Among LionsSample

CONTEXT: Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are selected to serve in the king’s palace.

Everyone has an authority figure in their life. Children have parents. Employees have bosses. CEOs have board members. Athletes have coaches. Some authority figures are likable and easy to follow, while others are difficult and present a challenge.

Yesterday, we saw Daniel and his friends’ faithful, uncompromising devotion to God. Today, we see their submissive attitude to the authority over them as they learned about Babylonian literature, culture, and language. Merriam-Webster's dictionary defines submission as “an act of submitting to the authority or control of another.” Often, submission is considered a weakness. But as we’ve already seen, these four were not physically, mentally, or spiritually weak.

As captives in a foreign land, it would have been easy - understandable even - for Daniel and his friends to allow bitterness, anger, and resentment to produce a rebellious and defiant attitude. However, if they had, they would have missed God's blessing.

Although they didn’t know it yet, God had a plan. After three years of preparation, God blessed them with greater understanding. In fact, King Nebuchadnezzar chose them to serve in important roles in his palace because their wisdom and knowledge surpassed everyone else. God’s blessing was a direct result of their willingness to surrender to the author He had placed over them. Promotion was never their motive. Obedience to God was.

CONSIDER THIS:

1. Think of the authority figures in your life. Are you harboring any bitterness, jealousy, anger, or resentment toward them that makes you unable to submit to them?

2. What motivates you? Advancement? People pleasing? Validation and praise? Popularity? Obedience to God? Examine why you choose to submit to those in positions of authority in your life.

3. Write a prayer asking God to forgive you of any impure motives and help you humbly submit to the authority figures in your life.