Daniel was a believer in the true God. He had been taken captive by a foreign country, and put to work there in the king’s cabinet. He had “distinguished himself … by his exceptional qualities … he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent” (Daniel 6:3,4).
Literally in the Hebrew language it says that Daniel had an “exceptional spirit” and that meant three things. His beliefs were not hidden. He would not compromise his beliefs, even in the face of death. He did not demand that his government adopt his beliefs.
Daniel courageously practiced his faith, not just privately but publicly. And, yes, in that foreign land he made enemies. But he didn’t advocate that the government must follow his beliefs. Rather, he served faithfully in a government as pagan as any other government including, in some ways, our very own government in America today.
And he paid a price. It got him thrown in the lions’ den. But God delivered him. The Bible says, “No wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God” (Daniel 6:23). What if David had trusted in that government, instead of God, to save him?
Be careful, Christian, of trusting too much in your government to do for you what God wants to do for you. Be careful of trusting in government over God.
Daniel “trusted in his God.” And he lived to tell his grandchildren about the lions. He was lifted out of the den unharmed. Not because his government rescued him or adopted his beliefs.
No, God is more powerful than lions and kings and governors and supreme courts and gun laws and abortion rights and biased media.
Vote responsibly, but vote first for God. Trust in God.
Oh, and let me tell you about this God who rescued Daniel from the lions’ den. Let me tell you about the true gospel of Jesus Christ, the living Son of God who unexpectedly came out of another den alive. His own tomb.
The devil, who is the lion of death, roared mightily when Jesus was killed on a cross. But Jesus rose! He lives! He made sin’s payment and satisfied the justice of God’s holiness for your sins. Jesus lives! Jesus is almighty! Jesus rules over all kings, and he rules in your heart. Trust in him. Trust in him more than government. Trust in him with your life.
And trust that you can serve him fully and faithfully like Daniel did, even in a pagan government.
PRAYER: God, my heart is yours. I pray for our country and community today, that I live in it faithfully as I follow you. I pray that my life and testimony will shine a small light, and that my vote will be useful in your hands. Amen.
FURTHER MEDITATION: Read the book of Daniel chapter 6 for the details of this true Bible story. For more teaching, guidance and encouragement on politics and Christianity, see our CrossLife message series, “Politics Is Driving Me Crazy.”
