READ: DANIEL 6
“I decree that everyone throughout my kingdom should tremble with fear before the God of Daniel. For he is the living God, and he will endure forever. His kingdom will never be destroyed, and his rule will never end.” (V. 26)
The high-end jewelry store was located on the ground floor of a multi-story parking garage. Their alarm system frequently malfunctioned. A lot of the other exclusive stores located near them also had problems with their alarm systems. This produced a lot of false alarm calls for the officers assigned to this beat encompassing lower Wisconsin Ave and the DC line in Bethesda. This night turned out to be different as I answered the call for a silent intrusion alarm at the jewelry store. Upon arriving, I noticed a large hole in the cinder block wall leading into the store from a hallway. Shortly after hearing movement inside the store, feet began to emerge from the hole. This was no false alarm—it was the real “McCoy”—a burglary in progress!
While waiting for other officers to arrive, the feet transformed into two white plaster dust coated persons carrying bags of purloined merchandise. They began immediately running toward the steps that would lead them to the parking garage as I was unable to get through two locked heavy glass doors leading into the hallway. While other officers surrounded the building, we waited for the assistance of the K-9 to help locate the suspects. Determined these burglars were not going to get away, I moved to the side of the parking garage bordered by a wooded area. Looking up I saw one suspect clinging to a railing three stories above the ground. Caught up in the moment, I fully engaged my shotgun and ordered the suspended felon to cease movement or risk being shot. Laughter erupted behind me as my Sergeant told me the guy was not going anywhere, and I had caused him to put a massive wet spot on the building. He was rescued from his precious perch and his partner was apprehend by the K-9 Unit.
Determined that Daniel should not be the main administrator for King Darius, his advisors tricked him into signing a decree authorizing only direct worship of himself for thirty days. They knew full well of Daniel’s complete devotion to God, and sure enough he continued to openly worship him from the rooftop of his home. Darius quickly realized he could not change the order and that his faithful servant, Daniel, would be obedient to God over him, Daniel was sent into the lion’s den. We know how the story ended. God preserved Daniel and sent his jealously adversaries to their demise in the same den. Daniel’s determination to serve God resulted in the conversion of a pagan king and helped set the stage for the return of the Israeli exiles back to Jerusalem.
PAUSE FOR REFLECTION AND PRAYER
How have you used the gift of determination in your life—like Daniel or his rival advisors??
Dear God, help me channel my determination into efforts worthy of your honor and glory.