Those Who Oppose You

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Daniel 6:24 Then the king gave orders to arrest the men…[and have] them thrown into the lions’ den, along with their wives and children.

We live in a world that regularly focuses on what is right and what is wrong. And when we see somebody do something wrong we look for justice to be done. Because this is our culture, we can be tempted to read the end of Daniel 6 and think to ourselves, Yeah. You guys got exactly what you deserved! 

But commentary author David Helm writes in Daniel For You, “…these verses should not find us cheering for the destruction of those who oppose us. Rather, we are being warned against rejecting Daniel’s God, for there is no hope of preservation outside Him. Daniel’s God is the God of the living, he is the God who judges the sin of all people…”

In other words, we ought not cheer for the destruction of those who oppose us, because only God serves as the final judge. Instead, we can reflect on our own lives, carefully evaluating whether or not we are accepting or resisting the work God is doing within us.

READING & PRAYERS:

     DANIEL 6:14-28, MATTHEW 7:1-5 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)

QUESTIONS: Be honest: How regularly do you find yourself cheering for the destruction (or judgment) of those who oppose you? In what ways may you be accepting the work God is doing within you? In what ways may you be resisting the work God is doing within you? 

REAL LIFE PRACTICE: As you pray today, spend an equal amount of time listening to God as you spend talking to God. Perhaps listen even longer. Consider making this a part of your daily practices so you can discern God’s voice more clearly.

Take a Step: Remember to continue utilizing the One Minute Pause app throughout the week. If possible, begin to explore and practice the 3, 5 or 10 minute pause to more deeply root yourself in Christ.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I would like to think that I’m not a judgmental person, but if I were to count the number of times I sigh, roll my eyes, or internally criticize others, I know the number would be quite high. Help me to focus on my own growth, and strip away my judgmental attitude. Amen. 

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