Conscientious Objector

Jan. 29

(Intro to Book of Daniel Devo’s)

Read: Daniel 1:1-7

Conscientious Objector

“And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into Nebuchadnezzar’s hand…” (v.2)

What relationship are we to have as God’s people with the “ruler” that is over us? How tied are we to this person / people who wield the power of “government”? How affected do we become when our pick does not “win” / rule… or how much is our confidence tied to when our pick DOES “win” / rule? These truths are a window in to our hearts and minds.

I think we have forgotten - as Gods people - that it is the LORD who chooses who reigns and rules… not really us. Now God is ALWAYS calling his people into participation with him in what he is doing… so I am not speaking against democracy or our participation in the process. Nevertheless, do we truly grasp or live by the truth that God is working, controlling, guiding towards a specific end? It was THE LORD that handed over the king of Judah to the king of Babylon… it was THE LORD that put this pagan, non-believing, ruthless leader ruling over the people of God. (v.2) Let that sink in. It was God that picked that “president”. We think we are planning… making things happen… in the end; “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs 19:21) We will see as we study the book of Daniel that God, “changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding…” (Daniel 2:21)

What do the people of God do when they find themselves under the control of a government that doesn’t believe the same as them? How are we to respond when the culture around us marches to the beat of a different drum? Who are we to “blame” when we find ourselves under the authority of a “king” (read politician / president / governor / mayor) that is doing things that are “unchristian”? What if we find ourselves under the authority of a government that DOES NOT support our Christian faith… then what?

This is why we are studying the boo of Daniel next. Under two different empires ( Babylonian and Persian) Daniel lived as one of God’s people, committed to the Lord, and enduring leadership and policy that DID NOT promote or align with his beliefs. Some how he survived. Some how Daniel remained sane. Daniel was simultaneously a conscientious objector and a servant of these earthly kings. In fact, that is precisely where GOD put him.

What if that is what God is putting us? What if we are intentionally being put under leadership that we do not agree with so that we might be conscientious objectors who still serve and use out gifts? How does God empower his children to survive and thrive during these times of political and cultural change? Let’s read the book of Daniel together and find out. Love you guys. -JDP