October 12–October 18

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

I once spoke with a man who was developing what he called a “theology of rebellion” in which he insisted on the goodness of rebelling against certain authorities. One of the examples he cited to justify this theology was that of Daniel, who “made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s choice food or with the wine which he drank” (Dan. 1:8).

It is good and right that Daniel chose to keep a clear conscience in regard to the Law of God, even when it meant potentially garnering the disfavor of King Nebuchadnezzar. Scripture clearly teaches us to obey God rather than men when there is a real conflict between the two (Acts 5:29). Even so, I find it very difficult to call Daniel’s actions in this situation “rebellion” against Nebuchadnezzar’s authority. Daniel is firmly resolved in his mind to honor God, but notice how he goes about it. He respectfully seeks “permission” from his commander not to eat certain foods (Dan. 1:8). Then, when the commander responds with fearful reluctance, Daniel is reasonable and patient, suggesting a period of testing to show the commander that it’s going to be okay.

I don’t think rebelling against authority was anywhere in Daniel’s mind. As far as we know, Nebuchadnezzar never even knew about Daniel’s unorthodox approach to becoming “fatter” (Dan. 1:15). And I think we can assume from the commander’s satisfaction with how things go that the king’s desire was more about the end result than about the details of how that result was achieved. The king wanted fat servants, and that’s what he got! In other words, one of God’s blessings on Daniel for his obedience in this situation was that Daniel was actually able do the will of the Most High God and do the will of his earthly master. That’s not always how things go, as we’ll quickly see in later chapters of Daniel, but I think this opening account teaches us about the heart of a man who is seeking to live out these gospel commands:

Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. (Rom. 12:17b–18)

Daniel’s highest aim was to honor God. But Daniel also seems to have wanted to honor the earthly authorities over him as far as he could without dishonoring God. This respect for authority actually demonstrated his honor for God, who commands His servants to “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right” (1 Pet. 2:13–14).

God never commands us to “rebel” against earthly authority. Sometimes, our submission to Him requires that we disregard the unrighteous commands of an earthly authority, but even then, we should not delight in disobedience itself, nor should we hold our authorities in contempt. Rather, we should follow Daniel’s example in seeking to make peace and show honor, even as we obey God rather than men.

VERSE TO MEDITATE ON

Seek the LORD and His strength;

Seek His face continually.

—Psalm 105:3

HOW TO PRAY

• Adoration – “I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.” (Ps. 104:33)
• Confession – “We have sinned like our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have behaved wickedly.” (Ps. 106:6)
• Thanksgiving – “Praise the LORD! Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His lovingkindness is everlasting.” (Ps. 106:1)
• Supplication – “Let sinners be consumed from the earth and let the wicked be no more.” (Ps. 104:35)