Politics, As Usual

Here we have a two-party (for the most part) system where the incumbent president isn’t challenged within his party but it’s a wide-open field for the other party.  And our presidential election is still over a year away.  Time for many to fade away, and others to get a case of foot-in-mouth disease on any number of television appearances.

Wasn’t that way back when Cyrus took over Babylon.  We’re told:

It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom; And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage. (Daniel 6:1-2 KJV)

Whole different aspect of “one man, one vote,” isn’t it? No year of campaigning, just political appointment. Cyrus did pick the right man for one of the jobs of president – in fact, he wanted to promote him quickly.

Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm. (Daniel 6:3 KJV)

That did not go over well.  No better than it does today when diametrically opposed ideologies meet.  Today battles are pretty much confined to gerrymandering by the winners to retain advantages.  Daniel’s opposition took it a step further.  Looking at Daniel’s life, they found a soft spot.  An area where he could be attacked and stopped.

Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God. (Daniel 6:5 KJV)

Politics as usual.  The media writes and the public reads all about the action, character and beliefs of those running for office. Michelle Bachmann recently received a journalist’s question regarding submission. I’m certain there is more to come.  Some of them will come for the same reasons cause was sought against Daniel.

They were successful in creating a law designed to stop Daniel from speaking to his God, or die.  They went to the king and convinced him:

… to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions. (Daniel 6:7 KJV)

Do we have the courage of Daniel?

Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. (Daniel 6:10 KJV)

Do people know what our beliefs are, or are they hidden in secret. Are we able to discuss our beliefs calmly in daily discussions?  Do we continue our praises in difficult situations, or ignore Him? Can we follow Peter’s exhortation?

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: (1 Peter 3:15 KJV)