ICS Daily Devotions
Pray and Submit to Authorities
Dan 6:10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.
The governors who worked with Daniel could not find any fault in him, so they resorted to religious means by getting King Darius to establish a decree to have those who worship a different god thrown into the lion’s den. Today’s corporate world can also be cut-throat in removing any contenders for the highest position, but we need to ask ourselves, “what are the non-negotiables as a believer of Jesus Christ?”
Despite the persecution, Daniel’s immediate reaction was to seek the face of God, pray and give thanks to God—his lifestyle since childhood. Now in his late 50’s, Daniel has been consistently faithful to God and the kings he served. He did his job with excellence, submitting to authority except when it caused him to deny God or worship idols. He maintained good relationship with the kings he served, refrained from playing politics and even saved people from being executed by the king. Daniel trusted the Lord for deliverance and vindication. Next time you are being falsely accused or slandered, pray and ask God to be your advocate.
2 Tim 2:1-3 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
Scripture tells us to pray for the leaders God placed over us. We can intercede for our bosses, national leaders and those in authority by name, asking God to grant them wisdom in their decision making, to differentiate between truth and slander.
Being a leader is more challenging than we think, so let’s pray that we will learn to take a posture of submission and respect to those in authority over us, and to guard our tongues from complaining, gossiping or slandering them. Instead, let’s take every opportunity to speak well of them even if we might not agree with them, and find ways to come alongside, encourage and help them in the weighty task that they have been given. This is what true submission looks like.
Sermon Series: The Daniels Of Today
