dare to be a Daniel

It was just election week in the United States. I bring this up only because the Bible study my family is a part of was in the book of Daniel focused on the Kingdom of God. So all week we were reading and talking about specific kings and the choices they made while in power, Daniel and his friends and the choices they made while in exile, and what Jesus meant when he said to pray “your kingdom come” while here on earth. All this while watching electoral college maps, navigating differing opinions with friends and family, and wondering what would be the outcome of the election.

Even before this I was thinking about authority. The Bible tells us Jesus has been given all authority and He shares that authority with those who trust and follow Him. Oh my. I don’t know what to do with that. I don’t even like to be in charge at home. Interestingly, my son seems to thrive on it. As you can imagine, this creates tension at times, but is more complicated than me just wanting him to “do what I say.” M is decisive which I appreciate and want to encourage. But at the same time, I want to care for him and help him know which decisions are his to make. I want him to be able to listen to other people’s ideas even if he doesn’t agree. And I want him to know and do what is right in God’s eyes while having a positive influence on his friends. Turns out, I want him to be like Daniel.

Daniel was respectful of authority but resolved not to eat at the king’s table. Daniel was respectful of authority but prayed openly when it could have cost him his life. He was decisive and humble. He wasn’t afraid to speak up. Daniel understood the culture and also embraced a life of faith in God. God gave Him unique abilities and he gave God all the glory. Daniel was troubled by the things he saw to come and asked God what it all meant.

God gives His people vision and expects us to share it. He gives His people authority and expects us to use it the way He does. Turns out the election was about way more than who will be the next president.