SCRIPTURE
"Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before." (Daniel 6:10)
OBSERVATION
King Darius, made it illegal to worship anyone besides himself. Actually he was put up to it by his administrators so they could find a charge against Daniel (sounds like partisan politics). After the king put the decree in writing, Daniel didn't bat an eye. He went to an upstairs room (providing a better view) and prayed three times a day (increasing his odds of getting caught). Daniel was a conscientious objector. He disobeyed the law because he could not comply. In fact, it did not alter his routine of worship because he did it "just as he had done before." Only now it was illegal. Daniel had to make a decision. Follow God or the law?
APPLICATION
This passage made me wonder if I would continue to worship God, just as I had done before, if it became illegal. What if there was a law that made it illegal to pray in public? Would I continue to pray at a restaurant? I like to think I would. However, what I do find is there is a tension to be more of a subconscious acquiescer (as opposed to a conscientious objector). This is yielding to the things that are sanctioned by society but may not be what God desires. For example, I have the right to own stuff (actually encouraged by society) but not to hold it so tightly that I do not help someone in need. I'm learning more and more that God's ways are not the ways of man. It's dangerous to read the book of Daniel. It's so much more than fiery furnaces and lions' dens. It's about taking a stand for God and his ways in the face of opposition from culture.
PRAYER
God, give the wisdom to view the world as you do.
