Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom, but they could find none occasion nor fault, forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. Daniel 6:4
A few decades ago, a man who was well known and respected in his community was elected to the New Brunswick legislature. Known as a man of integrity, Mr. Irwin was appointed to the cabinet and served with distinction until the next election, when his party was defeated and another party took the government. When the new government needed someone to perform a critical task, Mr. Irwin’s name was presented as a qualified person. He was not only hired for that task, but was given added responsibilities until he rose to the rank of deputy minister, the highest rank in the civil service. He served long and well, and, as a reporter, I found him an excellent person to work with. He was one of a rare breed – a member of one political party who was recognized and appreciated by members of a different party. He was a bit like Daniel, whose devotion to His God made him valuable to whoever was in power. Daniel serves as a good example for Christians today.
The government in Babylon had changed hands, dramatically. Belshazzar lost his life in the taking over of his kingdom by the Medes and Persians, and the new king, Darius the Mede, needed to have good people to run his affairs. Most of Belshazzar’s administration were probably executed, or exiled. But Daniel was recognized for his valuable experience in government, and for his sterling character. Darius appreciated Daniel’s abilities and character, and promoted him. Daniel’s fellow presidents and the princes envied him, but, as our text makes clear, they could not find any flaw on which to base their attacks. Now, that is an excellent testimony! Like Daniel, we will be respected and honoured by some if we are faithful like Daniel. We will also be targets of envy, scorn, and reproach if we try to display the character of our Lord and Saviour. Like Daniel, we might also have to endure persecution or even a lions’ den. God preserved Daniel; we know the story well, and He can preserve us if that is His will. But Daniel never lost his testimony because he never lost sight of his God and his responsibility. Even the enemies who would seek to destroy us cannot destroy our testimony if we remain faithful.
The lies of the enemies of the Lord’s people have short legs; they cannot travel far enough to harm us where it really matters: in our Lord’s eyes. -Jim MacIntosh