"Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and the satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm." Daniel 6:3 NKJV
Because of Daniel's strong relationship with God, he had been given an excellent spirit that dwelt within him. This meant that people were drawn to him and kings felt he was the right type of person to rule under them. This, understandably caused a lot of friction with other people.
Darius, had set governors and satraps over his kingdom and they ruled their various territory. Daniel was made a governor and in the end, Darius promoted him to president over the presidents - the top man, second only to Darius himself. This is similar to how Joseph had been made ruler years before.
The other governors wanted him out of the way but could find nothing positive to accuse him of. Then the sleaze began. They remembered that he prayed to God 3x daily, so they persuaded Darius to make it law that no one should worship or pray to anyone except Darius himself for a 30 day period. Darius was reluctant to do this but submitted to their demands. Anyone caught breaking this decree would be thrown into the lion's den.
It didn't take them long to gather the evidence they needed to convict Daniel. He prayed three times every day and nothing would stop him from doing this. They reported the matter to Darius, who liked Daniel but, again had to stick to his decree. Daniel was placed in the lion's den. Darius' words to Daniel were, 'Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you.' This demonstrated how much he cared for Daniel.
Sleaze is defined as anything that casts a shadow, stain or scandal upon a public figure ruining their credibility and reputation. One only has to look into politics of our day, all over the world, to see sleaze in action. It totally brings a public figure down. Jealousy is the chief cause behind this; people who can't get their own way so they either, make up lies about them or expose their failings. In a way, it is telling tales and creating gossip and slander. However, it usually works. But, not in Daniel's case.
Daniel's friends would have no doubt said things to him, such as, 'Just tone things down for the 30 days Daniel; don't let them see you praying, close the blinds'. However, not Daniel, he would not compromise, he was a man of God and nothing would stop this old man from honouring God.
He had an excellent spirit within him and God was about to honour His man. Daniel was placed into the lion's den. Darius, had no sleep that night thinking and hoping that Daniel would be ok and the words he had spoken to him, would come about. Early the next day, he raced to the lion's den and called for Daniel. Daniel came to him and said that God had sent an angel to keep the lion's mouths shut. Thus he was ok. Wowzer!
Daniel was honoured and, so will you be if you place Jesus in first place in your life. But, note the 'excellent spirit within'. This puts a seal on our relationship with our Father. No matter what sleaze is brought against us, whatever dirt is dug up, God will honour us. Our sins of the past are dealt with by Jesus. Just ensure that you readily repent each day in order to remain in that special place with Him.
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