Favor With Man

Focus verses: Ezra 5:6-6:17

The political climate around the children of Israel was in some upheaval. Rulers had changed, and the new rulers did not know that it was Cyrus' decree that the temple should be rebuilt.

Instead, they looked to the instigating letters of some troublesome people and halted the construction. When the government says "don't do" this or that, it generally behooves us to obey the edicts of the government.

But the children of Israel didn't stop there. While they halted their work (temporarily), they promptly petitioned the King Darius to look into the archives and honor the decree of King Cyrus. When the king found the decree of Cyrus, he issued a further decree setting forth the penalty for those who would continue to hinder the work of the temple.

When man tries to hinder the work of God, he places himself in jeopardy. But you will notice that the people of Israel didn't do anything against the enemies hindering them. They petitioned the king. It was he who set forth the penalty for interference.

We need to petition the KIng of Kings when things are not going well for our God-given projects. It is He who will grant us favor with man to continue the work. We simply need to move the battle into God's arena.

Father, God,

Remind us always that favor with You can lead to favor with man. Keep us ever faithful to the tasks You have set before us.

In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.

Habits And Lions' Dens

Focus verses: Daniel 6:16-23

Most people are familiar with the story of Daniel in the lions' den. But the version we learned as children left out one particular. King Darius prayed for Daniel. "May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you." It wasn't a formal prayer, but what I call a "shotgun" prayer. It was a simple request directed toward God.

The other key phrase in this passage is "whom you serve continually." Daniel was in the habit of serving God. He prayed three time a day - every day - for his entire adult life. He prayed whether it was politically correct to do so or not. In fact, it was his habit of praying that led him into the lions' den.

The children of God will face lions' dens today. The enemy, the accuser, will see to that. He only attacks the children of God. It is they who can do his plans the most damage. The people who are not worshiping God faithfully escape the enemy's notice. They are no threat to him.

But the faithful children of God have no need to fear Satan. Jesus has given them power to defeat the enemy. So that when they are thrown into the lions' dens, the mouths of the lions will be sealed, just as they were for Daniel.

If you are facing a lions' den today, you can rejoice. It is an opportunity for you to be faithful to God in public witness. If you are not, get prepared. There will be a lions' den shortly. Hold fast to your confidence in the Lord.

Father, God,

Grant us the wisdom and grace to receive Your words and Your power as Your children. Help us be ever faithful to You, both in private and in public. Give us the confidence to face the lions.

In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.