Devotion To God
Tuesday September 16, 2014
“I know that you are pleased with me, for my enemy does not triumph over me. Because of my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever.” (Psalm 41:11-12 NIV)
The story of Daniel in the Bible gives us an example of a man of integrity whose life was totally devoted to God. Daniel was a Jewish captive who became a high government official in Babylon. His enemies were jealous of him and tried hard to find a way to get him charged and punished for misconduct in his handling of government affairs. Try as they might though, his enemies could find no grounds for charges against him.
“…They couldn’t find anything to criticize or condemn. He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy. So they concluded, “Our only chance of finding grounds for accusing Daniel will be in connection with the rules of his religion.” (Daniel 6:4-5 NLT) The only way these schemers could undermine Daniel’s influence with King Darius was to prey upon Daniel’s devotion to God. They convinced the king to issue a law which could not be revoked, forbidding prayer for 30 days to anyone, divine or human, except to the king himself. The penalty for not complying with this law would be that the person would be thrown into a den of lions.
Daniel would not obey this unjust law. He went home, and as he’d always done, he prayed to God for help. When Daniel’s disobedience of the King’s law was brought to the king’s attention, even though he regretted having to do it, the King ordered Daniel to be thrown to the lions. The next morning when King Darius discovered that God had delivered Daniel from the lions, he worshiped Him as the living God--and ordered all in his kingdom to do the same! Daniel’s integrity and devotion to the Living God brought him the blessing of the King’s high regard, lifted him to a position of honor and influence, and brought honour to God in a foreign culture.
Then King Darius sent this message to the people of every race and nation and language throughout the world: “Peace and prosperity to you! I decree that everyone throughout my kingdom should tremble with fear before the God of Daniel. For he is the living God, and he will endure forever. His kingdom will never be destroyed, and his rule will never end. He rescues and saves his people; he performs miraculous signs and wonders in the heavens and on earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.” (Daniel 6:25-27 NLT)
If we follow the ways of God, regardless of our circumstances, we can truly leave all the consequences of our obedience to Him.
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