“He came to that which was His own, but His own did not receive Him. Yet to all who received Him, to those who believe in His Name He gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God” – John 1:11-13 (NIV)
Introduction
As you look at the world today, you may feel that the tide of evil is rising, while the number of people committed to Godly faith and righteousness is on the decline. It may seem to you that control of things has slipped into the hands of those who have no fear of God. But in evaluating the state of the world, consider this: God has His people everywhere, in place and positions that most of us would never imagine.
That was true for the Jews deported to ancient Babylon. Most of them were resettled along the Chebar River, a canal northeast of the city of Babylon. It is probable that they were conscripted for labour on Nebuchadnezzar’s vast building projects in the nearby city.
This left the Jews free to live in their own communities, but dependent on the Babylonians for work. In other words, it left them poor. Nor did they have much reason to hope for a change in their circumstances. They lived in ghettos with few freedoms, limited resources, and few advocates with the government.
But Daniel was one of those advocates. We do not know how much contact he had with the Jewish exiles. They may have been unaware of him but he was not unaware of their situation. Perhaps he had them in mind as he urged Nebuchadnezzar to change his ways by “showing mercy to the poor” – Daniel 4:27.
In doing so, the king would be showing mercy to Daniel’s own people who were also God’s people. Thus God was at work on behalf of the Jews, even though they were completely unaware of it.
God’s Strategic Placement
Daniel’s strategic placement is a reminder that God never leaves Himself without a means of accomplishing His purpose. He has a way of placing the right person where we would least expect it.This gives God’s people hope. No matter what “hot spot” in the world we may point to, the likelihood is that God has a believer or two strategically placed in the center of it. They may have limited control over what happens, but their presence can promote much good and avoid much evil in ways that we can hardly imagine.
Daniel Saves the Lives of His Enemies
In today’s political landscape, where the motto seems to be “Don’t get mad, get even,” Daniel’s example of showing mercy to his enemies is particularly relevant.As a result, officeholders, candidates, lobbyists, and special interest groups often engage in ‘total war,’ where the sole objective appears to be winning at any cost – even if it involves smearing an opponent’s character or resorting to dirty tricks.
However, as rough –and-tumble as politics might be today, things were far worse in ancient kingdoms such Babylon. In those days, the price of losing a political battle was not merely a loss of power or electability; often it was the loss of one’s life (Dan. 6:24; compare Esth.7:10)
This is the world in which Daniel lived and served, and he was keenly aware of the stakes involved. It is interesting, then, to consider his reaction to the news of Nebuchadnezzar’s decree to execute all the wise men of occult-based advice (2:2) completed with his own godly counsel (2:17-18). Instead, he pleaded with Arioch to stop the killing and allow him to speak with the King (2:24). Thus he saved the lives of pagan sorcerers who were in fact his enemies (compare 3:8).
Would you have done the same? Consider how you regard and treat your opponents and competitors. Are you committed to their destruction? Or can you look beyond ideologies and political jockeying and see the people involved? Daniel exemplifies the biblical admonition: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink”(Rom. 12:20; compare Matt.5:43-48.)
To be continued.
Stay blessed!
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