EMULATION

You probably remember the story of Daniel in the lion’s den. This godly man invoked jealousy in the hearts of the administrators and princes in Babylon. They didn’t like it that he was a better leader, or the fact that the king was planning to put Daniel in charge of the entire empire. So, they set him up by appealing to the ego of King Darius. They convinced the king to sign a stupid law—a law that stated that people could only pray to the king for thirty days, or they would be thrown to the lions.

Meditation

Daniel 6:10—But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God. (NLT)

Daniel knew his enemies were after him. He certainly understood their spiteful ambition. What amazes me about him though, is what he didn’t do.

• He did not go to King Darius and appeal for his life, or cite all his past accomplishments.
• He did not hire a team of lawyers to find a legal loophole.
• He did not pray in hiding so that his accusers could not catch him.
• He did not dream up a law to punish his enemies and convince the king to sign it.
• He did not flee for his life.

Instead, he quietly went home and prayed—in keeping with his habit and conviction. Before open windows, he thanked God and calmly sought His help.

I’m glad my parents named me Daniel. This prophet is such an amazing man to emulate. He is one of the few men recorded in Scripture that is completely above reproach. He challenges our need to defend ourselves. He gives us a powerful lesson in faith. He demonstrates humility, wisdom, and devotion in the teeth of hatred and before the impending jaws of hungry lions. I wish I could be more like him.

Maybe you are experiencing life-threatening challenges. Perhaps you are under unfair attack by conniving people. Okay, God still loves you deeply—certainly more deeply than you love Him. You don’t need to be afraid; you don’t have to worry. You are not alone. So instead of getting worked into a tizzy, why not get down on your knees and pray! Thank the Lord for His sovereign power. Praise the name of Jesus! Ask for His help. Then get up on your feet and trust that no matter what happens, He will see you through. Sure, you can be thrown to the lions. But no one can make the lions eat you, because the Lion King is the One you worship! The Lion of Judah is your Lord and Savior. And that’s something to think about . . . in reveration!

Inspiration

Emulation is the instinct to imitate what you see another doing, in order not to appear inferior . . . Our Lord builds His deepest teaching on the instinct of emulation. When His Spirit comes in He makes me desire not to be inferior to Him who called me.—Oswald Chambers in The Moral Foundations of Life