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People Politics
John TiltonDaniel 6:10-16
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. Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help. So they went to the king and spoke to him about his royal decree: “Did you not publish a decree that during the next thirty days anyone who prays to any god or human being except to you, Your Majesty, would be thrown into the lions’ den?” The king answered, “The decree stands—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.” Then they said to the king, “Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, Your Majesty, or to the decree you put in writing. He still prays three times a day.” When the king heard this, he was greatly distressed; he was determined to rescue Daniel and made every effort until sundown to save him. Then the men went as a group to King Darius and said to him, “Remember, Your Majesty, that according to the law of the Medes and Persians no decree or edict that the king issues can be changed.” So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!”
In spite of Daniel’s good, God-fearing and devoted intentions and actions, he was still unwillingly caught up in the people politics of the times. Whether it was jealousy or contemp, the administrators and satraps found a way to position Daniel to be in conflict with King Darius’ decree which was a plan to trap Daniel into breaking the law, based on his faith and relationship with God. We read that Daniel didn’t try to circumvent the administrators and satraps’ plans or hide his faith, but persisted in his dedication to the Lord.
We then read that even the King was reluctant and reticent to act upon the decree to punish Daniel. Both then, and as we often observe in society today, the law is the law, even when it conflicts with the will and ways of the Lord God. Daniel faced the people politics and ramifications of his faith with a willingness to give his life over to the lions if need be … and God was faithful in protecting him and exonerating him.
Isn’t it so true that whether it is in the current presidential race/campaign, in business, in church vs. state laws, and even in church; the people politics and shenanigans happen and often place God’s people in precarious situations of having to choose between societies laws and God’s will and way. The people politics often become a distinct distraction, taking time, energy and lessening productivity; even resulting in battles that should not have to be fought. We then are confronted with fighting the situation, defending ourselves and/or our faith.
Thus, I hold on to the lesson from Daniel that we should also do our best to stay in God’s will and way, seeking Him in prayer and staying the course. I love the adage that “I will do and abide by what I am able to, and leave the rest in the faithful trustworthy hands of the Lord, knowing that He has by best interest in mind and that whatever I need to walk through, that I will do it by His word, His Power, His faithfulness and in His promises.”
Likewise, may I be cognizant to refrain from causing people politics onto others, be it innocently, unknowingly or in retaliation.
Dear Lord, guide me please to navigate the people politics so as not to get distracted, wasting time and energy; but to stand on your love, your best interest for me and your faithful ways. May I also refrain from getting caught up in people politics and causing politics with others, even if it be innocently or unknowingly.
