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In Daniel Chapter 6 we learn of how Babylon had been subdivided into 120 provinces or regions - and there 120 presidents or governors. Nebuchadnezzar would never have shared his power in this way. We are beginning to see the gradual decline in the authority of the ruler.

Let's remember - we are dealing with facts here. This is not fiction. This is not a legend. This is not just a nice exciting story to be told to children. There is something much more here.

Daniel is over 90 - probably around 93years of age. Today we think of someone at 90 as past it - as someone just ready to die - and with nothing left to contribute to life.

Daniel is called to this high office - and he is not doddery. He remains a man of integrity - a man in whom there is an excellent spirit.

Daniel works well and hard. He is respected. He is feared. He is trusted. He has energy. His is able - and he is still going strong.

Over these long years, Daniel has lived with the Lord God Almighty - walked with God - and he was a man of prayer - and he continues to be a man of prayer. It lasted - a man of prayer who kept walking with God. When God gives us days, we are to use the time positively.

Daniel is chosen to head up the Civil Service of the Medo-Persian Empire. There is nothing wrong with having good organisation, and we see the importance of that in the life of Daniel. There was a lot of corruption and Darius wants someone to deal with this and so he asks the man of God.

Daniel is 90, and he has been in Babylon for 70 years. What a testimony - but it was because of his quality that he is promoted. He never gave up. He is going to be faithful to God right to the end. Now - that is what Jesus calls us to - faithfulness.

If you get promoted it is likely to cause jealousy. Some who are under you may not like you so much as when they worked alongside you. Imagine choosing this old man - from a different nationality. He was a foreigner and a prisoner - a captive.

However, you could not get any bribery or corruption past Daniel – so there was this conspiracy - "How can we get rid of him?" They studied Daniel closely and carefully, and they could find nothing.

Verse 4 – They could NOT come up with one single fault - which they could prove. This is quite incredible - not one mistake or error - and they would have gone into everything.

Let's investigate his religion - something that has continued. We can hit him in that area. Ah – he prays! They saw his prayer life. But they also knew of Darius's pride. They decided to set one against the other.

Verses 6,7 – O king - we believe that men should pray - but we believe that all prayer should come to YOU! We want you to be the high priest. Make a decree. Put it in writing - so that it cannot be altered. Darius thought this was a good idea.

Did you spot the lie? ALL did not agree - they should have said ALL except one. The decree was issued immediately. Satan likes to do things in a hurry - rashly - without ever thinking about the consequences. It was signed and issued.

What will Daniel do? What will the man of God - the man of prayer, do? How does he react? He carries on as usual - his routine of prayer continues. He had prayed before the storm - he had prayed when there had been no trouble - so he knows what to do and how to do it. Pray - and he trusts God. He shuts the door and opens the window.

What do you do when the pressure is on – when there is a group against you – when circumstances are subtly rearranged and you are marginalised and kept out of things? It will happen more and more. Prepare now. Pray now.

“Lord our God – we pray for disciples of Jesus around the world who face pressure daily because of their faith – who have groups against them – and governments opposing them – and people marginalising and excluding them – teach us from these lessons in Daniel as to how we should react and respond. We pray in Jesus’ name.” Amen.

"Bible verse and quote" from Jan Couns

Bible and Quote - May 11-15