“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.” Daniel 6:10 NLT
The United States has had its share of civil disobedience since its independence. Defined by Merrian-Webster as “refusal to obey governmental demands or commands especially as a nonviolent and usually collective means of forcing concessions from the government” has been used by people over the years for a vast range of issues. Some examples of civil disobedience in the United States include, Susan B. Anthony arrested for illegally voting in the 1872, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white man on an Alabama bus in 1955, the Vietnam war period had many protests resulting in civil disobedience, and the pro-life movement has been actively involved in similar demonstrations having led to civil disobedience. Is all civil disobedience legitimate disobedience? Being obedient to holy God, the ultimate ruler and authority, in standing up for the truth spelled out in His word is what is expected from every Christian.
Our study in the book of Daniel presented us with an example of ‘legitimate disobedience’ in chapter 3. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow down and worship the golden stature King Nebuchadnezzar set up. These three were notable officials in the king’s court and yet took the stand of refusing to worship anything or anyone other than the true God. Legitimate disobedience to those in authority has its consequences as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego found out. The Lord God delivered them from harm in the fiery furnace, however they did not know that would in fact be the case. They still took a righteous stand for God.
As we approach chapter 6, we have another encounter of ‘legitimate disobedience.’ Darius the Mede was king who divided his kingdom into 120 provinces with officials over each one and three administrators over all the officials. Daniel was one of the three administrators and soon to be promoted to the top position in the empire due to expertise and work ethic. His two colleagues and some of the officials resented a Jewish captive holding such a high position and tried to find some dirt on him. “Then the other administrators and high officers began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling government affairs, but they couldn’t find anything to criticize or condemn. He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy.” (Dan. 6:4nlt) When their efforts failed, they devised a plan to get rid of him.
Daniel’s conspirators came up with a foolproof plan guaranteed to bring him down. They were aware of Daniel’s work ethic and loyalty to Darius the king, but they were also aware of his devotion to the God of heaven he prayed to three times a day as was his practice. The officials brought a proposal to the king in the guise of total agreement of all of them (note Daniel wasn’t there) “……that the king should make a law that will be strictly enforced. Give orders that for the next thirty days any person who prays to anyone, divine or human—except to you, Your Majesty—will be thrown into the den of lions.” (Dan. 6:7nlt) Laws passed in the Medo-Persian empire were unchangeable and could not be reversed even by himself once he signed it, and he signed this one. They had him, or so they thought.
Living in Babylon today is not much different than Daniel’s day. Our conspirators today use the same tactics to overthrow us and bring us down. Authentic Christianity today lived out is guaranteed to upset those who hold to a secular worldview. Secularists despise those of faith in authority. They will expose a conviction held by Christians in a negative light, even pursing legal action to remove and discredit them. Unfortunately, there are many who cave and compromise.
Daniel is an example needed in our world today. He did not cave. His enemies knew he wouldn’t. Their plan was foolproof for they knew of Daniel’s integrity and convictions. “Then the officials went together to Daniel’s house and found him praying and asking for God’s help. So they went straight to the king and reminded him about his law.” (Dan. 6:11-12a nlt) King Darius also knew Daniel would not give in when the officials reported Daniel’s continued prayer habits. “Hearing this, the king was deeply troubled, and he tried to think of a way to save Daniel. He spent the rest of the day looking for a way to get Daniel out of this predicament.” (Dan. 6:14 nlt) Darius realized he was used by those who wanted Daniel dead, the most competent and loyal administrator he had.
We know the rest of the story. The king had no choice but to have Daniel thrown into the lion’s den but had hope that Daniel’s God would save him. (Dan. 6:16) We know God did indeed save him by sending an angel to shut the lion’s mouths, but again as with Daniel’s three friends thrown into the fiery furnace, he did not know if God would save him, but knew that He could. Daniel took a courageous stand of ‘legitimate disobedience’ for he was not about to let any authority prevent him from praying to the Lord God. A foolproof plan today only works against us if we become a Daniel and hold to our convictions, not cave, or compromise trusting God for the outcome in whether He will deliver us. Do we have the courage to do more than civil disobedience, but to stand for God in ‘legitimate disobedience?’
Read: Daniel 6 NLT – Daniel in the Lions’ Den – Darius the – Bible Gateway
Word for the Soul 