Read: Daniel 6; 9; 2 Chronicles 36:22-23; Ezra 1:1-11; 1 Chronicles 3:17-19a
Jealousy is a murderer. Darius had 120 provinces and appointed a ruler over each of them. Then he chose Daniel and two other men to supervise the 120 rulers and all the kings dealings. Daniel proved to be so superior of a leader that he was about to be put over the entire empire. The other two men were so jealous, they plotted a way to destroy Daniel. This is politics in the raw. It happens every day, we just need to make sure it doesn’t happen in our hearts. Jealousy always leads to murder. We might not kill someone with our hands but we will do it with our words. The loss of someone’s reputation is the same as a death. That is why James said that the tongue was an unruly member. God is our defender. Daniel didn’t take up for himself or even protest the order, he just did what he always did and worshiped the Lord first. He put his whole career, which was so promising, on the line and let God stand up for him. God did in flying colors. He killed the whole family of his enemies and exalted him and Himself. God got the glory!
Reading today’s reading is such a confirmation that God is in control of nations. He put it on the heart of King Cyrus of Persia to build God a Temple in Jerusalem. Then….then he stirred the hearts of His people to go to Jerusalem and do the building. Their neighbors insisted on giving them silver and gold and provisions. That reminds me of when the children of Israel left Egypt to go to the promised land. God will use the ungodly to bless us. It is all His anyways so don’t get tripped over who He chooses to use and how He chooses to bless you. God is in control!
Lord, we rest in this knowledge that the You have ordained this time in history and You are reigning. Thank you for your peace that passes all understanding.
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