WEDNESDAY, MAY 9
Daniel 6:4-9
Psalm 26:1-12

“Examine me, O LORD,
and prove me …”

JEALOUSY AND INTRIGUE

When men’s hearts are overwhelmed by jealousy their intrigue and violence know no bounds. King Darius appointed 120 princes, and over them three presidents. The senior president was Daniel. Almost immediately, it became clear that he was “a cut above” the other two. So it was the king’s intention to elevate him to overall charge. This inflamed the passions of the other presidents who presumably began to instigate the princes. Together they schemed how they might get rid of Daniel. How did Daniel distinguish himself above the others? We are told that “an excellent spirit was in him” (Dan 6:3). We do not doubt that Daniel was a man of purpose and determination, devoted and industrious. But the distinguishing feature was the spirit in him.

Calvin’s remarks are enlightening: “It does not always happen that those who are remarkable for prudence or other endowments obtain greater authority and rank.” We ought to recognize the hand of God in human affairs. God had put in Daniel His Holy Spirit. Hebrews 11:33 includes Daniel (though not by name) among the great heroes of the faith. Surely we recognize in Daniel a spiritual man, one whose highest ambition was to obey God and honour His name. Should it surprise us then that God gave him “an excellent spirit”? That made him outstanding.

When Christians excel and outstrip their non-Christian rivals, there will be trouble. Daniel’s rivals plotted his downfall but his conduct was faultless, beyond reproach in every way. Read Daniel 6:5. These words are a shining testimony of Daniel’s impeccable character and unquestioned integrity. Every act of Daniel’s was lawful, beyond reproach. The only way to fault him was to have a new law to outlaw the worship of God. This, the plotters knew, Daniel would never forsake. So by a quick and smart move, they had the unsuspecting king to pass the deadly law.

THOUGHT: How can I be outstanding in God’s sight?
PRAYER: (Use Psalm 26:11.)