Faith While Faraway - Part 2
We ended part one asking why Daniel so diligently obeyed King Nebuchadnezzar because he was by all accounts his enemy. If you recall, after the king won the battle, he forced young Daniel from everything he knew and made him serve in the king’s court. Why? Because when kings won battles, many times they would take the smartest and handsome men/women to serve them – think of it like a prize.
Daniel was estimated to be about 17 years old and was forced from his family and homeland. He now found himself far from home and surrounded by people he didn’t know who practiced different things including worshipping other gods. Daniel had incredible faith and allegiance to God, and this created a huge challenge. Many times, when we find ourselves in another position at work or school, we have our own dilemma when it conflicts with our faith and belief in God.
Daniel was allegiant to the king even though he didn’t agree with his philosophies. Why? Because of his faith, Daniel was a young man doing his best to be obedient to God. Scripture tells throughout the Bible to respect those in authority over us (in those times kings and landlords and today presidents, bosses, and parents).
The Bible instructs followers to obey the government and during for Daniel this meant King Nebuchadnezzar. Romans 13:1-2 says, "Obey the government, for God, is the One who has put it there. There is no government anywhere that God has not placed in power. So those who refuse to obey the law of the land are refusing to obey God, and punishment will follow."
Regarding our parents, Exodus 20:12 says, “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” What both of these verses are saying is that as believers we must do what is pleasing to the Lord - respect and obey those in authority. The Bible doesn’t talk about respect just when we agree with the person.
Of course, this is easier said than done and takes tremendous strength and faith in the Lord. Obedience, while easy to write about can be very hard to do. The simple fact is that we either trust that God is in control and His ways are higher or we don’t. Sometimes circumstances are so hard, and things seem so unfair, however, we have to trust God in all situations. Trusting is a choice. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, AND (this is the promise) he will make your paths straight.
Back to my story as a teenager living in my aunt’s house, I didn’t want to follow all her rules, but as the authority figure in my life, God expected me to show her respect and honor. God asks us to serve him with all of our heart by serving others even in difficult times like Daniel was experiencing. We are to be the light of the world and there is no power, except that which God allows.
The overarching theme of the biblical book of Daniel is that in spite of our circumstances, God is always in control and He alone can be trusted. What’s amazing about this book of the Bible is that Daniel’s life is a picture of how faith in God always wins no matter the circumstances. God prepared the way and showed his favor on Daniel because even at his young age, he was given authority over parts of the king’s province – even above other men who had always been in the king’s court. Daniel 1:17 says, “To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.”
God always knows what He is doing, His timing is perfect, and prepares us by giving us exactly what we need in every circumstance. God knew this interpretation of dreams would make Daniel extremely useful to the king at a time when no one else could help. The king was having disturbing dreams which none of his sorcerers could interpret. God had gifted Daniel with this ability which was revealed at the perfect time to solve the king’s dilemma. God used this situation to give Daniel an opportunity to share about God’s power. Daniel’s devotion and faith amazed the king. Daniel 2:46 says, “Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell prostrate before Daniel and paid him honor and ordered that an offering and incense be presented to him. The king said to Daniel, ‘Surely your God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, for you were able to reveal this mystery.’ Then the king placed Daniel in a high position and lavished many gifts on him. He made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and placed him in charge of all its wise men.”
Because Daniel didn’t take personal credit for the interpretation of dreams and gave honor to God, this caused the king to also believe in and give honor to God. Daniel’s decision to obey the king set him up in an honorable position allowing King Nebuchadnezzar to come to know the one true king – God almighty!