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Daniel 6:1-3 Daniel before the lion's den -Day 294

Good afternoon friends,

A few thoughts about Daniel at toward the end of his career as a prophet and as a political leader.

Blessings,

Jeff

A new king from a new empire but Daniel is still at the top.  Darius the Mede wipes out the Babylonian empire, but keeps Daniel as an advisor.  The Jewish captive of Nebuchadnezzar outlives the empire that took Judah captive.  He immediately becomes a respected leader within the new Median regime.  Perhaps the story of the handwriting on the wall got the attention of Darius.  The evidence of an "excellent spirit."  Daniel had demonstrated that he was not afraid to speak truth to a king.  A wise king would see the value in this trait.  Being surrounded by 'yes men" who would not warn of the dangers of a course of action can be fatal.

From Daniel's perspective, after a life of God's proven record of providing for him, not much can distract him from obedience to God.  Being a top official does not go to his head after serving Nebuchadnezzar and his successors.  

Again, I think it is important to consider how Daniel's life and faithfulness was a message to the exiles.  We can try to apply these ideas to modern political leaders, but prophets generally have a message for the people of that day.

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