till He comes and be found faithful in all our deeds. |