WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25
Daniel 4:19
Romans 13:1-14

“Let us walk honestly …”

A LOYAL AND DEVOTED SERVANT

Nebuchadnezzar surely suspected that Daniel would issue words of warning to his royal overlord because of the content of the dream. But he also hoped that Daniel could intercede for him before God and somehow modify the inevitable judgment because of his pride.

But he was mistaken. Nothing of God’s judgment warnings could be changed, for they were based upon perfect foreknowledge of Nebuchadnezzar’s fickle nature and shallow comprehension of God’s character. Therefore, with great remorse of spirit, Daniel answered: “My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies” (Dan 4:19).

Daniel’s loyalty to his aged king shines forth at this point. He was not blind to Nebuchadnezzar’s pride and spiritual shallowness. Nor was he ignorant of the hatred of large numbers of actual and potential enemies of this powerful and cruel ruler. Nevertheless, he refused to join the ranks of the rebels and the terrorists who would overthrow the government (cf. Jer 29:8-9, 21-23). Whenever a choice must be made between serving God and serving man, the issue is clear. But God’s people must also recognize that “there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God” (Rom 13:1). Peter said, “… Fear God. Honour the king” (1 Pet 2:17). Paul urged “that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour” (1 Tim 2:1-3). Daniel was a good servant of the king!

THOUGHT: Rebellion against human governments is an extreme measure that is almost never valid.
PRAYER: Help me to be gracious as I take a bold stand on the principles taught in Thy Word.