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REFLECTION

“Daniel and the officers” is the theme for our reflection. In Daniel 6, Daniel continued to serve at the royal court under Darius and has been raised to high office. His jealous rivals plot his downfall, tricking Darius into issuing a decree that no prayers should be addressed to any god or man but to Darius himself. Anyone who defies this law will be put to death. Daniel continues to pray to the God of Israel, and Darius, although deeply distressed, must condemn him to be thrown into the lions’ den because the edicts of the Medes and Persians cannot be altered. At daybreak, the king hurries to the place and Daniel tells him that his God sent an angel to save him. Darius commands that those who had conspired against Daniel should be thrown to the lions in his place, along with their wives and children.

What are the key lessons for consideration?

First, diligence, integrity and the fear of God are the ingredients of excellence. Daniel possessed worked hard with integrity and the fear of God and that made him excel in his duties as an administrator. Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. Finally these men said, “We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.” (Daniel 6:3-5) Beloved in the Lord, unfortunately, men and women of integrity and who have reverence for God are hard to find in our generation, especially in most African countries and governments. The few we have like Daniel are usually maligned, hated, and persecuted for their diligence, integrity and incorruptible morality and spirituality. Some people desire government or political appointments and offices mainly to loot and share state resources and funds. It is time for most African Christan politicians to aspire to be like Daniel who served with integrity or trustworthiness to the extent that he was elevated and no scandals and corruption charges were found against him. Africa and for that matter, Ghana, can only rub shoulders with developed countries if Christian politicians will lead by example in their numbers by upholding the principle of integrity by being trustworthy in the management of state resources. Interestingly, some of the names that are associated with corruption-related scandals and issues are John, Daniel, Mary, Elizabeth, Joseph and the like. These are people who have been baptised in the church and were raised in Christian homes and certainly are registered members of Christian denominations yet their impact is not felt positively and progressively in governance and leadership in the country. Christain leaders and politicians must see themselves as the Daniels of our generation and serve the county to the glory of God. Let us pray with the Psalmist for strength to maintain our diligence and integrity, “See how numerous are my enemies and how fiercely they hate me! Guard my life and rescue me; do not let me be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, LORD, is in you. (Psalms 25:19-21)

Second, God vindicates men and women who are incorruptible and fights their battles for them. The enemies of Daniel tried their best to destroy Daniel by influencing the King to make a law calculated to criminalise Daniel’s spirituality and dedication to God. When the King went to check whether Daniel was still alive, Daniel said to him, “My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.” The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. At the king’s command, the men who had falsely accused Daniel were brought in and thrown into the lions’ den, along with their wives and children. And before they reached the floor of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones.” (Daniel 6:22-24) We must be careful when fighting a man or woman of God or a person who is dedicated to doing the will of God because it amounts to fighting God himself, who can go into battle with the Lord and survive? “Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm.” (Psalms 105:15). Jeremiah assures us that “They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the LORD.” (Jeremiah 1:19) Dear friend, continue to serve God and discharge your duties with integrity and leave your enemies to contend with God, for He has promised that “I will save you from the hands of the wicked and deliver you from the grasp of the cruel.” (Jeremiah 15:21) We are again greatly encouraged by Isaiah that “no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD. (Isaiah 54:17) Jesus finally assures us that “surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20). Beloved in the Lord, like Daniel, people may have conspired to destroy you or damage your reputation and integrity at your office or workplace, in your family and society or even in your church but we have been given enough reason to be resilient and steadfast in prayer and faith, for the Lord will vindicate you at His own appointed them. He did it for Joseph, Daniel, Jesus Christ and all those who are called according to His purpose, He will fight your battles for you and vindicate you! Be strong don’t give up! for “A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. (Psalms 91:7-8). Shalom

PRAYER

Almighty God, empower us to worship You in total reverence and with integrity, we surrender our battles and struggles to You; may our enemies be put to shame for in You we live and move and have our being. Amen.