Daniel - Chapter 6

In attendance: Kevin, Justin, Amy, Natalie, Lydia, Dave, Thom

We had the opportunity to discus King Darius and his unconscionable, un-thought out law, but law none the less.

It was my great honor to introduce John Stott into the discussion by writing the following quote on the board at the beginning of the night:

"The law must be upheld, its dignity defended and its just penalties paid."

This drew questions as to which law it was referring or whose law it was referring, as well as explanation of law and the importance of defending it, even when we may not agree.

The discussion was very interesting and we welcomed all the insight into the subject.

Natalie made the comment that God's law was removed when the curtain was torn in two in the temple at the death of our Lord Jesus Christ.

That is correct, however, we must discard the moral law in that case. For this reason we realized that we must continue to refine our understanding even more.

Once again I borrow from John Stott as he cites Henry Wace, dean of Canterbury from 1903-1924, for a clearer understanding law:

"A law which has no sanction, in the technical sense of that expression-in other words, a law which can be broken without an adequate penalty, is no law at all; and it is inconceivable that God's moral law can be violated without entailing consequences of the most terrible kind..."

As we read through Daniel chapter 6, we discovered the jealousy of Daniel's adversaries, the naivety of King Darius, and the dedication, faith and courage of Daniel.

While most of us, I assume, know the story of Daniel in the lion's den, I think we took quite a bit away from our discussion. We talked about how Daniel was faithful to God even after the King made a new law. We discussed King Darius' respect for Daniel...after realizing what he had done, he tried everything he could to repeal the penalty of the law for Daniel's sake, but could do nothing.

This led into deeper discussion that if the law that Darius decreed was upheld and defended, how much more should God's moral law be upheld and defended.

In turn, Kevin pointed out Daniel's respect for the King's authority. Daniel declared to Darius "I was found innocent in [God's] sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, O king." (Daniel 6:22 NIV)

We learn from Daniel that even though we may not agree with a law and/or it's sanctions, it must be upheld and defended. However, we must always uphold God's word. If, only in obedience to God's word, we knowingly, yet respectfully and honorably, feel we must disagree with man's law, then we must also be prepared nonetheless to receive just punishment for not adhering to that law. This does not, in any way, give us the right to act dishonorably, selfishly or conduct ourselves immorally.

Have a great week!